Indy NXT - Indianapolis I

The Indianapolis I indylights event brings Indy NXT by Firestone racing to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026. This doubleheader weekend features two races on the IMS Road Course, with the series competing alongside the NTT INDYCAR Series. Indy NXT serves as the official development series for IndyCar, providing drivers with the skills and experience needed to advance to the premier level of open-wheel racing in North America.

Race Format at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis I indylights event includes two separate races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The doubleheader format is standard for Indy NXT on road and street courses. Race 1 will air on FS2, while Race 2 will broadcast on FS1. This setup allows drivers two opportunities to compete and score points on the same circuit.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the indylights races on its road course configuration. The circuit measures 2.439 miles and features 14 turns. The layout incorporates portions of Turns 1 and 2 from the famous oval, along with the front straight. The remaining sections wind through the infield area. This combination creates a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. Spectators enjoy excellent viewing opportunities across the facility.

2026 Participants and Teams

The 2026 Indy NXT season features the largest grid since 2009. A new rule limits teams to four cars maximum, though technical partnerships allow some organizations to support additional entries. The field includes 24 entries across multiple teams.

Confirmed Teams and Drivers

Abel Motorsports fields Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, and Colin Kaminsky. The team also partners with Force Indy to run Myles Rowe. Andretti Global enters four cars with Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. A.J. Foyt Racing brings Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio to the grid.

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR runs Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing operates four entries for James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports fields Juan Manuel Correa and Nicolas Stati.

HMD Motorsports enters Salvador de Alba, Jack Beeton, Enzo Fittipaldi, and Tymek Kucharczyk. Through technical partnerships, HMD supports up to eight cars total. Juncos Hollinger Racing completes the field with Ricardo Escotto and Alexander Koreiba.

Technical Specifications

Indy NXT cars use the Dallara IL-15 chassis, which has served the series since 2015. The chassis received a halo cockpit protection device in 2021 for enhanced driver safety. Advanced Engine Research supplies the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines. These engines produce 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the Push to Pass system.

The cars run the same aerodynamic package on both oval and road courses, unlike the main IndyCar series. Paddle shifters control the transmission. Safety components meet both FIA specifications and INDYCAR standards. Firestone provides all tires for the series, ensuring equal competition across all teams.

Series History and Development Path

Indy NXT by Firestone serves as the primary stepping stone to the NTT INDYCAR Series. The series began as the American Racing Series from 1986 to 1990, then became Indy Lights from 1991 to 2001. The Indy Racing League re-established it in 2002 as the Infiniti Pro Series before returning to the Indy Lights name in 2008. The current Indy NXT branding launched in 2023.

Many current IndyCar drivers developed their careers through this series. Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, Colton Herta, and Pato O'Ward all competed in the indylights championship before advancing to the top level. This proven development path makes the series valuable for young drivers.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has hosted indylights races in various formats over the years. The series made history in 2003 with the Freedom 100, the first May race at IMS since 1910 outside of the Indianapolis 500. From 2005 to 2007, Indy Lights competed twice annually at the facility, once on the oval and once on the road course.

What Makes This Event Notable

The Indianapolis I indylights event showcases emerging talent at one of motorsports' most famous venues. The road course layout at Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides a unique challenge that tests driver skill across different types of corners and speed zones. The blend of oval sections with infield turns creates opportunities for strategic racing and overtaking.

The series champion earns a scholarship that supports their transition to IndyCar. This scholarship covers two IndyCar tests and entry into two IndyCar races, including the Indianapolis 500. This direct path to the premier series adds significance to every race in the championship.

The Dallara IL-15 chassis has proven its value through longevity. By keeping costs manageable, the series maintains its focus on driver development rather than equipment advantages. This approach ensures that talent and racecraft determine success on track.

The doubleheader format at Indianapolis Motor Speedway gives drivers two chances to compete on the same weekend. Each race presents its own strategy considerations and challenges. Teams must optimize their setups while drivers adapt to changing track conditions across both events.

The 2026 season brings the largest grid in years to Indianapolis I. More cars mean more competition and more action throughout the field. The variety of teams, from established operations to newer entries, creates diverse racing scenarios and unpredictable outcomes.