Indy NXT veteran Hunter McElrea accomplished his first NTT IndyCar Collection take a look at on Monday at Mid-Ohio with Dale Coyne Racing.
The New Zealander stepped into the No. 51 Honda the day after the Honda Indy 200, and was rapidly in control and liked the expertise.
“This complete yr has been a take a look at of my need as a result of truthfully, I’ve had a number of occasions the place I assumed I may be getting an IndyCar drive, or a take a look at, and for no matter motive, it didn’t occur. In all probability a month in the past, I felt like I exhausted each choice, and it was trying actually unlikely I used to be going to get something going,” McElrea informed RACER.
“Then Dale gave me a name and stated, ‘There’s a chance to leap in and take a look at, would you have an interest?’ So earlier than he might end the sentence, I jumped at it instantly. Racing in IndyCar is why I got here from all the best way around the globe to be right here, and I’ve been making an attempt to only take a look at one for therefore lengthy. I’ve been racing [LMP2] in IMSA, which is nice, and eventually getting in an IndyCar, the take a look at went very well. It was superior. I liked each lap and I exceeded my very own expectations.”
McElrea, who completed second within the NXT championship final yr with Andretti International, might get the nod to drive for the crew at one of many remaining races, and hopes his efficiency on Monday ends in one other name and invitation from Coyne.
“That’s the dream,” he stated. “Clearly, the monitor was in good situation, however I hadn’t pushed an open-wheel automobile since Monterey final yr once I gained the NXT race with Andretti. I obtained in control fairly fast. The primary couple runs have been nearly getting in control, and inside 20 laps, I used to be fairly aggressive, and it felt fairly pure; it wasn’t scary-fast, like what I anticipated. It’s a fast automobile, but it surely felt very manageable.”
