It was not an easy season for James Hinchcliffe last year. Even though he won Long Beach last year, it was not a good year and Hinchcliffe looks for a rebound in the 2018 Season. ”2017 was pretty disappointing. We started off quite strong, but a series of races that we were victims of other people’s mistakes, and a few tracks that we really missed the setup on, led to a really disappointing place in the championship when it was all said and done. Every single member of this team is better than the position we held at the end of the year and in 2018 we are going to show people that,” Hinchcliffe said.
In 2018 Hinchcliffe and the rest of the Indycar Series will be driving a brand new car next season. The new car will feature new bodywork all around the car but still will keep the Dallara DW12 Chassis Base. Overall, Hinchcliffe likes the new changes to the 2018 car and thinks it will be better racing for the fans to see. “I really like the new 2018 car. It is very, very different to drive and to set up than the old car, so that will definitely take some getting used to, but the bones are there of a really good car. I think it’ll take the drivers and teams a little bit to really get a grasp on it, but it will be great for racing and make a better show for the fans,” Hinchcliffe said.
Hinchcliffe will also have a new teammate for 2018 as Canadian Robert Wickens will join Hinchcliffe as Wickens will drive the 7 for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. SPM has also been nicknamed “Team Canada” since Hinchcliffe and Wickens are both from Canada. Wickens has competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters series since 2012. Hinchliffe is ecstatic to work with his new teammate and can’t wait to work with him. “It’s like a dream come true,” Hinchcliffe said. “It is one of the big changes that I was talking about. Having a guy with Robbie’s experience and skill in the other car, pushing me and the team forward, I think it’s awesome. Can’t wait to get to work,” he continued.
Hinchcliffe has won in 2 of his last 3 seasons and thinks that 2018 will be the year that Hinchcliffe has a breakthrough year in the Indycar Series. When asked about his goals, he only has 1 simple goal. “Winning! That’s why we do this! Obviously, the championship is always the goal. But at the same time, we have to be realistic that there is some incredible competition out there. With all the changes for 2018, it really levels the playing field. At SPM we have made some big changes, so this year gives us the best shot we’ve had yet,” Hinchcliffe said.
The 2018 Indycar Series Season Starts on March 11th in St Petersburg, Florida. The race will be at 12:30 on ABC.