Indy NXT Star Jamie Chadwick Eyes IndyCar Promotion after Historic Road America Win
Motorsport Week caught up with W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, fresh from her monumental win in the Indy NXT series with Andretti Global at Road America. The British driver made history by becoming the first woman to take the top step on a road course in the Indy Car feeder series.
Chadwick’s impressive sophomore season in Indy NXT has seen her fight her way to the forefront, with her sights set firmly on a promotion to IndyCar. Her recent podium finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway marked a decade-long drought for female drivers in the series.
“I would have pulled your arm off for a podium at the beginning of the year. I think last year was very much a learning year, so going into this year, we were hopeful for good results.”
The three-time W Series champion acknowledged the significant technical jump from W Series to Indy NXT, citing the physical demands of the series as a major challenge.
“The step from W Series was pretty significant. One of the big things I’ve been vocal about is the physicality of it. I’m training harder in the offseason now, but also I just know more about the car this year.”
Chadwick’s move from Europe to America to pursue a career in IndyCar has been a transformative experience, both on and off the track.
“I really grew up, even though my first year was a challenge at times. I settled in and I know that this is definitely the place that I want my career to be. The pathway is very clear from a driver’s point of view, so it’s nice to have that clarity.”
After struggling to find a seat in the European racing scene, Chadwick seized the opportunity to join Andretti Global in Indy NXT.
“Trying to find my way out of W Series in the first place was hard. The difficulty with it was where it sat in the pecking order or feeder series ladder. Landing a spot in Indy NXT has given me more of a pathway, so that clarity was great for me.”
While Formula 1 remains the ultimate goal for Chadwick, IndyCar is her next major target.
“For every driver, the pinnacle is the ultimate goal. Indy Car is definitely something that I would love to shoot for, but I do love every form of racing.”
Off the track, Chadwick has been working tirelessly to create more opportunities for women in motorsport. Her partnership with Daytona Motorsport, known as the Jamie Chadwick Series, aims to increase female participation in grassroots motorsport.
“I was very fortunate getting into motorsport, but there still wasn’t a general route for women to progress in the sport. There are so few people like me in the industry, and it was an intimidating environment as a young girl. What we’ve done with Daytona is amazing, and I’m proud to be inspiring the next generation of female drivers,” Chadwick said.
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