Hunter McElrea, driver of the No. 27 Andretti Autosport Dallara in the 2022 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship, will stay with Andretti Autosport for the 2023 season.

McElrea joined Andretti Autosport this season for his rookie year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES feeder series. McElrea is the first driver announced to Andretti’s 2023 Indy Lights team.

“I’m really excited to be back with Andretti Autosport for the 2023 Indy Lights championship,” McElrea said. “I really jelled with the team this season, and it’s a great atmosphere with fast cars, so it was a no-brainer for me to come back. I’ve learned a lot in my first year, and I really look forward to putting that into action for my second year.

“Obviously, the championship is the goal, but I’m just planning to have as much fun as I can and keep learning while making the most of the opportunity I have.”

New Zealand driver McElrea, 22, is the leading rookie in the championship with three races remaining. He is third in points, with two wins, six podium finishes and three poles.

“We are happy to have Hunter return to the team for another season,” said Michael Andretti, CEO and chairman for Andretti Autosport. “He’s had a good season with us and will perform well in the series for this upcoming year. After the growth and learnings he has had this year, we look forward to seeing him excel next season.”

The 2022 Indy Lights season continues with a race Sunday at Portland International Raceway before ending with a doubleheader Sept. 10-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.