Chadwick Breaks New Ground in Indy NXT Victory
In a historic moment for the sport, Jamie Chadwick, the three-time W Series champion, became the first female driver to win a road course event in the Indy NXT or Indy Lights championships. This groundbreaking achievement marks the first time a woman has secured victory on any Indy Lights course since Pippa Mann’s triumph in 2010.
Despite the excitement surrounding her milestone victory, Chadwick is keeping her expectations in check. As she told Autosport, “It’s early to say. One race win isn’t going to guarantee anything, so I need to keep performing and keep focusing on that.” The Briton acknowledges the challenges ahead, recognizing the highly competitive nature of the Indy NXT field and the limited opportunities for drivers to make the step up to the IndyCar series.
Challenges Ahead
“I’d love to be able to go to IndyCar next year,” Chadwick said. “It’s tough though. You look at the grid and there are not that many drivers leaving and there’s such a high level there now, and there are a lot of drivers knocking on the door, particularly in Indy NXT.”
While Chadwick’s gender may have been a factor in generating interest a few years ago, she believes the landscape has changed. “Potentially but maybe more so three or four years ago. I don’t know,” she reflected. “Now, I look at the grid in IndyCar and I can’t see an obvious opening. I want to do it properly, I want to be with a top team, and I want to do the championship and be competitive.”
Chadwick’s Focus on Performance
Chadwick’s focus remains firmly on her performance, recognizing that her best chance of securing a coveted IndyCar seat lies in her continued success on the Indy NXT circuit. “I don’t want to go to a smaller team and be on the back foot on a one-year deal or anything like that. I want the best opportunity I can source,” she stated.
As the motorsport community eagerly awaits Chadwick’s next move, her historic win has undoubtedly raised the profile of female drivers in the sport. With her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence, Chadwick’s journey in the world of Indy NXT and beyond is one that will be closely followed by racing enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
๐ Source