James Roe relishing game-changing Andretti move as IndyCar dream burns bright

This time last year, James Roe was about to embark on a big step towards his dream of reaching the IndyCar series.

Back then he had just progressed into what was then known as Indy Lights - newly rebranded as the Indy NXT by Firestone series - which is essentially equivalent to what F2 would be in the pathway towards Formula One.

It would put him on the final rung of the ladder on the road to making it into the highest echelon of US open-wheel single-seater racing.

But as the Kildare native told RTÉ Sport before the 2022 season, Indy Lights was always likely to be a two-year undertaking.

Fast-forward 12 months and his career is set to go into overdrive. Having started last season with newcomers TJ Speed Motorsport, the 24-year-old has just been signed by the renowned reigning Indy Lights team champions Andretti Autosport for 2023, representing a potential game-changer.

"It's the biggest moment in my career, there's no probably about it," said Roe as he joined RTÉ Sport just days before he is due to return to the US to prepare for the coming season.

"To sign with a team of such scale, known by 75% of US households, (with) Michael Andretti and Mario Andretti, involved in Indy Lights, IndyCar and Formula E, Extreme E, V8 Supercars, (and are) in the middle of the F1 bid at the moment to be on the grid soon, it's just a powerhouse.

"For any racing driver to be out of their stable is a dream."

The Andretti name is one of the most prominent in motor racing. Mario Andretti was Formula One world champion in 1978 and the 82-year-old's son Michael had success in CART, whilst also competing in F1 during the 1993 season for McLaren.

The team, owned by Michael, has amassed multiple championships in Indy500, Indy Lights and IndyCar over the