IndyCar: Number change at Chip Ganassi Racing for 2023

Marcus Armstrong is set to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in the road and street course races during the 2023 IndyCar season, but not behind the wheel of the No. 48 Honda.

Jimmie Johnson announced shortly after the 2022 IndyCar season ended that he would not be returning to the series as a full-time driver in 2023.

Johnson, who retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2020 season, drove the No. 48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing in the road and street course races during the 2021 season, and he drove the car full-time during the 2022 season.

Chip Ganassi Racing recently announced that Marcus Armstrong, who won three races during the 2022 Formula 2 season, is set to replace Johnson in the road and street course races on the 2023 schedule, but the No. 48 Honda has been renumbered.

The 22-year-old New Zealander is set to drive the No. 11 Honda in the 12 road and street course races on the 17-race calendar.

This change from No. 48 to No. 11 gives the team every number from No. 8 to No. 11. Marcus Ericsson is set to remain behind the wheel of the No. 8 Honda, Scott Dixon is set to remain behind the wheel of the No. 9 Honda, and yes, Alex Palou is set to remain behind the wheel of the No. 10 Honda, even after all the drama surrounding his situation with McLaren.

The team have not yet announced who will drive the No. 11 Honda in the five oval races on the 2023 schedule, and they have not yet announced whether or not they will run a fifth entry in the Indy 500.

Johnson is still believed to be in the frame to compete in the Indy 500 for the team, though the team announcing him as the oval driver of the No. 11 Honda is unlikely following the number change and following his new NASCAR deal with Petty GMS Motorsports as a driver-owner.

While he won’t compete full-time in the Cup Series next year, his exact schedule hasn’t yet been announced.

Takuma Sato and Ryan Hunter-Reay have been floated as possibilities for the No. 11 Honda for the oval races, including the Indy 500. Tony Kanaan drove a fifth entry for the team in the 2022 Indy 500, but he is set to join Arrow McLaren SP for the 2023 edition of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.