IndyCar’s Marcus Armstrong Staying At Meyer Shank Racing

Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda during practice for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 – (Photo by Geoff Miller/Lumen via Getty Images)

Marcus Armstrong has been removed from consideration to replace departing Scott Dixon in the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda at Chip Ganassi Racing, as the New Zealand driver has signed a contract extension to stay with Meyer Shank Racing.

The announcement was made on Friday, July 3 at the Mid‑Ohio Sports Car Course, the venue for this weekend’s Honda Indy 200.

Meyer Shank Racing Extends Contract with Marcus Armstrong

The multi‑year extension will keep the New Zealander with the team from 2027 onward. Under the agreement, Armstrong will move to the No. 60 MSR Honda for the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season, a seat previously held by this year’s Indianapolis 500 winner, Felix Rosenqvist, who announced his departure last week, reportedly to rejoin Arrow McLaren.

Armstrong said, “I’m pleased to announce a multi‑year partnership with MSR. I thank Mike Shank, Jim Meyer, Tim Meyer and Helio Castroneves for the opportunity and for their confidence in me. Meyer Shank Racing provides me with one of the strongest cars on the grid each weekend. Our objectives are aligned: we aim to win races and contend at the front regularly. I especially look forward to returning to the Indy 500 to address the unfinished business from this year. With eight races remaining, we have strong momentum and am eager to finish the season strongly and begin preparations for 2027.”

Marcus Armstrong’s Promising Potential

Since his arrival at Meyer Shank Racing in 2025, Armstrong has emerged as one of the series’ most promising young drivers. In his debut season, he recorded his second NTT IndyCar Series podium at Iowa Speedway and posted 11 top‑10 finishes, demonstrating the consistency and speed that have positioned him as a championship contender.

Armstrong has maintained his upward trajectory in the 2026 season. With seven races remaining, the 25‑year‑old has already achieved five top‑10 finishes and delivered a standout performance at the 110th Indianapolis 500. After moving up from a 16th‑place start, he fought for the lead in the final laps and ultimately finished fifth in one of the closest races in history.

His speed has been evident all season, highlighted by a heartbreaking near‑victory at Road America, where he was on course for his first NTT IndyCar Series win before mechanical problems forced his retirement with less than five laps left. Nevertheless, Armstrong has consistently displayed the speed, racecraft and determination that mark him as a cornerstone of MSR’s future.

The contract extension underscores the shared confidence between Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing in pursuing race wins and championship success. As Armstrong prepares to assume the No. 60 Honda in 2027, the team is focused on finishing the 2026 season strongly and converting its race‑winning pace into outright victories.

Mike Shank, co‑owner of the team, said, “Since joining us, Marcus has proven to be a top‑tier contender—a rarity in this competitive field. His work ethic, feedback and relentless drive to improve each weekend make him the ideal driver to build around. We have witnessed significant growth from him, and we look forward to continuing that journey together from 2027 onward.”

Meyer Shank Racing is finalizing plans for the No. 66 MSR Honda and will announce the driver for its second full‑time entry at a later date. The positive news is that Marcus Armstrong remains signed with the IndyCar team.

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