INDIANAPOLIS – Don’t worry, IndyCar fans, Colton Herta isn’t leaving for Formula One, at least not any time soon.
Herta and sponsor Gainbridge will remain part of Andretti Autosport as contract extensions for both were announced Friday morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The multi-year extension will begin in 2022.
“We’re excited to officially welcome Gainbridge and Colton Herta back to the Andretti Autosport family for years to come,” said Michael Andretti, Chairman and CEO, Andretti Autosport. “Colton has already shown so much potential in the short time he’s been in the series and having a great partner like Gainbridge recognize and support that potential is great for everyone.
“If the start to the 2021 season is any indication of the future success for the (No.) 26 car’s program, I think we have a lot to look forward to over the next few years.”
During the past offseason, Herta transitioned within the team to pilot Andretti Autosport’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. This season is Herta’s third year of NTT IndyCar Series competition and marks the fourth year of sponsorship for Group 1001 under the Gainbridge brand, and a fifth season overall.
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“We are very pleased with our partnership with Colton Herta as he is a great ambassador for Group1001 and the Gainbridge brand,” said Dan Towriss, CEO and President, Group1001 and Gainbridge. “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Colton and Andretti Autosport through 2023.”
Only four races into the NTT IndyCar Series season, Herta added another pole and win to his resume by sweeping the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend. Herta and the Gainbridge team currently sit seventh in the championship standings, only 50 points behind the current championship leader.
In just 36 NTT IndyCar Series starts, Herta has recorded five poles, four wins – tying his father for career wins – and has led more than 350 laps.
“I’m incredibly happy to be back with Andretti Autosport for the next two years. I’ve grown so much with this team, so it was a no-brainer when I got the chance to re-sign with Michael,” said Herta. “With the support of Dan Towriss and Gainbridge, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be threats everywhere we go.”
Herta will kick off the ‘Month of May’ in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda at the GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course this weekend. NBC will cover Saturday’s GMR Grand Prix at 2:30 p.m. ET before transitioning to Indianapolis 500 festivities, which begin May 18 on the iconic 2.5-mile oval.