INDIANAPOLIS — NTT IndyCar Series veteran James Hinchcliffe, a six-time winner in the series, announced his retirement from full-time IndyCar racing in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday morning.
The 34-year-old Canadian finished 20th in the standings completing a full season for Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport this year.
Hinchcliffe registered his first podium finish in two years with a third-place finish during the Music City Grand Prix in August.
Last month, Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport announced 21-year-old Devlin DeFrancesco would replace Hinchcliffe in the No. 29 car for the upcoming season.
“In 2011, I realized a lifelong goal of becoming an Indy car driver,” Hinchcliffe said in a statement. “I remember almost every minute of the journey getting there. There were many ups, and many downs. Through all the challenges and uncertainty there were two constants; my unabated desire to make it to IndyCar and my family’s unwavering support.
“In the 11 years that followed I lived out my dream in a way that a nine-year-old kid, sitting in a kart for the first time, could never have imagined. With a decade plus of incredible memories in the bank, I am happy to announce I am stepping away from full-time Indy car competition. This was not a decision taken lightly and it was one made with the full support of my family and closest supporters.
“There were many factors, both personal and professional, that led me to this decision, but it truly felt like the time was right. This is by no means a retirement from racing. If anything, this decision has freed me up to dip my toes into other forms of motorsports and explore other interests and opportunities. More on that coming soon.”
This past season Hinchcliffe appeared as a color commentator for the new Superstar Racing Experience on CBS Sports run by Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham.
Hinchcliffe may be best known for his miraculous comeback following a near-fatal accident during practice for the 2015 Indianapolis 500.
A year later Hinchcliffe returned with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and won the pole for the 100th running of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Hinchcliffe is the 2011 NTT IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year recipient and was an Indy Lights runner-up in ‘10.
His winningest season was 2016, when he earned three victories and finished eighth in the standings while driving for Andretti Autosport.
In 2020, Hinchcliffe reunited with Andretti Autosport in a part-time gig that led to his final full-time campaign.
“I want to thank my teams, teammates, competitors, the IndyCar Series officials, staff and volunteers, sponsors, supporters, of course my family, and last but certainly not least, the fans of Indy car racing,” Hinchcliffe added. “Without any one of these groups of people my time in IndyCar would not have been possible. Thanks for the memories and I hope to see you all at the track.”