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Callum Ilott Will Seek IndyCar Seat for 2027 Season

The 28-year-old racer aims to return to the IndyCar grid as five team seats remain available for 2027.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Motorsports

Expressive illustration of a race car driver in a suit standing next to an open-wheel race car on a track.
Driver Callum Ilott is actively pursuing an IndyCar seat for the 2027 season, backed by a new sponsorship package to support his return. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Driver Callum Ilott is actively pursuing a racing seat for the 2027 IndyCar season. He has successfully secured a sponsorship package to support a potential return to the series.

Why it matters

Ilott is prioritizing a return to IndyCar despite his recent tenure driving in the IMSA GTD class. His move comes as several teams look to fill their rosters following league changes regarding chartered entries.

There are currently 5 open seats across AJ Foyt Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing. Callum Ilott finished 21st in the 2025 championship standings.

The players

Callum Ilott

A British racing driver who has competed in both Formula 2 and IndyCar throughout his professional career.

Prema Racing

An Italian motor racing team that previously participated in IndyCar before exiting due to funding challenges.

Wright Motorsports

A professional racing team based in the United States that competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Juncos Hollinger Racing

An IndyCar team that previously employed Callum Ilott from 2022 to 2023.

The details

After racing for Prema Racing in 2025 and spending 2026 with Wright Motorsports in IMSA, Ilott is targeting a move back to open-wheel competition. He has spent the 2026 season attending various IndyCar events to network with teams.

Timeline

  1. Ilott competed for Prema Racing during the 2025 season.

  2. Ilott drove for Wright Motorsports in IMSA during 2026.

  3. Ilott turns 28 years old in November 2026.

  4. The 2027 season is the target timeframe for his next racing opportunity.

Season Trajectory

The introduction of chartered entries in 2026 has fundamentally altered how teams manage rosters and funding. Ilott's efforts represent the broader struggle for drivers to secure placement within a more rigid and financially constrained competitive landscape.

Ilott's potential return would fill one of the remaining five seats at AJ Foyt Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, or Juncos Hollinger Racing. If he fails to secure a ride, he plans to focus his 2027 season on racing in the IMSA GTD or LMP2 class.

The takeaway

Securing sponsorship remains the most significant hurdle for drivers seeking to maintain their place in professional open-wheel racing. Aspiring drivers should note that building strong commercial backing is now as critical as on-track performance for securing team spots.

Further reading

For more news on the grid, visit our Motorsports section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.

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Would you continue pursuing a difficult career goal after multiple setbacks, or change paths?