James Hinchcliffe won't be sitting quietly when he's not racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2020.
NBC Sports announced Thursday that the popular driver will serve as an analyst for a majority of the series broadcasts in 2020. Hinchcliffe, who previously announced a three-race deal to drive Andretti Autosport's No. 29 Genesys Honda, will provide reports from pit road beginning with the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg the weekend of March 13-15.
The broadcast of the St. Petersburg race begins at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 15.
Hinchcliffe’s on-air schedule will include the Grand Prix of Long Beach on the streets of Long Beach, Calif.; his home race, the Honda Indy Toronto on the streets of Toronto; and the season finale at Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. He will also be part of NBC Sports’ comprehensive coverage in the week prior to competing in the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 on NBC.
In addition to his role on INDYCAR coverage, Hinchcliffe will provide analysis during NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Fourth of July weekend. He will also serve as an analyst for select IMSA races, beginning with Sebring on March 20-21, and will contribute to Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires coverage on NBC Sports Gold’s INDYCAR Pass throughout the year.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the NBC Sports team and covering so many awesome racing series in 2020,” Hinchcliffe said. “NBC Sports has covered INDYCAR for more than a decade, and I’ve gotten to know (lead announcer Leigh Diffey) really well over that time. I used to bang wheels with (Paul Tracy) and Townsend (Bell), so our relationships go way back and it will be great getting to work them, and all the behind the scenes staff at NBC Sports, throughout the season. I’ve always loved educating people on the finer points of INDYCAR racing, and I’m excited to jump in and share my expertise and perspective as a current driver with all of the fans and viewers.”
“James Hinchcliffe is one of the most dynamic personalities in motorsports and we’re excited to bring 'The Mayor of Hinchtown' to the NBC Sports team for 2020,” 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's three races with Andretti Autosport will be the GMR Grand Prix, the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 9, the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 24, and the Genesys 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6. Hinchcliffe is a six-time race winner in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.