Pataskala, Ohio (2 July 2024) – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES enters a new era at this weekend’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid with the series’ transitioning to hybrid competition for first time in its long history in North America. But for Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), the historical factor is but a footnote in a weekend where it looks to make its own mark in climbing the series standings in its own backyard.
MSR yielded promising results at the previous round of competition at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with both Felix Rosenqvist and David Malukas starting in the top 12 and finishing on the lead lap. Now the Ohio-based team hopes to capitalize on some home cooking to spark second-half successes.
The team has had its share of success at Mid-Ohio, with four top-10 finishes in its nine previous starts including a 2022 event that marked the last time both of the team’s drivers finished in the top 10 in the same race (Helio Castroneves, 8th, Simon Pagenaud, 10th).
Rosenqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) is the veteran in the 2024 lineup but will be looking to emulate the Mid-Ohio success of stablemate Malukas (No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) as the season hits the halfway point.
Exorcising his Mid-Ohio demons would allow Rosenqvist to maintain the momentum of a strong start to the 2024 season that has the Swedish driver 10th in the series standings after posting five top-10 finishes in eight starts. Rosenqvist placed second in his 2019 debut at Mid-Ohio but has found the Lexington layout a personal house of horrors since, finishing outside of the top 20 in each of the last four years.
Malukas will look to build on the form shown at Laguna, where he took the No. 66 MSR machine to its best finish (16th) since the season opener. Malukas has had solid results on both of his previous visits to the 2.238-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, finishing ninth in his debut followed by a sixth-place run a year ago.
Sunday’s 80-lap Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid will air on NBC and Peacock starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. Saturday’s qualifying will be shown live on Peacock beginning at 3 p.m. ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage of both sessions on XM Ch. 218.
Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:
Felix Rosenqvist: “I’m super excited to head to Mid-Ohio, it’s actually the place of my first INDYCAR SERIES test back in 2016 and it’s where I got my first IndyCar podium as well. Lots of good memories and it’s the team’s home race which makes it even more exciting. First weekend with the hybrid as well, so I think it’s going to be one of those weekends where there are a lot of new things. I think we’ll just have to keep it clean and really capitalize on the fact that everyone is going to have to learn a lot.”
David Malukas: “I’m eager to get back in the car after our strong performance at Laguna Seca. We demonstrated solid pace and now have a better understanding of my healing and strength, which will help us build momentum heading into Mid-Ohio this weekend. As we settle in for the remainder of the season, our focus will be on earning as many points as possible and continuing to grow together as a team.”