STAMFORD, Conn. – Veteran NTT IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe has joined NBC Sports as a full-time analyst for its coverage of the upcoming IndyCar season.
Hinchcliffe will join play-by-play voice Leigh Diffey and analyst Townsend Bell to comprise NBC Sports’ lead IndyCar commentary team for the upcoming season. Paul Tracy, who has been a part of the NBC broadcast team for NTT IndyCar Series races for many years, will not return.
In addition to his role on NBC Sports’ exclusive INDYCAR coverage, Hinchcliffe will also serve as an analyst for select IMSA races. Hinchcliffe will make his on-air debut as a full-time NTT IndyCar Series analyst at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, Feb. 27, on NBC.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the NBC Sports team this year,” said Hinchcliffe. “I got a taste of calling IndyCar back in 2020 and that really solidified my desire to get into this side of the sport. It’s always been a passion of mine to educate people about IndyCar, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to help tell those stories from the booth alongside a couple of pros in Leigh and Townsend.”
“James Hinchcliffe is one of the most dynamic personalities in motorsports and we’re excited to bring ‘The Mayor of Hinchtown’ straight from the car and into the booth for NBC Sports,” said Sam Flood, executive producer and president, NBC Sports and NBCSN. “James’ engaging personality, combined with his unique perspective of what these drivers are experiencing in real time, will be a great addition to our motorsports coverage.”
Hinchcliffe announced his retirement from full-time NTT IndyCar Series competition on Tuesday. During his career he earned six wins and was the 2011 NTT IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year. He also earned the pole for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016.