Born into the Argentinian racing culture, Ricardo Juncos began working as a mechanic anywhere he got the chance — often as a pastime with friends, working on their racecars. While committed to learning the car and its mechanics, his true goal was to be a driver. This commitment and dedication paid off when Ricardo began racing in the Formula Renault Series at 22 years old.
Ricardo established Juncos Racing in 1997 in Argentina, but moved to Miami, Florida five years later with only $400 and a dream of creating a champion racing team. Within a week of being in the United States, Ricardo landed a job as a go-kart mechanic. His knowledge and resolve led him to reestablish Juncos Racing in 2003 as a karting team to train upcoming drivers. Team Juncos quickly gained bragging rights, winning over fifteen karting championships in five years.
In 2009, Ricardo transitioned to the Mazda Road to Indy series with the determination to make his team known as a true competitor and eventual champion. Success struck one year in, with driver Conor Daly taking the Pro-Mazda Championship in 2010.
Acknowledging that Indianapolis is the epitome of IndyCar racing, Ricardo ultimately made the decision to relocate there in 2012, and four years later he cut the ribbon of his own shop in Speedway, Indiana, the Indianapolis 500’s home turf.
Ricardo is a humble man whose leadership style stands out among team owners. As a former driver with an education in engineering, Ricardo possesses a unique ability to help translate between drivers and team engineers, making the racing experience richer and more integrated for both groups. It is not uncommon to find him in the shop completing various tasks alongside his team. He takes a back seat at times of celebration, impressing upon his team the sense of unity and rebuffing the notion that any one member is more valuable than another.
Ricardo is an esteemed Argentinian with deep-rooted ancestry in his home country, but his love for the United States is second to none. Ricardo grew up hearing stories of the U.S., but experiencing what this country has to offer has made him a true believer. Ricardo openly recognizes the U.S. as a land of opportunity and security relative to his home country. He appreciates the melting pot of cultures and the scores of honest, loyal, and kind-hearted people who welcome his passion to develop young drivers — of any nationality. This passion is the hallmark the Juncos Racing Mazda Road To Indy program.
Juncos Racing has enjoyed tremendous success over the years. Among these are the 2010 Pro Mazda Championship with driver Conor Daly, 2014 Pro Mazda Championship with driver Spencer Pigot, and taking the 2015 Indy Lights Championship with Pigot in their first season running in the new Indy Lights car. In 2017, Juncos competed in the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 with a mere 64 days to prepare. Driver Sebastian Saavedra finished in a respectful 15th position, while Spencer Pigot finished 18th. The Juncos Team went on to win the 2017 Indy Lights Championship with driver Kyle Kaiser, and the 2017 Pro Mazda Championship with driver Victor Franzoni.
All of the wins and championships are impressive, but Ricardo’s vision and team philosophy are what set Juncos Racing apart. Ricardo is a proven leader who manages to integrate his love for racing and love for family, as evident from the team roster. Ricardo’s wife, Danielle Juncos, is vice president. His father (another former Argentinian racer) Cay Juncos is the team caterer, and his brother Alejandro is the Pro Mazda crew chief. The sign above the door may say “Juncos Racing,” but you don’t need to have the Juncos name to be welcomed into the extended multicultural family within.
STING RAY ROBB
RASMUS LINDH
