IndyCar: Marco Andretti to return to Andretti Herta Autosport in 2019

Marco Andretti has signed a contract extension to remain with Andretti Herta Autosport in the 2019 IndyCar season and beyond.

Marco Andretti, whose IndyCar career began back in the 2006 season, is set to to continue driving in the sport, as he signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with Andretti Herta Autosport through the 2019 season and beyond.

Andretti has not missed any of the 213 IndyCar races that have been contested since the start of the 2006 season, and his streak of 213 consecutive IndyCar starts is the third longest streak of its kind in the history of the sport.

U.S. Concrete, Andretti’s primary sponsor for the majority of the races throughout the 2018 season, have also signed a multi-year contract extension to continue sponsoring Andretti’s #98 Andretti Herta Autosport Honda.

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U.S. Concrete are set to serve as the primary sponsor on Andretti’s #98 Honda in seven races in each season starting in the 2019 season, including the Indianapolis 500.

Andretti is currently in his 13th season driving for his father’s team, Andretti Autosport, but he was moved from Andretti Autosport to Andretti Herta Autosport this past offseason in the hopes that a closer relationship with team co-owner Bryan Herta would improve his on-track performances.

While Andretti has not yet finished on the podium in a race this season, he sits in 11th place in the championship standings with one top five finish, a fourth place finish in the first race of the Chevrolet Dual in Detroit on the streets of Belle Isle in Detroit Michigan, and five top 10 finishes.

The 2018 season has been Andretti’s most successful season since the 2015 season when he finished in ninth place in the championship standings.

All three of Andretti’s Andretti Autosport teammates, including Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alexander Rossi and Zach Veach, are set to remain with the team through at least the 2019 season after previously signing multi-year contracts, so the team’s lineup is set for next season.

Of course, there is still the possibility of affiliations with Harding Racing and McLaren for Andretti Autosport next season, but the seat or seats that would be available as a result of these affiliations would not be seats driven by any of the team’s current full-time drivers. This was solidified upon Andretti signing his contract extension.

Here is what Marco Andretti had to say about signing a multi-year contract extension with Andretti Herta Autosport and U.S. Concrete doing the same, according to RACER.

"“We’re really excited about the extended support from U.S. Concrete. We’ve gotten to know their team really well and they fit in perfectly with the Andretti family of partners. I’m looking forward to continuing my IndyCar journey and am really hoping this next year is the one with an Indy 500 win, along with many others.”"

Here is what Michael Andretti had to say about his son and U.S. Concrete signing multi-year contract extensions with Andretti Herta Autosport, according to RACER.

"“It’s great to be able to announce this extension for 2019 and beyond. Our companies share many values, and both serve as leaders in our industries. We’ve built a great foundation over the last year and are proud to continue to represent U.S. Concrete both on and off the racetrack.”"

Here is what U.S. Concrete chairman, president and CEO Bill Sandbrook had to say about his company signing a multi-year contract extension to continue sponsoring Marco Andretti’s #98 Andretti Herta Autosport Honda, according to RACER.

"“We truly value our relationship with Marco and Andretti Autosport. The ability to team up with a world class driver, team and organization who share our commitment to safety, operational excellence and winning, provides us a unique value enhancing partnership – unparalleled in our industry.”"

Top 10 IndyCar drivers of all-time. dark. Next

How will Marco Andretti perform in his 14th career IndyCar season next year? Will he be able to win his first career Indianapolis 500 after coming close so many times in the past? Assuming he does not win any of the remaining four races in the 2018 season, will he be able to earn his first IndyCar victory since he won at Iowa Speedway in the 2011 season?