James Hinchcliffe, one of IndyCar’s most popular racers, said Tuesday that he is leaving races full-time in the series.
The 35-year-old Canadian tennis player said he will not retire and will explore other types of racing. Andretti Autosport has not renewed his contract for the next year.
“With over a decade of incredible memories in the bank, I’m pleased to announce that I’m leaving IndyCar competition full-time,” said Hinchcliffe. post on social media. “This is not a decision to be taken lightly and it was made with the full support of my family and closest supporters. There are many factors, both personal and professional, that have led me to this. came to this decision but I really feel that the time is right.”
I’ll hang out by the bar, showing off the vibe… pic.twitter.com/KXFXETtnxx
– James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) December 14, 2021
Hinchcliffe had a rough season when he returned to Andretti in 2021 and scored just one podium finish, third in the street at Nashville. His next best was 14 twice, in Detroit and the season finale of Long Beach.
The two-time “Mayor of Hinchtown” is the most popular driver on IndyCar and runner-up on the 2016 season of “Dancing with the Stars”. He’s a six-time IndyCar winner and started on the finish line on the 100th run of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, a year after he nearly died in a crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He’s started on top for the Indy 500 three times in nine appearances. Hinchcliffe in 2018 was ineligible and in 2015 was under observation from hospital after a broken part from his car hit an artery in his left upper thigh. Hinchcliffe lost 14 liters of blood when he was taken to the hospital after being hit during a training session.
Hinchcliffe launched IndyCar in 2011 with Newman Haas Racing, spent the next three seasons driving for Andretti and then driving for five years with Sam Schmidt. He was released with a year of contract remaining after the 2019 season and made six starts for Andretti the following year.
He has been on a full-time trip with Andretti this season but was replaced by Devlin DeFranceco last month. Hinchcliffe is 20th in the series ranking for 2021.
“In 2011, I realized my lifelong goal was to be an IndyCar driver,” says Hinchcliffe. “I remember almost every minute of the journey there. There were many ups and downs. Through all the trials and uncertainties, there are two undeniable factors, which is my undiminished desire. and my family. For the next 11 years, I have lived my dream in a way that a nine-year-old, riding a kart for the first time, could never have imagined.”
He said he has no plans to give up racing, but Hinchcliffe is likely going to the TV stand. He’s done analytical work before, including for CBS during the summer of Tony Stewart’s all-star racing series and for IndyCar races for NBC in 2020.
NBC Sports, the company that owns IndyCar, did not keep former driver Paul Tracy as an analyst.
