Indy NXT - Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1

The Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 brings INDY NXT by Firestone to the IMS Road Course in Indianapolis, Indiana. This race represents the first half of a doubleheader weekend for the series, which serves as the final development step before drivers advance to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The event takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the road course layout combines sections of the famous oval with an infield configuration.

Race Format and Broadcasting

Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 consists of 35 laps, covering a total distance of 85.37 miles. Practice and qualifying sessions occur on the same day as the race. FOX Sports broadcasts all INDY NXT races live on FS1 or FS2, including practice and qualifying sessions. The season features 17 races total, the most for the series since 2021, with five doubleheader weekends on the schedule.

The IMS Road Course

The IMS Road Course measures 2.439 miles in length and features 14 turns. The circuit incorporates portions of Turns 1 and 2 from the oval configuration, along with the front straightaway. The remainder of the course winds through the infield area. This layout offers excellent viewing opportunities for spectators attending the race.

Teams and Drivers

The INDY NXT by Firestone grid for the season is expected to be the largest since 2009. A new regulation limits teams to four cars maximum, though established teams like Andretti Global and HMD Motorsports can support additional entries through technical partnerships.

Confirmed Teams and Drivers

Abel Motorsports fields Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, and Colin Kaminsky, with Myles Rowe competing under the Abel Motorsports with Force Indy banner. Andretti Global runs Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. A. J. Foyt Racing enters rookies Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR campaigns Matteo Nannini and rookie Nikita Johnson.

Chip Ganassi Racing operates a four-car program with James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and rookie Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports fields rookie Nicolas Stati. Juncos Hollinger Racing returns to the series this season as well.

Technical Specifications

All INDY NXT cars use the Dallara IL-15 chassis, which has been in service since 2015. The chassis received a significant safety update in 2021 with the addition of the halo cockpit protection device. The cars run on Firestone tires across all circuit types.

Engine and Performance

Each car uses an Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 2.0-liter displacement. The engine produces 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the Push-to-Pass system on road and street courses. Unlike the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT uses the same aerodynamic package for both oval and road courses.

Transmission Update

A significant technical change for the season involves the replacement of the original six-speed transmission with new Xtrac six-speed units. These new transmissions incorporate a semi-automatic shifting system, addressing previous supply concerns for spare parts with the older Ricardo paddle-shifting units.

Series Heritage and Development Path

INDY NXT by Firestone serves as INDYCAR's premier development series. The series was founded in 2002 as the Infiniti Pro Series, with the Indy Lights name returning in 2008. The current INDY NXT by Firestone branding began in 2023. Many successful NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers have competed in this championship, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Colton Herta, and Pato O'Ward.

The series champion receives a scholarship to support their transition to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This scholarship typically covers two IndyCar tests and entry fees for two races, including the Indianapolis 500. This support helps drivers make the crucial step from development series to top-level competition.

What to Watch For

The Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 at the IMS Road Course offers close racing action with a competitive field of drivers and teams. The doubleheader format provides two separate races on consecutive days, giving teams and drivers multiple opportunities to perform. The mix of experienced competitors and rookies creates varied racing strategies and on-track battles throughout the field.

The combination of oval sections and infield turns at the IMS Road Course tests driver skill across different racing disciplines. Teams must balance setup requirements for the high-speed sections with the technical demands of the infield corners. The 35-lap race distance allows for strategic variations in tire management and the use of Push-to-Pass.