Editor’s Note: This is another installment in SPEED SPORT’s preview of each NTT IndyCar Series team. To read other team’s previews, click here.
Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has had its fair share of potential championship runs over the last handful of years, however, has yet to breakthrough with CEO Zak Brown at the helm.
With youthful experience led by veteran driver Pato O’Ward, the three-driver lineup completed by Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel may state a case as one of the open-wheel series’ elite teams.
Ahead of the March 2 season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg (Fla.), here’s a look at each driver:
Key Losses: Alexander Rossi (Ed Carpenter Racing)
Key Additions: Christian Lundgaard (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing)
No. 5 — Pato O’Ward
Pato O’Ward made a case for the IndyCar Series title last season on the strength of three victories, the most he’s scored in a single season.
However, O’Ward’s title chase was derailed with seven finishes of 13th or worse. He’d place fifth in the season-ending standings.
Entering this season, O’Ward will be looking for redemption at the Indianapolis 500 after narrowly missing out on a victory in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Eventual winner Josef Newgarden passed O’Ward on the final lap to win.
No. 6 — Nolan Siegel
Nolan Siegel’s maiden campaign in the IndyCar Series couldn’t have been more unconventional.
Siegel made his first start of the season at California’s famed Long Beach Grand Prix with Dale Coyne Racing.
A few months later, Siegel filled in for Juncos Hollinger Racing aboard the No. 78 due to Augustin Canapino’s suspension at Wisconsin’s Road America.
He’d later find a home with Arrow McLaren after the team dropped David Malukas and Theo Pourchaire during the first few months of the season. In 10 starts with the team, he had an average finish of 16.7.
With a full offseason under the Arrow McLaren umbrella, Siegel may surprise throughout the season.
No. 7 — Christian Lundgaard
After three seasons with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Christian Lundgaard joins Arrow McLaren with plenty to offer.
Despite RLL struggling to find consistent speed, Lundgaard was a bright spot for the team. While he didn’t win last year, Lundgaard scored five top-10 finishes and a podium effort at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
The 23-year-old brings plenty of speed to Arrow McLaren, where he’ll be given the opportunity to compete for victories on a more consistent basis.
