Ricardo Escotto Bio
Ricardo Escotto Lechuga, born on December 14, 2004, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a Mexican racing driver currently competing full-time in the 2025 Indy NXT series for Andretti Cape Indy NXT. He has previously raced part-time in the 2024 Indy NXT for Juncos Hollinger Racing and participated in the 2024 USF Pro 2000 Championship with BN Racing. Escotto began his racing career in 2022, gaining experience in various international Formula 4 championships before moving to American open-wheel racing.
Early Life and Background
Ricardo Escotto was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. Details about his family and early education are not publicly documented. His interest in motorsports led him to begin competitive racing at a young age, with his professional career starting in 2022. Escotto’s early exposure to racing included participation in international Formula 4 championships, which provided a foundation for his development as a driver.
Path to NASCAR
While Ricardo Escotto has not competed in NASCAR, his path has been focused on open-wheel racing series. He progressed through various Formula 4 championships in the UAE, Spain, and Italy during 2022, gaining valuable experience on international circuits. His transition to American open-wheel racing began in 2023 with the USF Pro 2000 Championship, where he secured his first win and continued to build his profile in the competitive racing environment of the United States.
Ricardo Escotto Career
Early Career (2022)
Ricardo Escotto’s professional racing career began in 2022, competing full-time in the F4 Spanish Championship with Cram-Pinnacle. He achieved his best results with two ninth-place finishes at Aragón and ended the season 22nd in the standings. Concurrently, he participated in select rounds of the Italian F4 Championship with Cram Motorsport, gaining further experience in European open-wheel racing.
Additionally, Escotto competed in the 2022 Formula 4 UAE Championship with Cram – Hitech GP. This season proved challenging as he did not score points and finished 25th in the championship. These early years were critical for his development and adaptation to different racing environments and competition levels.
USF Pro 2000 Championship Breakthrough (2023–2024)
In 2023, Ricardo Escotto transitioned to American open-wheel racing by joining Jay Howard Driver Development in the USF Pro 2000 Championship. He secured his first career win at Indianapolis, showcasing his potential by finishing ahead of his teammate Reece Ushijima. Despite this success, Escotto did not achieve additional podium finishes that season and concluded the year 13th in the championship standings.
For the 2024 season, Escotto switched teams to BN Racing in the USF Pro 2000 Championship. His performance improved, earning two podium finishes at Road America and Toronto. He finished ninth in the championship, reflecting steady progress in his racing career within the American open-wheel ladder system.
Indy NXT Era (2024–Present)
Ricardo Escotto made his Indy NXT debut in 2024 with Juncos Hollinger Racing, competing part-time in five races. His best finishes were 13th place at Laguna Seca and Milwaukee. In 2025, Escotto advanced to a full-time Indy NXT seat with Andretti Cape Indy NXT, an Andretti Global affiliated team. This move was aimed at further developing his skills and positioning himself for future opportunities within the Andretti racing organization.
However, in July 2025, Andretti Cape announced they had parted ways with Escotto ahead of the Laguna Seca double-header. Despite this setback, his involvement with a top-tier team like Andretti highlights his potential and the competitive nature of his racing career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ricardo Escotto’s driving style reflects adaptability across various circuits and racing conditions. His early career in diverse Formula 4 championships and American open-wheel series demonstrates his ability to learn quickly and compete at different levels. Escotto shows promise in racecraft and strategy, particularly on road courses, as evidenced by his podium finishes and win at Indianapolis. His partnerships with teams like Andretti Cape and Juncos Hollinger Racing have contributed to his ongoing development as a competitive driver.
Notable Races and Milestones
Ricardo Escotto’s first major career milestone was his victory at the 2023 USF Pro 2000 race in Indianapolis. This win marked his emergence as a contender in American open-wheel racing. His podium finishes in 2024 at Road America and Toronto further established his presence in the series. His debut and subsequent full-time campaign in the Indy NXT series represent significant steps in his career progression, with notable performances at Laguna Seca and Milwaukee.
Ricardo Escotto Career Wins
Ricardo Escotto’s verified career wins include his notable victory in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship at Indianapolis. While he has yet to secure wins in other series such as Indy NXT or Formula 4 championships, his podium finishes and consistent performances indicate a developing career with potential for future successes.
USF Pro 2000 Championship Highlights
Escotto’s first and only win to date came in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship at Indianapolis. This victory was a breakthrough moment, showcasing his capability to compete at the front of the field. In 2024, he achieved two podium finishes, demonstrating improved consistency and competitiveness. He finished ninth in the 2024 championship, reflecting steady advancement in his racing career.
Other Wins & Performances
Ricardo Escotto has not recorded wins in other series such as the Formula 4 UAE, Spanish, or Italian Championships. His early seasons in these series were focused on gaining experience and adapting to international competition. His progression into American open-wheel racing marks a positive trajectory in his career development.
Ricardo Escotto Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Ricardo Escotto’s family background and any racing lineage is not available. Details regarding his parents or relatives involved in motorsports have not been documented.
Personal Life
Ricardo Escotto’s personal life remains private, with no publicly available information about his marital status, spouse, or children. He maintains a professional focus on his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ricardo Escotto competed full-time in the Indy NXT series with Andretti Cape Indy NXT. His season began with promise as he joined a top-tier team affiliated with Andretti Global, aiming to build on his prior experience. However, mid-season developments led to a parting of ways with the team ahead of the Laguna Seca double-header. Despite this challenge, Escotto’s involvement at this level highlights his continued presence in competitive open-wheel racing. The remainder of the season will be critical for his career momentum and future opportunities within the sport.
