Armstrong signs new multi-year IndyCar deal with Meyer Shank Racing

Credit: James Black

Marcus Armstrong will return to Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) in 2027 and beyond after signing a new multi-year contract with the Indianapolis 500-winning outfit.

Having piloted the team’s No.66 Honda since the beginning of the 2025 IndyCar season, from next year, the New Zealander will shift to the team’s No.60 entry vacated by Felix Rosenqvist, who is departing the team at the end of his contract despite his Indy 500 success in May.

“I’m proud to announce a multi-year partnership with MSR,” said Armstrong. “I want to thank Mike [Shank], Jim [Meyer], Tim [Meyer] and Hélio [Castroneves] for this opportunity and for believing in me. I feel that Meyer Shank Racing gives me one of the strongest cars on the grid every weekend. 

“Our goals are aligned; we want to win races and be consistently fighting at the front. I especially look forward to returning to the Indy 500, having unfinished business from this year. We still have eight races left this season and we have some strong momentum going. 

“I’m ready more than ever to close out this season on a high note and start prepping for 2027.”

Owing to his consistency, Armstrong finished a career-best eighth in the standings last season, having recorded 11 top-10 results and a pair of podiums in his first year with MSR. In what is now his fourth IndyCar campaign - and third racing a full-season programme - he sits a largely unrepresentative 11th in points through the first 10 rounds.

Last time out at Road America, he was firmly on-course for a maiden IndyCar victory, leading as he suffered a mechanical failure on Lap 53 of 55. He also suffered heartbreak at the Indy 500, leading the last-lap restart and battling race-winning teammate Rosenqvist before ultimately finishing fifth. Through all of this, he has continued to impress MSR.

Credit: Dana Garrett

“Since joining the team, Marcus has really shown that he is a top contender, something that is not easy to do in this field,” said team co-owner Mike Shank. “His work ethic, feedback, and determination to improve every weekend make him exactly the kind of driver you want to build around. 

“We’ve seen tremendous growth from him, and we’re excited to continue that journey together, starting in 2027.” 

Armstrong’s re-signing with MSR quells suggestions that he could be in line to replace countryman Scott Dixon at Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), following the announcement that the six-time series champion is departing the team after an illustrious 24 years.

The 25-year-old commenced his IndyCar career with the CGR squad on a non-oval basis in 2023, when he still secured Rookie of the Year honours, and for the complete campaign in 2024. He departed the team ahead of 2025 after the charter agreement forced the downsizing from a five-car lineup to three entries.

Armstrong maintained a relationship with CGR after his exit - including keeping much of his engineering core - through a technical alliance with MSR signed at the end of that 2024 season. 

But with Armstrong now locked in at MSR, Dixon’s replacement will come from elsewhere and not the MSR pipeline. Reports have linked Dixon to almost certainly heading to Arrow McLaren, which may present the shock opportunity for CGR to sign their two-time 2026 race winner Christian Lundgaard, should they wish to pursue the coveted free agent.

As the driver-market ‘silly season’ continues, MSR also continue to hold one vacancy. The driver of their No.66 Honda will be announced at a later date.