LEXINGTON, OH – Marcus Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing decided to put all speculation to rest before the Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, as the team announced Armstrong’s multiyear extension on Friday morning, hours before the first practice of the weekend.
Now, the public knows that Armstrong, one of many talented IndyCar drivers who was in a contract year, won’t be going anywhere in 2027.
With the move, MSR announced that Armstrong will move from its No. 66 Honda to the No. 60 car, which was left vacant for next year by Felix Rosenqvist’s departure. Armstrong said that MSR will pair him with largely the same crew he’s working with now, but it’ll be in the car that won the Indianapolis 500 and is currently sixth in the IndyCar standings.
Armstrong’s previous deal with MSR was in tandem with Chip Ganassi Racing, as CGR loaned his services to MSR as it downsized from five cars to three. MSR and CGR have a technical alliance, but it’s unknown if CGR has anything to do with this deal, and Armstrong said, “I can’t really comment on that,” when asked if he still has a contractual relationship with CGR.
With CGR owner Chip Ganassi announcing the departure of six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon on Thursday, it was believed that Armstrong — who began his career at CGR in 2023 and 2024 — would be on Ganassi’s short list to fill Dixon’s No. 9 car. Armstrong told IndyStar on Thursday that much of his fate would be up to Ganassi and MSR co-owners Mike Shank and Jim Meyer, although he had already agreed to an extension at that point despite it being unannounced.
When asked if Ganassi told him he’s free to sign with a team that’s not CGR, Armstrong said, “I can’t really discuss that.” Armstong called Dixon a hero of his, as both hail from New Zealand. But with that door officially shut for the time being, Armstrong shut down talks of where he stands with CGR.
“That’s something completely irrelevant,” Armstrong said of Dixon’s seat coming open. “I’m very pleased with where I am. I think I’m in a great spot to win races and that’s the most important thing.”
At the very least, MSR deciding to shift Armstrong from the No. 66 car to the No. 60 signifies an investment in the 25-year-old driver. If the current standings hold with Rosenqvist being in sixth and Armstrong 11th, it would make Rosenqvist the highest finisher in the championship in all three seasons with MSR. Going back to 2022, the first year MSR fielded two full-time entries in IndyCar, the No. 60 car has outperformed its counterpart every year.
Armstrong said, “I don’t know the exact logic behind it” regarding moving from the No. 66 to 60, but it appears MSR is looking to send some message about the team’s belief in Armstrong. After Rosenqvist informed the team he was leaving, Shank told IndyStar, “I don’t see Marcus as a No. 2.”
While Armstrong’s overall standing within CGR remains unclear, MSR is thrilled to keep him around. No matter who the team signs as its second full-time driver in 2027, it seems as though Armstrong will be touted as MSR’s star.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: With Marcus Armstrong’s CGR relationship unclear, MSR solidifies belief in young driver
About the Author
