IndyCar News: Laguna Seca home race for Rossi and Siegel
Both IndyCar drivers Alexander Rossi and Nolan Siegel are originally from Northern California, with Siegel a native of Palo Alto and Rossi in Nevada City.
However, while they share a geographical bond, the NorCal drivers enter the Java House Monterey Grand Prix at completely different points in their careers. Rossi is a seasoned veteran who has competed in multiple series, while Siegel is tackling his first full season in the premier NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
While Rossi grew up in the quaint and picturesque mountain town of Nevada City, he moved to Europe as a teenager to focus on his racing career. That relocation strategy paid off as he became the first American to win the Formula BMW championship in 2008.
An obvious talent behind the wheel, he quickly moved through the European racing ranks, becoming only the second American to compete at the GP2 (now Formula 2) level. In 2012, Rossi joined the Caterham F1 team as test driver, becoming the first American to drive in an F1 season since Scott Speed in 2007.
After four more years in F1 as a reserve and test driver, Rossi joined the INDYCAR Series in 2016, shocking the motorsports world with a victory at the Indianapolis 500 in his first attempt.
He now pilots the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing.
Over a decade younger than Rossi, Siegel’s racing career is just starting to hit its stride. He was named 2023 INDY NXT Rookie of the Year after finishing the season third in points with two victories. The following year, he competed part-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES while also securing an LMP2 Class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For 2025, Siegel is racing the No. 6 McLaren Racing Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren.
Neither driver has yet enjoyed the “home court advantage” many sports teams crave at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Rossi posted a best finish of third at the Grand Prix of Monterey in 2024, while Siegel finished 12th in his INDYCAR debut on the iconic road course last year.
That could all change when the former teammates return to the fabled circuit for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, July 25-27.
