Indy NXT - INDY NXT by Firestone at World Wide Technology Raceway

The INDY NXT by Firestone at World Wide Technology Raceway brings the premier indylights racing series to Madison, Illinois for the 2026 season. This race represents a key stop in the 17-race schedule that serves as the primary development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. World Wide Technology Raceway hosts this open-wheel racing competition, where emerging drivers compete in identical Dallara IL-15 chassis on one of the most challenging oval tracks in North America.

The Circuit at World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway features a 1.25-mile egg-shaped oval that tests driver skill and precision. The track sits just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. The asymmetric layout creates unique challenges for indylights competitors. Turns 1 and 2 have banking between 9 and 11 degrees and require sharp entries. Turns 3 and 4 are wider and flatter, which demands different racing lines and strategies.

The facility spans over 600 acres and serves as the largest outdoor entertainment complex in the St. Louis region. Beyond the oval, the complex includes a quarter-mile drag strip, a 2.0-mile road course, and a karting facility. The track opened in 1997 after the venue originally began as a drag strip in 1967. Curtis Francois purchased and renovated the facility in 2012, and World Wide Technology acquired naming rights in 2019.

Drivers and Teams in the 2026 INDY NXT Season

The 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone series implements an entry limit of 24 cars, with teams capped at four entries each. Several drivers confirmed their participation through testing at World Wide Technology Raceway in April 2026. Myles Rowe competes for Abel Motorsports with Force Indy and posted the fastest lap during testing at 162.636 mph, demonstrating strong oval-racing capability.

Lochie Hughes drives for Andretti Global and recorded the second-fastest lap at 162.076 mph during the same test session. Rookie Alessandro de Tullio joins AJ Foyt Racing and achieved the third-fastest time. Other confirmed drivers include Max Garcia with Abel Motorsports, Nikita Johnson at Cape Motorsports, Tymek Kucharczyk with HMD Motorsports, Salvador de Alba at HMD Motorsports, and Matteo Nannini driving for Cape Motorsports.

Technical Specifications of INDY NXT Cars

The indylights series uses the Dallara IL-15 chassis, a single-seat open-wheel race car that meets FIA safety specifications. The chassis includes a halo cockpit protection device that was introduced in 2021. Advanced Engine Research (AER) supplies the P63 turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 2.0-liter displacement. The engine produces 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through Push to Pass functionality.

These engines run an entire season without requiring a rebuild. An Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift actuation transmits power to the rear wheels. Firestone serves as the exclusive tire supplier and provides a single tire specification for all teams. This standardization helps drivers learn tire management skills they will need in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. INDY NXT cars reach speeds exceeding 186 mph on oval circuits like World Wide Technology Raceway.

The Road to IndyCar

INDY NXT by Firestone functions as the highest step on the Road to Indy ladder system. IndyCar directly operates this developmental series, which has carried IndyCar sanctioning since 2002. Many successful INDYCAR drivers advanced through this indylights program, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O'Ward. The series provides young drivers with professional racing experience in open-wheel competition.

The 2026 season features 17 races, which ties the series record for most events in a single season. This expanded schedule gives drivers more opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their abilities to INDYCAR teams. FOX Sports broadcasts all 2026 INDY NXT races, with coverage primarily on FS1. Practice and qualifying sessions are also available on FS1, FS2, and the FOX Sports app.

What Makes This Race Distinctive

The INDY NXT by Firestone at World Wide Technology Raceway combines high speeds with technical driving challenges. The egg-shaped oval configuration differs from traditional symmetrical ovals, which means drivers must adapt their approach for each end of the track. The varying banking angles require different braking points and throttle application strategies.

Madison, Illinois provides easy access for fans from the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The track's history includes periods of closure and revival, reflecting the dedication of local motorsports supporters. The venue once sat on swampland, earning the nickname "the swamp" during its early drag racing days. Gateway National Golf Links sits adjacent to the racing complex, adding to the entertainment options at the facility.

The indylights race at World Wide Technology Raceway showcases emerging talent in competitive oval racing conditions. The event demonstrates driver development as competitors work with identical equipment and Firestone spec tires. Race outcomes depend on driver skill, team strategy, and setup decisions rather than equipment advantages. This format highlights individual talent and prepares drivers for careers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.