Indy NXT - Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio

The Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio features the Indy NXT by Firestone series at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. This doubleheader race weekend represents a significant stop on the Road to Indy ladder, where rising stars of open-wheel racing compete for positions and the opportunity to advance to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 2026 edition brings two races to this natural terrain road course, with both events scheduled for live broadcast on FS1. The Indy NXT by Firestone series, formerly known as Indy Lights, serves as the primary developmental series for IndyCar's premier level.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Overview

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course spans 330 acres of natural terrain in Lexington, Ohio. Racing professionals often describe this venue as "the most competitive road course in the U.S." The track offers two primary configurations: a 2.4-mile layout with 15 turns, and a 2.258-mile layout with 13 turns that bypasses the Keyhole chicane.

Significant elevation changes define the circuit's character. Turn One presents drivers with a blind, high-speed entry that demands precision. The "Madness" section features a roller-coaster series of esses that test car setup and driver skill. The nearly 360-degree Carousel provides multiple racing lines, creating opportunities for overtaking. The back section of the track allows speeds approaching 200 mph.

The facility holds a Grade Two rating from the FIA, reflecting its high standards for international racing. Grandstands accommodate 12,000 spectators, while grassy hillsides throughout the property provide viewing areas for an additional 75,000 fans. The track opened in 1962 and quickly established itself as a premier racing venue in North America.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 Indy NXT by Firestone season features a projected grid of up to 24 entries. Several established teams will compete at the Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, including HMD Motorsports, Andretti Global, Abel Motorsports, Juncos Hollinger Racing, AJ Foyt Racing, Cape Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Cusick Morgan Motorsports.

Confirmed drivers for the 2026 season include Jack Beeton and Enzo Fittipaldi with HMD Motorsports, Nicolas Stati with Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and Myles Rowe with Abel Motorsports with Force Indy. Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, and Colin Kaminsky will drive for Abel Motorsports. Josh Pierson represents Andretti Global, while Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio compete for A. J. Foyt Racing. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR fields Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing's lineup includes James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Additional drivers include Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, and Max Taylor.

Technical Specifications

Chassis and Safety

All Indy NXT by Firestone cars utilize the Dallara IL-15 chassis. This single-seat, open-wheel design includes paddle shifters and push-to-pass functionality. Safety components meet FIA specifications and INDYCAR standards, incorporating headrests, seats, and Zylon anti-intrusion side panels.

Engine and Performance

An Advanced Engine Research (AER) 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine powers each car. The engine produces 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through Push-to-Pass activation. This power-to-weight ratio creates competitive racing on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course layout.

Tires

The series exclusively uses Firestone Firehawk race tires, specifically engineered for each car and track condition. Unlike the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy NXT typically uses only one type of dry tire for races. Rain tires are available for wet road and street courses.

Circuit History and Legacy

Jim Trueman, a renowned road racer and Red Roof Inns founder, acquired the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 1982. He undertook significant renovations to modernize the facility. The track has hosted major American road racing series throughout its history, including Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and CART.

In 1963, track officials replaced a slow section called "Oak Tree Bend" with the fast downhill "Thunder Valley," which remains a distinctive feature today. Indy Lights has maintained a long association with Mid-Ohio, with races frequently held as support events to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Many current and past INDYCAR stars developed their skills in this series. Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O'Ward all competed in Indy Lights before advancing to the premier level. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course also hosts The Mid-Ohio School, offering various driving and riding courses throughout the year.

The Road to Indy

The Indy NXT by Firestone series represents the highest step on the "Road to Indy," a structured program that prepares drivers for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This progression system provides drivers with consistent equipment and competition as they develop their craft. Success in Indy NXT opens doors to full-time rides in IndyCar, making each race at venues like the Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio critical for driver advancement.

The doubleheader format at Mid-Ohio provides drivers with two opportunities to earn points and showcase their abilities. Each race tests different aspects of driver performance, from qualifying pace to race strategy and tire management. The natural terrain layout of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course amplifies these challenges, creating races that often feature multiple lead changes and close finishes.

This race weekend in Lexington, Ohio, delivers competitive open-wheel racing from the next generation of IndyCar talent. The combination of a challenging circuit, a strong field of teams and drivers, and the high stakes of the Road to Indy ladder creates compelling racing action for fans watching on FS1 or attending in person.