Indy NXT - Gateway

The Indy NXT by Firestone series returns to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway for the 2026 season. This developmental open-wheel racing series, formerly known as Indy Lights, will compete on the distinctive oval at Gateway Motorsport Park as a support race to the NTT IndyCar Series event. The race serves as Round 8 of a 17-race season and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports. This Gateway event offers fans a chance to watch the next generation of IndyCar stars compete on one of the most challenging ovals in American motorsports.

The Circuit at Gateway Motorsport Park

World Wide Technology Raceway sits in Madison, Illinois, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. The Indy NXT race takes place on the facility's 1.25-mile oval, which features a unique egg-shaped design that sets it apart from traditional ovals. Drivers face different challenges in each corner due to varying degrees of banking. Turns 1 and 2 share characteristics with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, while Turns 3 and 4 resemble Phoenix Raceway. This variation demands precise car setup and driver skill.

The 340-acre Gateway facility includes a quarter-mile drag strip, infield road courses measuring 1.6 miles and 2.0 miles, and a karting complex. The Indy NXT series uses only the oval configuration for competition. Qualifying at Gateway follows a one-shot, single-car format where each driver completes two timed laps, with the combined time determining the starting grid position.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 Indy NXT season features an expanded grid with up to 24 entries. Series rules limit teams to four cars maximum, though technical partnerships allow some organizations to support additional entries. Several teams have confirmed their lineups for the Gateway race and the full season.

Confirmed Participants

Andretti Global fields four drivers: Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. The team pursues its eighth championship in the series. HMD Motorsports enters Salvador de Alba, Jack Beeton, Enzo Fittipaldi, and Tymek Kucharczyk, while also providing technical support to Cusick Morgan Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing.

AJ Foyt Racing runs Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro De Tullio. Abel Motorsports brings a four-car effort with Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, Myles Rowe, and Collin Kaminsky. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR fields Nikita Johnson and Matteo Nannini. The new Cusick Morgan Motorsports team enters Nicolas Stati and Juan Manuel Correa.

Chip Ganassi Racing expands to four cars with James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter confirmed for the full season. Juncos Hollinger Racing returns to Indy NXT with a two-car program.

Technical Specifications

Indy NXT uses spec racing equipment to ensure close competition and emphasize driver talent. All teams use the same chassis, engine, and tire supplier.

Chassis and Safety

The Dallara IL-15 carbon chassis has served the series since 2015. A halo cockpit protection device was added in 2021 to enhance driver safety. The cars weigh between 1,410 and 1,430 pounds without driver or fuel. They can reach top speeds exceeding 210 mph on speedways like Gateway.

Engine and Drivetrain

All cars use a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four Advanced Engine Research P63 engine producing 450 horsepower. A push-to-pass system adds 50 horsepower, though it sees primary use on road and street courses. The engines last an entire season without requiring rebuilds. For 2026, new Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearboxes with electronic shift actuation replace the previous Ricardo units. A Tilton carbon three-plate clutch completes the drivetrain.

Suspension and Tires

The cars feature fully independent pushrod-type suspension at both ends with Dynamic DSSV dampers. PFC components make up the braking system, including rotors, calipers, and pads. Firestone provides all racing slicks and rain tires for the series.

Series and Venue History

The series now called Indy NXT by Firestone began as the American Racing Series in 1986. It became Indy Lights in 1991, then ran as the Infiniti Pro Series from 2002 to 2007 before returning to the Indy Lights name from 2008 to 2022. IndyCar assumed direct operation and rebranded the series to Indy NXT in 2023. The series serves as the primary feeder category for the NTT IndyCar Series.

World Wide Technology Raceway opened in 1967 as St. Louis Raceway Park, initially focusing on drag racing. A road course was added in 1985. Promoter Chris Pook led construction of the current oval speedway in the mid-1990s. The track hosted its first major open-wheel event, a CART Series race, in May 1997. After closing in 2010, former Indy Lights driver Curtis Francois reopened the facility in 2011 as Gateway Motorsports Park. A sponsorship agreement with World Wide Technology led to the current name.

What Makes This Event Special

The Indy NXT champion receives a scholarship package that includes funding for two IndyCar tests and entry into two NTT IndyCar Series races, including the Indianapolis 500. This makes every race critical for drivers pursuing their IndyCar dreams.

Gateway Motorsport Park presents a unique challenge with its egg-shaped oval and varying banking. Many drivers praise the track for its demanding nature and the multiple racing lines available. The venue's current owner, Curtis Francois, raced in Indy Lights before becoming a track owner, creating a personal connection to the developmental series.

The 2026 Gateway race coincides with the Celebration of Route 66 Festival, as the famous highway marks its 100th anniversary. This adds special significance to the event weekend.

Indy NXT racing at Gateway offers close competition and excellent racing action. The spec equipment ensures that driver skill and team strategy determine race outcomes. The single-car qualifying format adds pressure and creates opportunities for unexpected grid positions. Fans watching the Gateway race will see future IndyCar stars competing at a track that rewards both bravery and precision.