Marcus Armstrong takes IndyCar 2023 Rookie of the Year.
Kiwi Marcus Armstrong claims 2023 IndyCar Rookie of the Year title at season finale at Laguna Seca, California. Completing this incredible feat only running part of the IndyCar season.
The 23-year-old kiwi, participated in 12 out of 17 IndyCar races, excluding ovals, with a ride-sharing agreement with Takuma Sato.
Despite the limited schedule, Armstrong achieved five top-10 finishes, with his best performance being a sixth-place finish on the streets of Toronto. These strong results established Armstrong as a serious contender for Rookie of the Year, despite the constraints of his race calendar.
His claim to the Rookie of the Year title was cemented after a remarkable recovery in the season finale at Laguna Seca, where he finished eighth, outscoring his rookie counterpart, Augustin Canapino, by 34 points (214-180).
Armstrong expressed his satisfaction, becoming the second New Zealander in three years to win the Rookie of the Year award, following Scott McLaughlin’s victory in 2021. He remarked, “I’m pleased with it. The team provided me with the best opportunity, and I simply pushed my limits on the track, resulting in this achievement. At the start of the year, my goal was to reach the podium and win races; the Rookie Championship wasn’t my primary focus, but it’s a fantastic bonus.”
With the recent announcement that Armstrong will be participating in oval races as part of a full season with Chip Ganassi Racing, expectations are now even higher for the upcoming season. He will be joining a four-car Chip Ganassi Racing line-up, alongside new recruit Linus Lundqvist, defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou, and six-time title-winning, fellow kiwi, Scott Dixon.
