James Roe

James Roe Jr. (born 11 October 1998) is an Irish racing driver. He currently competes in Indy NXT driving the No. 29 Honda for Andretti Autosport and in the IMSA SportsCar Championship driving for Pratt Miller Motorsports. He previously drove for TJ Speed Motorsports in 2022. Roe previously competed in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Turn 3 Motorsport. Roe is a nephew of former racing driver Michael Roe.
Full Name:
James Roe Jr.
Birthday:
11 October 1998
Birthplace:
Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Residence:
USA
Gender:
Male
Primary Series:
Car Number:
29

James Roe Bio

Early Life and Background

James Roe Jr. was born on October 11, 1998, in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland. He began his racing career later than many of his peers, starting at the age of fifteen. With the support of his family, he saved funds to purchase his first race car, a Ginetta G20, which allowed him to compete in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Ireland series.

In 2015, Roe returned to the Ginetta Junior Ireland series, achieving ten podium finishes and winning five races, ultimately finishing second overall. In 2018, he relocated to the United States to pursue a career in motorsport, a move that has defined his professional journey.

Path to Indy NXT

Roe’s transition to professional racing began with his participation in various junior series. In February 2021, he joined Turn 3 Motorsport to compete in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship. His perseverance paid off when he secured his first win at the final race of the season at Mid-Ohio, finishing ahead of notable competitors.

This success paved the way for his entry into the Indy NXT series, where he initially raced for TJ Speed Motorsports in 2022. Despite facing challenges, he demonstrated his potential and caught the attention of Andretti Autosport, leading to a full-time position with the team in 2023.

James Roe Career

Early Career (2014–2021)

Roe’s early career was marked by his participation in the Ginetta Junior Ireland series, where he quickly made a name for himself. His impressive performance in 2015, with multiple podiums and race wins, showcased his talent and determination. Following this, he competed in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship, where he achieved his first significant victory in 2021.

Indy Pro 2000 Breakthrough (2021)

In 2021, Roe made his mark in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Turn 3 Motorsport. His season culminated in a memorable victory at Mid-Ohio, where he outperformed established drivers, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in American open-wheel racing.

Indy NXT Breakthrough (2022–Present)

Roe’s debut in the Indy NXT series came in 2022 with TJ Speed Motorsports, where he faced a steep learning curve. Despite missing the final races of the season, he finished twelfth in the standings. In 2023, after impressing during a test session, he joined Andretti Autosport, where he quickly made an impact by finishing second at the Indianapolis Road Course, marking his first podium in the series.

In 2024, Roe continued to compete with Andretti, achieving a podium finish at Barber Motorsports Park and setting a series lap record during his first pole position at Iowa. He demonstrated resilience and skill, leading most of the race before finishing second.

Andretti Global Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Roe continued his journey with Andretti Autosport in the Indy NXT series, finishing 12th in the standings. He also participated in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, racing for Pratt Miller Motorsports. His best result in the IMSA series was a seventh-place finish at Petit Le Mans, showcasing his versatility across different racing formats.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Roe is known for his strategic approach to racing, combining technical skill with a keen understanding of race dynamics. His ability to adapt to various racing conditions and formats has been a key factor in his development as a driver.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Roe’s career highlights include his first victory in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship and his impressive performances in the Indy NXT series, including multiple podium finishes and a pole position at Iowa.

James Roe Career Wins

James Roe has yet to secure a win in the Indy NXT series or the IMSA SportsCar Championship, but his career is still in progress, and he has shown potential for future successes.

Current Indy NXT Series Highlights

As of 2024, Roe has achieved three podium finishes in the Indy NXT series, with his best finish being second at the Indianapolis Road Course. His performance has positioned him as a competitive driver within the series, and he continues to build on his experience.

Previous Indy Pro 2000 Series Achievements

Roe’s notable achievement in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship includes a victory at Mid-Ohio, where he showcased his racing prowess against seasoned competitors. This win marked a significant milestone in his career and highlighted his potential in open-wheel racing.

James Roe Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

James Roe is the nephew of former racing driver Michael Roe, which has likely influenced his passion for motorsports. His family’s support has been instrumental in his journey as a racing driver.

Personal Life

Details about Roe’s personal life remain private, as he focuses on his racing career and professional development.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a challenging yet promising year for James Roe. Competing full-time in the Indy NXT series, he has faced a mix of results, including a notable seventh-place finish in Iowa. His participation in the IMSA SportsCar Championship has added depth to his racing experience, with a best result of seventh at Petit Le Mans. As he continues to develop with Andretti Autosport, Roe’s prospects for future success remain bright, and he aims to build on his achievements in the upcoming races.