Hunter McElrea promoted to Indy Pro 2000 with Pabst Racing

Kiwi Hunter McElrea has announced today that he will drive for Pabst Racing in the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship presented by Cooper Tires.

McElrea is making quick progress on the Road To Indy, after his competitive stint in the USF2000 Championship last year saw him finish as Vice Champion.

His career began in New Zealand Formula Ford in 2015, before he moved to the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 2017.

McElrea won the 2018 championship, earning him a seat in the Mazda Road To Indy USF2000 $200k Scholarship Shootout. He won the shooutout, earning his USF2000 drive with Pabst Racing, where he took four wins, five poles, and 12 podiums.

He had his first laps in the new Indy Pro 2000 car at the October 2019 Chris Griffis Memorial Test, where he set the fastest lap of the two-day test.

“I am thrilled to be on the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 grid, and step up into the middle step of the Road to Indy,” said McElrea.

“After getting my first taste of an Indy Pro 2000 car at the Chris Griffis Test last year, I was hooked. I am very grateful for the opportunity that Pabst Racing has given me, along with my backers, sponsors, and Team HM members for getting me on the grid. I cannot wait to get back into the car!”

2020 will be the first year that team Pabst Racing has entered both the Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000.

“We’re extremely happy to have Hunter move up to Indy Pro 2000 with us for 2020,” said team owner Augie Pabst.

“His pace in testing has been impressive, and it’s obvious how well he’s acclimated to the Tatuus PM-18. I can’t wait to see our cars and drivers on track this weekend!”