Meyer Shank Racing and Andretti Global are currently negotiating a technical alliance extension to proceed their technical alliance within the IndyCar Series last season.
There have been some questions within the paddock about whether the partnership could come to an end when the checkered flag flies on the season finale in Nashville in September. However, co-owner Michael Shank denied any rumors in regards to the deal not continuing.
“We're still working on it,” Shank told Motorsport.com. “Our contract has expired, but we’re working on a brand new one. It's not true.”
How it began
The partnership began in 2017, when MSR (then referred to as Michael Shank Racing) debuted on the Indianapolis 500 and partnered with Andretti. In November 2019, prior to MSR's full-time involvement in IndyCar (and two years after Jim Meyer became part owner), the organization formed an alliance with Andretti Technologies, the high-tech division of Andretti Global.
Benefits of the alliance included MSR's victory – its only IndyCar win so far – within the 2021 Indianapolis 500 under the leadership of Helio Castroneves.
This yr has shown the strength of the alliance, especially with Felix Rosenqvist, who has two top fives, five top 10s and a mean starting position of 10.1, including one pole position (Long Beach), through seven points-worthy races and ending tenth .place within the rankings championship rankings. He also placed third in a non-points show at The Thermal Club in March.
“Remember, this is our fifth year with them,” Shank said.
“So we did two two-year (deals) and this year we did one just because we didn't know what was going to happen. Lots of different things. I have nothing but love for guys; We had a really good relationship.”
MSR's biggest challenge this yr has been finding consistency alongside Rosenqvist within the second automobile, which began with rookie Tom Blomqvist, who was then brought in for the advantage of the doubt, or Helio Castroneves for 2 races before the team confirmed David Malukas, who returns from this weekend after injury – for the remainder of the 2024 season.
For his part, Andretti global chief operating officer Rob Edwards shared the same sentiment to Shank.
“We're still in negotiations so it's not done yet, but I think it's been good for both of us and I think we're all going to continue,” Edwards told Motorsport.com.
Andretti can be not willing to contemplate the potential of forming an alliance with another team.
“No, Shank is the only band we want to work with,” Edwards said.
“They are great partners, so no, we don't plan on making any changes.”
