Indy NXT - Indianapolis II

Indianapolis II represents the second race of the Indy NXT by Firestone doubleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indy NXT series serves as the official development program for the NTT IndyCar Series and forms the top level of the Road to Indy ladder. This race gives drivers a crucial opportunity to demonstrate their skills on one of motorsports' most famous venues as they work toward IndyCar competition.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

The Indianapolis II indylights race takes place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. This 2.439-mile circuit features 14 turns and combines portions of the famous oval with an infield section. The layout incorporates Turns 1 and 2 from the oval, along with the front straightaway, before diving into the technical infield sections.

The road course first opened in 2000 for the Formula One United States Grand Prix. The track has evolved through several modifications since then. The current configuration offers both speed and technical challenge, testing drivers on braking, acceleration, and racecraft. Spectators benefit from excellent viewing positions throughout the facility.

Series Details

Indy NXT by Firestone carries forward the legacy of the Indy Lights series under a new name. The series adopted the Indy NXT branding in 2023 while maintaining its role as the primary development series for IndyCar. The Road to Indy program uses this series to prepare drivers for the transition to top-level competition.

The 2026 season includes 17 races total. Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts two of these races during the same weekend, with Indianapolis II serving as the second competition. This doubleheader format gives teams and drivers multiple chances to refine their setups and strategies at the same venue.

Teams and Drivers for 2026

The 2026 Indy NXT season features up to 24 entries from eight confirmed teams. Chip Ganassi Racing expands to a four-car program for this season, joining other established operations.

Confirmed Teams

ABEL Motorsports fields four drivers: Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, Myles Rowe, and Collin Kaminsky. Andretti Global also runs a four-car effort with Lochie Hughes, Seb Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. AJ Foyt Racing enters Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro De Tullio. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR has confirmed Nikita Johnson with one seat still available.

Cusick Morgan Motorsports brings Nicolas Stati and Juan Manuel Correa to the grid. HMD Motorsports runs Jack Beeton and Enzo Fittipaldi with two additional positions open. Juncos Hollinger Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing round out the team roster.

Technical Specifications

All Indy NXT competitors use the Dallara IL15 chassis paired with AER engines. Firestone provides the spec tires for every team. The 2026 season introduces a significant technical update with new Xtrac six-speed transmissions replacing the previous Ricardo units. These new gearboxes feature a semi-automatic shifting system and address parts supply concerns.

The technical regulations create close competition by standardizing major components. Teams differentiate themselves through setup choices, driver coaching, and race strategy rather than outright engineering advantages.

Historical Context

The Indy Lights series has raced at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in various formats over the years. In 2003, the series made history by holding the first May race at the track besides the Indianapolis 500 since 1910. Between 2005 and 2007, Indy Lights ran two separate events at the facility each year: the Freedom 100 on the oval and the Liberty Challenge on the road course.

The modern iteration of this developmental series began in 2002 as the Infiniti Pro Series. The series reclaimed the Indy Lights name in 2008 after the unification of CART and IndyCar. The rebranding to Indy NXT by Firestone occurred in 2023, reflecting the series' evolution while maintaining its developmental mission.

The Brickyard Legacy

Indianapolis Motor Speedway earned its nickname "The Brickyard" from its original 1909 surface, which used 3.2 million bricks. A symbolic yard of bricks remains at the start/finish line today. The facility received National Historic Landmark status in 1987, recognizing its unique contribution to automotive racing history.

The venue holds the distinction of being the highest-capacity sports facility in the world. Permanent seating accommodates approximately 257,325 spectators, with infield areas pushing total capacity to around 400,000. This massive scale creates an atmosphere unlike any other racing venue.

What Makes Indianapolis II Special

Indianapolis II gives teams and drivers a second opportunity to compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the same weekend. The close spacing between races rewards adaptability and quick learning. Teams can apply lessons from the first race immediately, while drivers must maintain focus and performance across multiple competitions.

The race serves as a proving ground for young talent aspiring to IndyCar careers. Many current IndyCar stars developed their skills in this series at this same track. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course demands precise braking, smooth throttle application, and strategic tire management. Success here demonstrates a driver's readiness for the next level.

The combination of oval elements and road course sections creates a unique challenge found nowhere else in motorsports. Drivers experience the sensation of racing on the famous Indianapolis oval straightaway before transitioning to the technical infield. This blend tests versatility and rewards complete racers who can handle different track characteristics within a single lap.