Indy NXT Calendar

Indy NXT by Firestone serves as the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, providing the primary pathway for drivers seeking to compete in North America's top open-wheel championship. The 2026 season features an expanded 17-race calendar across 12 venues, with all events taking place during IndyCar Series race weekends. The series champion earns a scholarship package that includes funding for two IndyCar tests and entry into two IndyCar Series races, including the Indianapolis 500, making each championship battle a crucial stepping stone toward professional advancement.

Race Weekend Structure

Each Indy NXT event weekend typically consists of one or two practice sessions, qualifying, and one or two races. The qualifying format varies by circuit type. On road and street courses, the field divides into two groups, each receiving 10 minutes of track time, with the fastest driver across both sessions earning pole position. During doubleheader weekends, each driver's fastest lap sets the grid for Race 1, while their second-fastest lap determines the Race 2 starting order. Oval qualifying uses a single-car format, with drivers completing two warm-up laps and two timed laps in reverse championship order, with pole position awarded based on the fastest aggregate speed.

Calendar and Event Types

The 2026 season includes a diverse mix of road courses, street circuits, and oval tracks that mirror the variety found in IndyCar competition. Five doubleheader weekends provide additional racing experience throughout the season. The calendar opens on the Streets of St. Petersburg in March and concludes with a doubleheader at Laguna Seca in September. Notable events include doubleheaders at Barber Motorsports Park, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Road America, and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Oval races take place at Gateway Motorsports Park, Nashville Superspeedway, and Milwaukee Mile. The season also features the debut of the Streets of Arlington street circuit. All practice sessions, qualifying, and races are broadcast on FOX Sports networks.

Technical Specifications

Indy NXT utilizes a spec car package designed to prepare drivers for IndyCar competition. All teams use the Dallara IL-15 chassis, a carbon fiber single-seat open-wheel car that has been in service since 2015. The halo cockpit protection device was added in 2021, meeting FIA specifications and IndyCar safety standards. Power comes from an Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the push-to-pass system on road and street courses. The engine is designed to last an entire season without rebuilding. An Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift actuation handles power delivery, while Firestone serves as the exclusive tire supplier. Unlike IndyCar, Indy NXT cars run the same aerodynamic package on both oval and road courses.

Competition and Teams

The 2026 season features the largest grid since 2009, with established teams like Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, and HMD Motorsports joined by new entries including AJ Foyt Racing and Cusick Morgan Motorsports. Teams can field up to four cars, with technical partnerships allowing some operations to expand their presence. The competitive field includes defending race winners, USF Pro 2000 champions making their series debut, and experienced drivers with multiple seasons of competition. Points are awarded based on race results, pole positions, laps led, and other performance factors throughout the season, creating multiple paths to championship success.