Devlin DeFrancesco

Devlin DeFrancesco (born January 17, 2000) is a Canadian auto racing driver who last competed in the IndyCar Series for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. In January 2022, DeFrancesco won the sixtieth running of the Daytona 24, alongside his teammates Eric Lux, Patricio O'Ward and Colton Herta, in the LMP2 class.
Full Name:
Devlin DeFrancesco
Birthday:
17 January 2000
Birthplace:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Parents:
Andrew DeFrancesco (Father), Cathy DeFrancesco (Mother)
Primary Series:
Car Number:
29

Devlin DeFrancesco Bio

Early Life and Background

Devlin DeFrancesco was born on January 17, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was born fifteen weeks premature and weighed only a pound at birth, requiring specialized care at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. His parents, Andrew and Cathy DeFrancesco, played a crucial role in his early life, supporting his recovery and eventual entry into the world of racing.

DeFrancesco’s journey into racing began at a young age, where he quickly developed a passion for motorsports. His formative years included participation in karting, where he showcased his talent and competitive spirit. This early exposure to racing laid the groundwork for his future career in auto racing.

Path to IndyCar

Devlin DeFrancesco’s racing career began in karting, where he achieved notable success in various championships. In 2014, he placed second overall in the Italian Championship and third in the CIK FIA European Championship. However, an injury to his wrist that required two surgeries sidelined him for a year. During his rehabilitation, he attended the Carlin Academy, where he honed his skills using simulators and on-track testing.

In 2015, DeFrancesco graduated from karts to the Ginetta Junior Championship, finishing 23rd in the standings. He then competed in the Toyota Racing Series in 2016, finishing tenth overall. His career progressed through various series, including the MSA Formula, Euroformula Open, and the Spanish Formula 3 Championship, where he secured the championship title in 2017.

Devlin DeFrancesco Career

Early Career (2015-2021)

DeFrancesco’s early career saw him transition through several racing series, gaining valuable experience and recognition. He competed in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2015 and moved on to the Toyota Racing Series in 2016, where he finished tenth overall. His success continued in the MSA Formula, where he took three wins and finished fifth in the points standings.

In 2020, he joined the Indy Pro 2000 Championship, scoring two wins and finishing as the runner-up. The following year, he moved to Indy Lights, where he finished sixth in the points standings, showcasing his potential as a rising star in American open-wheel racing.

IndyCar Breakthrough (2022-2023)

DeFrancesco made his debut in the IndyCar Series in 2022, driving the Number 29 car for Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport. His first race was at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where he began to establish himself in the competitive field. Throughout the 2022 season, he achieved a best finish of twelfth at Gateway, ultimately ranking 23rd in the driver’s standings.

In 2023, he continued with the same team, finishing the season in 22nd place. Despite facing challenges, DeFrancesco’s determination and skill on the track were evident as he sought to improve his performance in the series.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Era (2025-Present)

In 2025, DeFrancesco signed a multi-year deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, marking a significant step in his career. This move provided him with a new opportunity to showcase his talent and compete at a higher level in the IndyCar Series. As he embarks on this new chapter, the expectations are high for DeFrancesco to make a mark with his new team.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

DeFrancesco is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His experience across various racing series has equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to adapt to different track conditions and competition levels. His partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is expected to enhance his performance as he continues to develop as a driver.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

One of DeFrancesco’s significant achievements came in January 2022 when he won the sixtieth running of the Daytona 24 in the LMP2 class, alongside notable teammates. This victory highlighted his capabilities in endurance racing and solidified his reputation as a talented driver in the motorsports community.

Devlin DeFrancesco Career Wins

Devlin DeFrancesco is still in the early stages of his career in the IndyCar Series, with no wins recorded to date. However, his previous achievements in lower-tier series demonstrate his potential for future success.

Current IndyCar Series Highlights

As of the 2023 season, DeFrancesco has not secured any wins in the IndyCar Series. However, his best finish of twelfth at Gateway in 2022 and a 22nd place finish in 2023 reflect his growing experience and competitiveness in the series.

Previous Series Achievements

In earlier series, DeFrancesco achieved notable success, including winning the Spanish Formula 3 Championship in 2017. His performances in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship and Indy Lights also showcased his talent and potential as a future star in motorsports.

Devlin DeFrancesco Family

Family Background and IndyCar Lineage

Devlin DeFrancesco comes from a supportive family background, with his parents, Andrew and Cathy, playing a significant role in his early life and racing career. Their encouragement and support have been instrumental in his journey through the competitive world of motorsports.

Personal Life

Details regarding DeFrancesco’s personal life remain private, as he focuses on his racing career. His dedication to the sport and commitment to improving his skills are evident as he navigates the challenges of professional racing.

2025 Season Performance

As DeFrancesco prepares for the 2025 season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, expectations are high for his performance. The team dynamics and crew chief strategies will play a crucial role in shaping his results throughout the season. With a fresh start and renewed focus, DeFrancesco aims to make a significant impact in the IndyCar Series and build on his previous experiences to achieve his first victory.