Argentinean racing team to relocate and expand headquarters
Speedway, Ind. — With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a backdrop, the Speedway Redevelopment Commission announced today the expansion and relocation of Juncos Racing headquarters from Brownsburg to Speedway’s Main Street.
“We are thrilled to welcome Juncos Racing to Speedway,” said Vince Noblet, president of the SRC. “It is a complete privilege to welcome yet another outstanding motorsports team to our thriving Main Street. The team’s vision for its new facility is directly in line with our goals for the town and will benefit largely from its neighboring location to the world’s greatest racetrack.”
Founded by Ricardo Juncos in 1997, Juncos Racing (pronounced June-kohs) will develop a new $3 million 41,000-square-foot facility featuring shop and office space for its six drivers and 25 employees. An additional 30,000 square feet will be available for future expansion so Juncos can do machining, painting and other work in-house, limiting the need for outsourcing. McGovern construction is expected to begin in June, with completion projected for early spring 2016.
"The creation of the Juncos Technical Center marks a historical turning point for the team,” said Ricardo Juncos, team principal of Juncos Racing. “Less than 10 years ago, we were a small karting team in Florida, and I continue to be amazed by the amount of growth and success we have seen in such a short period of time.
“The team has grown larger and stronger each year, which created the need for a facility like the JTC,” he continued. “This new facility will allow Juncos to continue to expand into new series. This undertaking wouldn’t be possible without the incredible passion and desire of every member of Juncos Racing. I am truly grateful for all of the hard work they put in to make this dream a reality."
Juncos Racing was first established in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to help support the racing career of Ricardo Juncos. After opportunities became limited in Argentina, Juncos moved the team in 2003 to Miami, Fla. where they became well respected in the North American karting community.
In 2009, Juncos Racing entered into INDYCAR’s Mazda Road to Indy ladder series, running in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires (former Star Mazda Championship). The team relocated to Brownsburg, Ind. in 2011 in order to provide more resources and support to their Driver Development Program.
Team manager Charles Crews explained the thinking behind the JTC. “Last year, Ricardo and I developed a long-term strategic plan for the team. This plan centered around continuing the self-sustaining formula that has seen so much success with our Pro Mazda team and now our Indy Lights team. The plan is to slowly expand into desirable racing series while remaining focused on the current ones. Creating a technical center for all of our programs to be based in one central location was key.
“We spent a great deal of time exploring all the options, and there was no doubt that the town of Speedway was the prime location to base the JTC,” he continued. “The city as well as the redevelopment commission welcomed us with arms wide open and we are thankful to be part of such a renaissance within Speedway."
Most recently, Juncos Racing claimed the 2014 Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires. The teamcurrently includes two Indy Lights drivers and four Pro Mazda drivers.
According to Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, “Professional auto racing in central Indiana is a major economic driver that stretches well beyond the hospitality and tourism industry. Racing teams like Juncos Racing provide quality jobs and add to our community pride and image. I have known the team at Juncos Racing for several years and watched as they have grown to become one of the sport’s best and brightest and we are thankful they have chosen to invest in Speedway and we look forward to watching them continue to excel for years to come.”
“I’m sure the Juncos Racing headquarters will become a landmark to visit on Speedway’s Main Street,” said David Lindsey, president of the Speedway Town Council. “We are excited for the impact this new team and facility will bring to Speedway. The Town of peedway extends a warm welcome to our newest neighbor.”
About Speedway Redevelopment Commission
The SRC consists of five volunteers appointed by the Speedway Town Council. Using input from the entire community, the commission is charged with developing a plan to revitalize a 700-acre area, including Speedway’s Main Street and the large area to the northwest termed Area 2. More information about the SRC is available at www.speedwayindiana.com.