IndyCar rookies bring strong resumes, loads of promise

IndyCar 2022 rookies: No. 3 – Devlin DeFrancesco

Andretti Autosport have been one of IndyCar’s most stable and successful teams in recent years, but half of their driver lineup is new for 2022, as Devlin DeFrancesco replaces James Hinchliffe and Romain Grosjean slides over from Dale Coyne Racing to replace Ryan Hunter-Reay.

They’ll join Andretti Autosport holdovers Alexander Rossi and Colton Herta in an effort to shake the hold that Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske have had on the IndyCar championship in the nine seasons since Hunter-Reay took the title for Michael Andretti’s team in 2012.

The dual Canadian and Italian citizen is one of three rookies who raced in Indy Lights in 2021, finishing in sixth place in the standings with two podium finishes and nine top five finishes in 20 races. He finished in second in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship in 2020, winning twice and finishing in the top five nine times in 13 outings.

DeFrancesco has had mixed success in open-wheel racing, with a points-free record at the Formula 3/GP3 level and a couple of middle-of-the pack results in World Endurance Championship events.

But his performance over the last two seasons was enough to earn him a seat. He’ll have a wealth of wisdom to draw on from his teammates, all of whom bring different racing styles and personal demeanors. Of course, this could confuse DeFrancesco as much as it helps him along.