Late engine issue robs Armstrong of first IndyCar win chance

Marcus Armstrong came within three laps of potentially claiming his first IndyCar Series win at Road America on Sunday, but the New Zealander’s performance went unrewarded as his No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda spewed smoke from its exhausts while trying to fend off eventual winner Christian Lundgaard in the final moments of the race.

Armstrong was executing his strongest race to date after being fastest or close to fastest in every session, qualifying third, leading 14 of the 55 laps, and managing the lead over Lundgaard when he lost propulsion.

“It was all smooth sailing, and I came out of Turn 6 and the engine started stopping like it was out of fuel, but clearly it wasn't,” Armstrong said. “And then it just completely died. We’ll have to speak to Honda to see what the issue was, but there was no indication that there was something wrong.

"I’m massively proud of the guys and girls on this team. We had the quickest car today and I think we had the quickest car all weekend. My engineers did everything right, my pit crew as well. I’m just gutted really.”