Indy NXT - Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Race 1

The Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Race 1 brings the Indy NXT by Firestone series to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. This race represents the first of two Indy NXT competitions during a doubleheader weekend at this renowned natural-terrain circuit. The indylights series, known for developing future stars of open-wheel racing, features some of the most competitive racing in American motorsports. All Indy NXT races, including both events at Mid-Ohio, will receive live broadcast coverage on FOX Sports 1.

About Indy NXT by Firestone

Indy NXT by Firestone serves as the official developmental series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The series helps advance drivers and team personnel to top-tier open-wheel racing. The championship features 17 races throughout the season, marking a record-tying schedule that includes multiple doubleheader weekends. The series champion earns a scholarship package that includes two IndyCar tests and entry for two NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, including the Indianapolis 500.

The series began the season with 24 cars, representing the largest grid since 2009. This expansion reflects growing interest in the indylights championship and provides more opportunities for young drivers to showcase their abilities. A rule change limits teams to a maximum of four cars, creating opportunities for new organizations to join the competition.

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a natural-terrain road course located in Lexington, Ohio, positioned between Columbus and Cleveland. The facility opened in 1962 and has earned recognition as one of the most competitive circuits in the United States.

Track Configuration

The circuit offers two primary road course configurations. The Indy NXT by Firestone series uses the 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. This configuration tests driver skill through a combination of elevation changes, high-speed corners, and tight technical sections. The track features a narrow 40-foot racing ribbon that demands precision from competitors.

Signature corners include the "Keyhole" and the "Carousel," both requiring careful approach and execution. A separate starting line on the backstretch allows for safer rolling starts compared to traditional grid starts.

Facility Features

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course holds an FIA Grade 2 classification. The facility provides grandstand seating for 12,000 spectators, with additional observation mounds increasing total capacity beyond 75,000. The venue also houses The Mid-Ohio School, which offers over 20 driving and riding courses ranging from defensive driving programs to high-performance instruction.

Race Format and Technical Specifications

The Cars

All Indy NXT teams compete with the Dallara IL-15 chassis, introduced in 2015. The cars feature carbon chassis and bodywork, paddle shifters, and safety components meeting FIA specifications. A cockpit protection device, commonly called a "halo," was added in 2021 for enhanced driver safety.

The Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 serves as the series' standard powerplant. This 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine produces 450 horsepower. Drivers gain access to an additional 50 horsepower through the "Push to Pass" system on road and street courses. These engines are built to run an entire season without requiring a rebuild.

A 6-speed sequential gearbox from Xtrac with electronic shift actuation handles power delivery. Firestone supplies a single tire compound for all Indy NXT races, creating equal conditions for all competitors. Cosworth provides looms, data loggers, dashes, displays, and sensors, while Life Racing supplies the ECU, paddle-shift kit, drive-by-wire throttle control, and driver-adjustable map settings.

Expected Participants

The Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Race 1 will feature entries from established Indy NXT teams. Organizations with existing indylights programs include Abel Motorsports, Andretti Global, HMD Motorsports, and Juncos Hollinger Racing. The expanded grid creates close competition throughout the field.

History and Legacy

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was founded by Les Griebling and local businessmen for weekend sports car racing. The track originally featured 16 turns, reduced to 15 in 1963 when drivers found the original layout too slow. The modification replaced "Oak Tree Bend" with "Thunder Valley." Jim Trueman, founder of Red Roof Inns, purchased the facility in 1981 and initiated significant renovations including permanent grandstands and redesigned paddock areas. The track received resurfacing and widening in 1990, creating the two primary layouts used today. Green Savoree Racing Promotions has owned and operated the venue since 2011.

The indylights series has operated as the primary development ladder for IndyCar since 1977 under various names. The current IndyCar-sanctioned version began in 2002 as the Infiniti Pro Series, was rebranded as Indy Lights in 2008, and became Indy NXT by Firestone in 2023. Many prominent NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers developed their skills through this championship, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O'Ward.

What Makes This Event Special

The Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Race 1 combines a challenging circuit with the competitive nature of the indylights series. The natural-terrain layout at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course demands complete driver focus and rewards smooth, consistent performance. The narrow racing surface creates opportunities for strategic overtaking while punishing mistakes.

The doubleheader weekend format provides fans with two complete races, allowing drivers to adjust their approach between Race 1 and Race 2. This format tests team adaptability and driver learning capability. The live broadcast coverage on FOX Sports 1 brings the action to viewers across the country.

Mid-Ohio has hosted diverse racing series throughout its history, including IndyCar, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, NASCAR Xfinity Series, Can-Am, and F5000. This heritage adds depth to any event at the facility. The indylights series continues this tradition by bringing the next generation of open-wheel talent to Lexington, Ohio.

The expanded season schedule provides more opportunities for drivers to gain experience on different types of circuits. The Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Race 1 serves as a key test of road course skills, helping identify which competitors possess the complete skill set needed for advancement to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.