Felix Rosenqvist was forced to retire from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale at Nashville Superspeedway with a high-speed tyre deflation when running in the podium positions, concluding a season of high promise and frustrating misfortune in equal measure while racking up Meyer Shank Racing’s best-ever championship result.
Once again putting on a trademark qualifying performance to take third on the grid for the season-finale (despite missing the majority of practice due to a broken upright), Rosenqvist’s first-ever visit to the Tennessee oval was encouraging throughout the opening stint of the race, holding on to third just behind the leaders.
However, just moments before his first pit stop, the Swede suffered a high-speed tyre cut on lap 56 of 206, pitching his Meyer Shank Racing Honda into the retaining wall and into retirement.
“A disappointing end to the season of course, having a tyre go out like that,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “It felt fine and then all of a sudden the tyre just deflated and made me a passenger into the wall. It was another thing we couldn’t predict or help. I’m bummed for the team; they did a brilliant job all weekend and all season, really. Today kind of sums up our year – a lot of good performances, but little payout.”
Despite the disappointing outcome of the season-finale, Rosenqvist’s first campaign with Meyer Shank Racing has signalled plenty of promise for the future, with the new-for-2024 constellation proving instantly competitive.
Highlights during the year include Rosenqvist giving the team its first-ever INDYCAR pole position (Long Beach), a podium in the INDYCAR $1 Million Challenge event, a further six top ten finishes and eight top five qualifying performances.
Rosenqvist ends the season 12th in the final standings, which marks Meyer Shank Racing’s best-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship result.
“I have enjoyed this season so much,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “A huge thanks to all the guys and girls at Meyer Shank Racing, and specifically my crew on the #60. It’s been an absolute pleasure, and we’re only getting started. We’ve built a very solid foundation and we’ll be back stronger next year.
“Now, I can’t wait to get married next week home in Sweden, take some time off, and then reset for 2025. It’s an exciting time in my life, and I can tell you I’m already looking forward to next season and beyond.”
With the 2024 campaign now in the books, Felix Rosenqvist has completed his sixth season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition.
RESULTS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 17
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
Nashville Superspeedway (USA)
1: Colton Herta (USA), Andretti, 206 laps
2: Pato O’Ward (MEX), Arrow McLaren, +1.810s
3: Josef Newgarden (USA), Penske, +1.961s
4: Kyle Kirkwood (USA), Andretti, +4.717s
5: Scott McLaughlin (NZL), Penske, +7.783s
—
DNF: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, +151 laps
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | After 17/17 races
1: Alex Palou (ESP), Ganassi, 544 p.
2: Colton Herta (USA), Andretti, 513 p.
3: Scott McLaughlin (NZL), Penske, 505 p.
4: Will Power (AUS), Penske, 498 p.
5: Pato O’Ward (MEX), Arrow McLaren, 460 p.
—
12: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE), Meyer Shank Racing, 306 p.