IndyCar competitor Marcus Armstrong is preparing for a special moment as he teams up with his father, Rick Armstrong, to race together in New Zealand’s South Island Endurance Championship (SIEC). This unique Marcus Armstrong racing reunion takes place in his home country, following an impressive year competing with Meyer Shank Racing in the United States.
Armstrong had a breakthrough season in IndyCar, consistently finishing in the Top 10 in 11 of the 17 races. His standout performance occurred during Race 2 of the Iowa double-header, where despite starting 12th, a strong pace and effective pit strategy propelled him to finish third. This marked his first podium with Meyer Shank Racing and the second of his IndyCar career overall. By season’s end, Armstrong secured eighth place in the championship, a notable improvement from 14th in the previous season with Chip Ganassi Racing. Now, buoyed by this success, he will compete alongside his father in Round 3 of the SIEC event at Highland Motorsports Park, piloting a new Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car.
A Unique Father and Son Partnership on Home Soil
The upcoming race will showcase Marcus Armstrong and his father Rick as teammates in the South Island Endurance Championship, a significant occasion for both. The Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car they will drive carries the number 66, symbolic of Marcus’s IndyCar number with Meyer Shank Racing. This father-son duo will compete in a demanding three-hour endurance race, drawing attention from local motorsport fans and marking a heartwarming reunion on New Zealand’s racing circuits.
Marcus reflected on this special moment, saying,
“Some of my earliest racing memories were of Porsche Cup cars – watching my Dad race. It will be cool to share the car with him and race in front of a Kiwi crowd.”
He added,
“It’s been a good season in IndyCar and although the season has only just finished, I’m itching to get back in a race car.”
Marcus Armstrong’s Journey: From Young New Zealand Racer to IndyCar Contender
Marcus Armstrong left New Zealand at a young age to pursue his racing career in Europe, quickly building a reputation that earned him a spot in Ferrari’s driver academy in 2017. That year, his talent shone as he won the Italian F4 championship with PREMA and finished second in the ADAC F4 series. He progressed through the ranks, finishing as runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 championship in 2019.
Despite a less successful stint in FIA Formula 2, where he ended three consecutive seasons in 13th place with Hitech Grand Prix, Armstrong transitioned to American open-wheel racing with Meyer Shank Racing. This move allowed him to demonstrate his skills on a new stage and improve significantly in IndyCar competition, culminating in his best season yet in 2025.
Influence of Rick Armstrong on His Son’s Racing Career
Marcus openly credits his father Rick for shaping much of his racing spirit and work ethic. Speaking in his final F2 season, he explained their shared qualities and how his father’s determined attitude influenced his approach to racing and life. He said,
“I guess I could say that we are similar. My dad is very driven and very determined, much like myself. I find that a lot of my work ethic has come from his attitude and his approach to everything that he does.”
He continued,
“He was also a sportsman when he was younger, so in a way, there are a lot of comparisons. Obviously, I left home very early, so even without that real guiding influence from him day to day after that, we are still quite similar.”
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and New Challenges
Marcus Armstrong remains under the Chip Ganassi Racing umbrella and will continue his partnership with Meyer Shank Racing in the coming seasons. The collaboration between MSR and CGR provides a strong technical foundation as he aims to build on his recent progress in IndyCar. The racing reunion with his father not only reconnects him with his roots but also offers a unique opportunity to celebrate his journey amid New Zealand fans and family.
The father-son collaboration at Highland Motorsports Park will be closely watched by enthusiasts eager to see this combination of experience and youthful talent unfold. With his passion for racing and relentless work ethic, Armstrong’s involvement in the South Island Endurance Championship is set to be both a meaningful highlight and a potential springboard for more achievements in the future.
