Journey of Caymanian Driver Simpson: The talented Barbados-born Caymanian driver joined CGR as a development driver in May 2022. This significant event occurred two races into his possible Indy NXT career. He had already finished fifth at Barber Motorsports Park.
He finished tenth in the rookie standings despite switching from TJ Speed Motorsports to HMD Motorsports midway through the season, demonstrating his adaptability and competence.
Simpson won the 2021 Formula Regional Americas Championship after winning seven races, 13 podiums, and two pole positions. This displayed his talent, especially for his age.
By 2023, the 18-year-old star had an excellent record in Indy NXT. This includes a career-best second-place finish at Mid-Ohio, another podium, and a pole. It was beautiful to finish 10th in the title rankings. Simpson attended 13 of 14 events. The Gateway 1.25-mile track was his sole miss. He couldn’t since he worked full-time for the European Le Mans Series.
Simpson’s extensive and varied racing career shows why his ascendancy to North America’s premier open-wheel title couldn’t have happened at a better moment. His diverse racing skills demonstrate his growth. Simpson represented Algarve Pro Racing in the ELMS and helped them finish third in the Asian Le Mans Series earlier this year. He has competed in IMSA endurance rounds for two years. He and Gradient Racing won Petit Le Mans GTD last year. His Tower Motorsports team with John Farano and Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske had won the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring this year.
Simpson on his varied experiences: “Doing all these programs has benefitted me in numerous ways. Racing sports cars has improved my fuel and pit stop management. We don’t employ these talents in Indy NXT, where you run hard. Because of my close calls with other drivers this year, I’ve improved my racing talents.
Simpson’s Ganassi journey has been winding. He attended engineering debriefs and learned how the team operates and how to improve while receiving coaching and feedback. He tested CGR’s Indy cars in Sebring in January. This gave him a fascinating perspective on top open-wheel racing.
Simpson replied, “Yes, working with the team, getting to know them, and learning how they do things has been very helpful.”Meeting engineers and laborers has also been helpful. This should help me in the coming year. I’m delighted to work with them more closely.
Simpson’s offseason preparation and sports car duties are underway. This includes a lot of simulator work with hopeful results. He has not decided on a car number or a tech and strategy staff for next year. Simpson seems relaxed and doesn’t expect much, especially though his teammate Linus Lundqvist won the 2022 Indy NXT.
Simpson confidently stated, “I don’t have any goals for myself right now.” “Winning Rookie of the Year would be great, but I’m undecided.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
Where is Kyffin Simpson from?
Kyffin, hailing from Barbados and now residing in the Cayman Islands, embarked on his racing career at the tender age of 9. He quickly made a name for himself by clinching his first championship win in the Barbados Karting Association. Fast forward to 2021, and Kyffin has added another feather to his cap by winning the Formula Regional Americas title. His impressive achievements have earned him a coveted spot as a member of the HPD GT Academy.
