California native Siegel, 19, was called up by Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) on Friday to exchange Agustin Canapino within the No. 78 Chevrolet-powered automobile.
The Argentine driver, who was competing in North America's premier open-wheel championship in his second season, took a sudden “vacation” after a controversial week stuffed with social media activity that included a press release denying claims that his supporters had threatened rivals .
Arrow McLaren's Theo Pourchaire drew the ire of Canapino fans on social media after a collision eventually weekend's Detroit Grand Prix.
Ultimately, the situation led to the dissolution on Thursday of the strategic alliance between Arrow McLaren and JHR, which was initially formed in October last 12 months.
The decision to exchange Canapino with Siegel was made on Friday, roughly within the 90 minutes between signing autographs and opening practice of the IndyAutomotive Series. Siegel accomplished seven laps in the primary rehearsal for Indy NXT before leaving to suit up for the Juncos seat.
Nolan Siegel and Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Photo: Phillip Abbott / Motorsport images
Siegel, who had previously made two IndyAutomotive starts this 12 months with Dale Coyne Racing, including a non-points showing at The Thermal Club, ultimately lapped the 6.014-mile, 14-turn Road America course for 18 laps to complete twenty sixth on the leaderboard.
On Saturday morning, Siegel made the choice to withdraw from the Indy NXT round and focus his full attention on his upcoming IndyAutomotive opportunity. He is currently third within the Indy NXT Championship standings, 44 points behind leader Jacob Abel (221-177).
“After receiving the opportunity to compete in the NTT IndyCar Series next weekend at Road America, Nolan Siegel will no longer compete in this weekend's Indy NXT by Firestone event,” HMD Motorsports said in a press release.
“HMD Motorsports fully supports Nolan in prioritizing his IndyCar efforts this weekend and wishes him all the best with this opportunity.”
