Nolan Siegel Prepares for Indy 500 with Renewed Focus at Arrow McLaren
As the Indy 500 approaches, Nolan Siegel is gearing up for a second chance at the storied race, this time with Arrow McLaren. The 20-year-old driver, who previously attempted to qualify for the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2024 with Dale Coyne Racing, aims to leverage his hard-earned lessons from last year.
During his last qualifying attempt, Siegel dramatically crashed while pushing for speed, finishing 34th. "I wasn’t going to go home because I lifted," he reflected, acknowledging the high stakes of competition.
New Beginnings with Arrow McLaren
This season marks a pivotal point for Siegel, who emphasizes the stability gained from a dedicated team. "Last year was extremely challenging, driving for a bunch of different teams. Having the opportunity to work with the same people week in and week out… it makes a huge difference," he stated.
Siegel appreciates the contributions of his new race engineer, Kate Gundlach, who has quickly adapted to her role after a successful stint with driver Pato O’Ward. “She’s done a really good job stepping up… by the end of the season, she’s going to be phenomenal," he added.
Technical Insights Ahead of the Indy 500
As the team prepares for the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Siegel has focused on achieving a strong balance in both qualifying and race setups. "A good car is a good car… we’re not looking for any big chunks anymore," he explained, indicating a strategy of fine-tuning rather than major alterations.
He acknowledges the added complexity of hybrid technology, stating, "The hybrid has added quite a bit of understeer through the center of the corner,” stressing that adjustments are necessary to maintain rear stability.
Experience as an Asset
Reflecting on his challenging experiences from last year, Siegel recognizes their value. "I am so much better off than I would have been coming here having never driven before… it made me a much better driver at the Speedway."
With the guidance of team principal Tony Kanaan and veteran driver JR Hildebrand, Siegel is confident in the support he has. "Having someone like Tony is huge… I don’t think I would be able to learn as quickly as I have without him," he remarked.
Aiming for Competitiveness
As he heads into the Indy 500, Siegel is determined to not only qualify but to be a competitive force. "I’m not here to just qualify and finish the race. We’re here to compete… I can come back and use the experience… and be competitive at the Indy 500."
With the preparations underway and a strong team backing him, Nolan Siegel is poised to make a significant impact this year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
