Indy NXT - Grand Prix at Road America Race 2

The Grand Prix at Road America Race 2 brings the INDY NXT by Firestone series to the legendary Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This race serves as the second round of a doubleheader weekend at one of North America's premier road courses. INDY NXT, formerly known as Indy Lights, represents the top level of the Road to Indy development ladder. The series prepares young drivers for careers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. FOX Sports will broadcast the race live on FS1, with coverage also available through the FOX Sports app.

About the INDY NXT Series

INDY NXT by Firestone operates as a spec series where all competitors use identical equipment. This format places emphasis on driver skill rather than engineering advantages. The series features a 17-race calendar with events at road courses, street circuits, and oval tracks across North America. All teams compete with the same chassis, engines, and technical specifications.

The qualifying format at Road America divides drivers into two groups based on practice session times. Each group receives 10 minutes of track time. The fastest combined time across two laps determines pole position. Drivers who cause red flags during qualifying lose their best two timed laps.

Road America Circuit

Road America opened in 1955 and maintains its original layout across 640 acres of rolling terrain. The facility is located in the Kettle Moraine region between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Engineer Clif Tufte designed the circuit using the natural landscape features of the glacial moraine.

Track Layout and Characteristics

The 4.048-mile circuit features 14 turns with significant elevation changes throughout. The front straight allows cars to reach speeds near 200 mph. "The Kink" on the back section of the track tests driver precision at high speed. The FIA classifies Road America as a Grade Two circuit.

Spectators can access hillside seating that accommodates over 150,000 people. The open seating policy allows fans to move freely around the grounds. The park-like setting spans the entire facility.

The Competition

The Grand Prix at Road America Race 2 will feature rising talents from the INDY NXT by Firestone series. These drivers compete for championship points while showcasing their abilities to potential IndyCar team owners and sponsors.

Teams and Drivers

Multiple teams will field entries at Road America. Abel Motorsports brings Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, and Colin Kaminsky, along with Myles Rowe through their partnership with Force Indy. Andretti Global fields a four-car effort with Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. A.J. Foyt Racing enters Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio.

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR competes with Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing runs a four-car program featuring James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports fields Nicolas Stati, while HMD Motorsports enters Salvador de Alba. Juncos Hollinger Racing brings Alexander Koreiba to the grid.

Technical Specifications

All INDY NXT competitors use the Dallara IL-15 chassis. This single-seat, open-wheel design features carbon fiber construction. The chassis meets FIA safety requirements and includes additional INDYCAR standards. A cockpit protection device provides driver safety.

The Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 engine powers every car. This turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder unit produces approximately 450 horsepower. A "Push to Pass" system adds 50 horsepower temporarily for overtaking maneuvers or defensive driving. The engines run an entire season without requiring rebuilds.

Cars weigh 1,520 pounds on road courses like Road America. An Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox handles gear changes through electronic actuation. Firestone supplies all tires for the series. The suspension uses a pushrod design with inboard dampers at both front and rear.

Road America Racing Heritage

Road America has hosted open-wheel racing since its founding. The venue has been part of various developmental series that preceded INDY NXT. The current series began as the Infiniti Pro Series in 2002 and adopted the Indy Lights name in 2008 following the unification of CART and IndyCar.

The circuit maintains its original 4.048-mile configuration, making it one of few tracks worldwide to preserve its historical layout. Road America hosts over 500 events annually, including karting at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex and various driving schools. The facility generates significant economic impact for Sheboygan County and Wisconsin.

The Grand Prix at Road America Race 2 will test drivers across one of America's most challenging road courses. The combination of high speeds, elevation changes, and technical corners creates close competition throughout the field. The race provides valuable championship points as teams and drivers pursue the season title.