ROC: Hinchcliffe, Castroneves added to Race of Champions

James Hinchcliffe and Helio Castroneves are the latest entrants into next month's Race Of Champions inside Miami's Marlins Park – the first Race of Champions event to be held on American soil. And they are bringing guest co-drivers with them.

Race organizers announced "ROC Factor," a contest for one North American driver and one Latin American driver – amateur or professional – to apply to race alongside the two respective drivers. The contest is open to anyone with a passport from the nations involved; 10 drivers each from North America and Latin America will be selected for a vote on social media.

"ROC Factor is such an amazing opportunity," Castroneves said. "It's a bit like American Idol; one moment someone's singing in the shower and the next they're becoming a huge star! I'm really looking forward to it and can't wait for January 21-22.

"The cool thing about Race Of Champions is that every driver has a chance, no matter what they're used to racing. The variety of cars means there's something suited to everyone, regardless of whether they're from rallying, open-wheelers or NASCAR. So it really is all about the talent. Plus, for me, to be competing at home in Miami is always great, especially as my family and friends will be together having a good time. And of course racing at Marlins Park is so unusual! I think the fans will really enjoy it and be coming back for more."

This is the first time either IndyCar driver has participated in Race of Champions. They join a competition that includes Indianapolis 500 winners Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Kanaan and Alexander Rossi, 2012 IndyCar champion and 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Indy Lights champion and 2015 Indy 500/IndyCar Rookie of the Year Gabby Chaves, Ferrari F1 driver and four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, recently retired F1 driver Felipe Massa, nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen, World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, NASCAR's 2004 premier series champion Kurt Busch, action sports stars Travis Pastrana and double Globaly Rallycross champion Scott Speed in the Jan. 21-22 event.

Charitable proceeds from the event will benefit Racing for Cancer, a charity founded by Hunter-Reay, and the Division of Hematology-Oncology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami.