The Juncos Hollinger Racing IndyCar team and its 34-year-old Argentine driver Agustin Canapino are parting ways with five races remaining within the 2024 season.
Canapino was within the midst of a sophomore season that was marred by off-track drama that led to him sitting out the IndyCar Series round at Road America in June. The team cited mental health reasons.
“After a groundbreaking debut and second season in IndyCar, Juncos Hollinger Racing and Agustin Canapino have mutually decided to part ways,” the team said in a press release.
“Congratulations to Agustin for taking over the open wheel racing circuit with us over the past yr and a half, not only learning a totally recent sort of racing that he has acquired over the course of his impressive and storied profession, but additionally moving to the United States and learning the language, which has allowed him to hitch our series.
“Both Agustin and your entire team have continually learned, grown and succeeded throughout his time at JHR. We are incredibly happy with what we’ve got achieved together.
“We thank Agustin for his time with Juncos Hollinger Racing and will be rooting for him as he continues his journey. Congratulations, Agustin!”
Canapino has found himself on the centre of controversy for his behaviour on social media, including a press release wherein he dismissed accusations that his supporters were threatening rivals, which got here after a collision with Arrow McLaren rookie Theo Pourchaire on the Detroit Grand Prix.
This situation has led to the top of the strategic alliance between Juncos Hollinger Racing and Arrow McLaren, which was concluded in October 2023.
It was the third time a driver had reported abuse on social media following his conflict with Canapno, with Callum Ilott sharing his testimony following quite a few clashes that occurred when the pair were team-mates within the 2023 season.
Agustin Canapino and Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet
Photo: Jake Galstad / Motorsports images
The Pourchaire incident eventually led to Canapino issuing a press release condemning online abuse and getting back from a one-race break.
He competed in five more races, missing the Road America event, but a first-lap retirement after a collision with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon on the streets of Toronto was his final appearance for the team and capped a streak of 5 consecutive 18th-place or worse finishes — along with his last 4 coming in twenty second or worse.
Asked by Motorsport.com in regards to the season in Toronto, which turned out to be his final race, Canapino seemed optimistic and believed he was in a “good position to finish the year” alongside team-mate Romain Grosjean.
“This year has been a big step forward for us — for the team and for me as well,” he said, pointing to top-10 qualifying finishes in Iowa and Toronto. “Unfortunately, I’ve had a bit of bad luck this year.”
Multiple Argentine Touring Car Champion Canapino retires from Juncos Hollinger Racing after 28 profession starts, with a best finish of twelfth (4 times – St. Petersburg, 2023, Texas 2023, Toronto 2023, Detroit 2024). He also finished tenth within the non-points primary event of the show at The Thermal Club in March of this yr.
A substitute driver has not yet been named for the five races remaining within the season.
