Take Marcus Armstrong’s name off the list of possibilities to replace departing Scott Dixon in the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda at Chip Ganassi Racing because the talented IndyCar Series driver from New Zealand has signed a contract extension to remain at Meyer-Shank Racing.
The deal was announced by the team Friday, July 3 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, site of this weekend’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
Marcus Armstrong Switching Cars at Meyer Shank Racing
The multi-year contract extension that will keep the New Zealander with the organization beginning in 2027. As part of the agreement, Armstrong will transition to the team’s No. 60 MSR Honda for the start of the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season. That ride is being vacated by this year’s Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist, who announced last week he was leaving the team, presumably to return to Arrow McLaren.
“I’m proud to announce a multi-year partnership with MSR,” Armstrong said. “I want to thank Mike (Shank), Jim (Meyer), Tim (Meyer) and Helio (Castroneves) for this opportunity and for believing in me. I feel that Meyer Shank Racing gives me one of the strongest cars on the grid every weekend. Our goals are aligned, we want to win races and be consistently fighting at the front. I especially look forward to returning to the Indy 500 having unfinished business from this year. We still have eight races left this season and we have some strong momentum going. I’m ready more than ever to close out this season on a high note and start prepping for 2027.”
Marcus Armstrong’s Promising Potential
Since joining Meyer Shank Racing in 2025, Armstrong has established himself as one of the series’ brightest young talents. In his first season with the team, he earned his second career NTT IndyCar Series podium at Iowa Speedway while recording 11 top-10 finishes, showcasing the consistency and speed that have made him a championship contender.
Armstrong has continued that upward trajectory throughout the 2026 campaign. With seven races still remaining on the schedule, the 25-year-old has already collected five top-10 finishes and delivered one of the standout drives of the season in the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. After charging through the field after starting 16th, Armstrong battled for the lead in the closing laps before crossing the finish line in fifth place in one of the closest finishes in race history.
His pace has been evident throughout the season, including a heartbreaking near-victory at Road America where he was on his way to claim his first NTT IndyCar Series win before mechanical issues ended his day with fewer than five laps remaining. Despite the setback, Armstrong has consistently demonstrated the speed, racecraft, and determination that have made him a cornerstone of MSR’s future.
The contract extension reflects the confidence both Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing have in continuing to build toward race wins and championship success together. As Armstrong prepares to take over the No. 60 Honda beginning in 2027, the team remains focused on finishing the 2026 season strong and turning its race-winning pace into victories.
“Since joining the team, Marcus has really shown that he is a top contender, something that is not easy to do in this field,” said team co-owner Mike Shank. “His work ethic, feedback, and determination to improve every weekend make him exactly the kind of driver you want to build around. We’ve seen tremendous growth from him, and we’re excited to continue that journey together starting in 2027.”
Meyer Shank Racing continues to finalize plans for the No. 66 MSR Honda and expects to announce the driver for the team’s second full-time entry at a later date. But the good news for the team is Marcus Armstrong is signed, sealing and remaining with the IndyCar team.
