2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan will join McLaren Racing as a special advisor to the Arrow McLaren team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, team officials announced June 29.
2004 series champion Kanaan drove for Arrow McLaren in his final INDYCAR SERIES start May 28 in the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Kanaan, a native of Brazil, brings a wealth of championship experience to the team to provide guidance and strategy for on-track and off-track advancement. In this new formalized role, Kanaan will travel with the team to races and tests, serving as a driver mentor while also working with the team’s commercial partnerships and business development.
“I had said that I wasn’t going to leave racing or the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, so I’m very excited to join the Arrow McLaren team in this role,” Kanaan said. “Zak (Brown) and Gavin (Ward) have a great vision for where this team is headed and what we can accomplish, so I look forward to helping us get there and making the team and the series even better.
“This team works hard and has a lot of fun. That’s what racing is about, and it’s why I love being part of the team.”
Kanaan also will be involved in McLaren Racing’s heritage program.
“I’m thrilled to have Tony join Arrow McLaren and our McLaren Racing family in amore formalized capacity following his brilliant INDYCAR career,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. “He’s a racer, and he knows how to win. Having him around our team and mentoring our drivers can only make us stronger contenders in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.”
Kanaan finished his stellar INDYCAR SERIES career with 17 victories and 15 poles. He was a fan and sponsor favorite for more than two decades due to his passion and perseverance behind the wheel and his enthusiasm and appreciation for the fans outside of the cockpit.
“Tony’s distinct skillset will help the team connect how we go racing to how we can make the most of our partnerships,” said Gavin Ward, Arrow McLaren racing director. “As a championship driver, he does both incredibly well – delivering on track and locking in committed partnerships. He brings a champion mindset to what we’re doing – and that’s racing to win championships while having fun doing it. Having him on the team as a multifaceted resource in his advisor role is a big win for Arrow McLaren.”