Linus Lundqvist ticked off another career milestone with his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES finish this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Swede claimed top rookie honours and continued to pile pressure on the established pack.
After impressing on his debut last week in Nashville, Lundqvist picked up where he left off with a new strong performance in the Gallagher Grand Prix.
Taking 12th on the 27-car grid for Saturday’s race, Lundqvist managed to out-qualify some of the sport’s greatest stars on only his second weekend of INDYCAR competition, lining up ahead of the likes of Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden, reigning series champion Will Power and six-time title-winner Scott Dixon (who, in his 319th consecutive INDYCAR start, would go on to win a day later).
In the race itself, Lundqvist continued to keep up with multiple established race winners over 85 intense laps around the IMS road course, maintaining 12th place at the chequered flag.
Lundqvist finished comfortably as top rookie, nine places clear of Argentina’s Agustin Canapino, and 13 seconds ahead of four-time Indy 500-winning Meyer Shank Racing team-mate Helio Castroneves.
P12 also marks the best result so far in 2023 for the #60 Meyer Shank Racing entry, which has also been driven by Simon Pagenaud, Tom Blomqvist and Conor Daly in various parts of the season.
“It’s been another really good weekend, and I’m definitely proud of what we achieved here,” says Linus Lundqvist. “My big target this weekend was simply taking the flag and getting a full race distance under my belt, and that’s what I did – although I have to admit I’m pretty hammered! These cars are so physical to drive, with so much grip and no power steering. I learned a lot today and to actually finish 12th at this point feels like a victory for us.”
In his two INDYCAR outings, Lundqvist has started inside the top 12 on both occasions and recorded one fastest race lap (Nashville).
“It’s been an incredible experience trying out INDYCAR for these two races, and I can’t thank Meyer Shank Racing enough for giving me the opportunity,” Linus Lundqvist concludes. “These are two weeks in my life that I’ll never forget. We’ll see what the future holds, but I’d like to think I’ve shown my capability and that I belong here.”
Further information about Linus Lundqvist’s future racing commitments will be made available in due course.
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Gallagher Grand Prix
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (USA)
– Results
