The telehandler and materials handling solutions leader is teaming up with INDY NXT podium regular James Roe in an exciting high-speed partnership.
Rock Hill, SC - Merlo America is proud to announce a new partnership with regular podium contender INDY NXT by Firestone driver James Roe. The collaboration begins with the upcoming Milwaukee Mile event and will continue into a full-season program for 2026 and beyond.
The Milwaukee Mile – believed to be the oldest continuously operating venue for motor racing in the world –will be the debut for Merlo America on Roe’s Andretti Global ride. On August 23, he’ll debut the Merlo America logo on the engine cover of his race car, a bold addition to his ride that will be seen by thousands of open-wheel fans throughout the weekend. Beyond the circuit, Roe will also connect with Merlo America’s network of dealers and customers at CONEXPO 2026, North America’s largest construction trade show held in Las Vegas between March 3-7, 2026.
“Merlo America’s commitment to innovation and performance mirrors James’s own unstoppable approach to racing,” said Cole Renken, General Manager for Merlo America. “We hope that having our support, starting at Milwaukee and building into next season, will be a welcome boost as James pushes for victories and continues climbing the ladder toward INDYCAR.”
Backing a rising star in motorsport
Raised in a hard-working automotive family in Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, Roe’s passion for racing began at age 15. After moving to the U.S. in 2018, he quickly made a name for himself with race wins, lap records, and a Rookie Championship in USF Pro 2000. Now in his third full season of INDY NXT with Andretti Global, Roe has collected multiple podium finishes, a pole position, and a track lap record at Iowa Speedway, while also co-driving the inaugural LMP2 entry of Pratt Miller Motorsports in select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events.
This next chapter of Roe’s career is powered by a partnership that brings together two storied legacies with shared Italian roots: Merlo, a family-owned global leader in material handling solutions founded in Italy, and Andretti, one of the most iconic names in motorsports. Backed by over 60 years of innovation and craftsmanship, Merlo America represents the Merlo Group in the U.S. market, and through this collaboration with Roe and his racing partners, the brand is set to reach an even broader audience across North America.
"I'm super excited to team up with Merlo America for the Milwaukee race and beyond,” said Roe. “Their commitment to innovation, technology and excellence really resonates with me. I believe that together, we can push boundaries and elevate each other both on and off the race track”
At last year’s Milwaukee race, Roe cruised to a strong sixth-place finish, continuing his roll of top-10 performances. This partnership fuels the next big leap for Roe’s career and puts Merlo America in pole position across U.S top motorsport venues.
A partnership destined to be a winner
Roe’s determination and winning mindset have made a strong impression on the motorsport community, showcasing both his talent behind the wheel and his relentless drive to succeed. Merlo America is proud to support a sportsman who shares its core values of competition, excellence and fair play – and we are sure our collaboration is set to make a lasting impact across North America’s racing community. The Merlo America team is excited to stand trackside in Milwaukee, cheering James on and celebrating his first race of the season with us.
“At Merlo America, we pride ourselves on machines that elevate, and we look forward to supporting Roe, a motorsport star who expertly accelerates on some of the world’s fastest tracks. This partnership is raising performance to a new level, both on the job site and the podium, and is the start of something remarkable,” Jennifer Brigman, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Merlo America.
