Indy NXT by Firestone (Indy NXT)

Latest News of Indy NXT by Firestone (Indy NXT)

Indy NXT by Firestone is the premier developmental open‑wheel championship in North America and serves as the official feeder series (or “ladder”) to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. It runs as a support series on nearly every INDYCAR weekend, giving young drivers track time on the same ovals, road courses, and street circuits used by the top‑level IndyCar field. The series currently uses spec Dallara IL‑15 chassis powered by a 2.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑four engine, delivering around 450 horsepower plus an additional 50 hp via push‑to‑pass, and race‑winning champions earn scholarships that can fund a step‑up into an INDYCAR seat.

What Indy NXT Is Today

Indy NXT by Firestone (often shortened to “Indy NXT”) is the official development circuit for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, positioned as the primary training ground for future IndyCar and Indianapolis 500 drivers. It sits directly below IndyCar in the North American open‑wheel ladder, ahead of lower formulae such as USF Pro 2000 and USF2000, and is operated under the same Penske Entertainment/INDYCAR umbrella.

Races are held on the same weekends as IndyCar events at:

  • Permanent road courses (e.g., Barber, Indianapolis Road Course, Road America, Portland, Laguna Seca).

  • Street circuits (e.g., St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Grand Prix of Arlington in 2026).

  • Short and intermediate ovals (e.g., World Wide Technology Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, Milwaukee Mile).

The 2026 schedule grows to 17 races, tying the IndyCar Series in round count, and includes five doubleheader weekends (Barber, Indianapolis Road Course, Detroit, Road America, and Laguna Seca) to maximize competition and TV exposure. All events are broadcast live on FOX Sports’ FS1 or FS2, with all practice and qualifying sessions also televised.

Full History: From ARS to Indy NXT

Origins and American Racing Series (1986–1990)

The series began in 1986 as the American Racing Series (ARS), created by Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) as a dedicated feeder for its top‑level Indy‑style championship. The first season had 11 oval‑only races, aimed at giving drivers experience in Indy‑style cars ahead of CART. Early seasons used Reynard chassis paired with production‑based V8 engines, evolving quickly into a sophisticated open‑wheel proving ground.

ARS helped launch the careers of future stars, including Jacques Villeneuve, who won the 1994 Indy Lights title before moving into CART and then Formula 1.

CART Takes Over and “Indy Lights” Era (1991–2001)

In 1988, CART formally took over sanctioning and gradually rebranded the series. By 1991 it became Indy Lights (with Firestone as title sponsor), now running as a support series to CART dates. The calendar expanded to include ovals, road courses, and street circuits, mirroring the diversity of CART itself.

The late 1990s saw the series at its peak in popularity and competitiveness, producing multiple future IndyCar champions and F1 drivers. However, the CART–IRL split and CART’s financial troubles led to the series being canceled after 2001.

Relaunch Under the IRL and IndyCar (2003 onward)

In 2003, the Indy Racing League (IRL) relaunched the series under the Indy Racing League Indy Pro Series banner, then soon rebranded it back to Indy Lights as the official developmental series for the IndyCar Series. The series became the primary route into the IndyCar Series, with the “Indy Lights Graduate” badge becoming a virtual prerequisite for most rookies.

Through the 2000s and 2010s, chassis partners included Dallara, while engines were supplied by Nissan/Infiniti V8s (2002–2014) and later by Mazda/AER I4 turbo units (2015 onward).

Rebrand to Indy NXT by Firestone (2023 onward)

In 2022, Penske Entertainment took full operational control of the championship, and in 2023 it was rebranded as INDY NXT by Firestone, modernizing the identity while keeping the core developmental role. The new name aligns the series visually and narratively with the IndyCar Series branding, strengthening the “ladder” concept. Scholarship and prize structures for champions and top finishers were expanded to provide clearer paths into IndyCar.

Today, Indy NXT is the 40th season of the championship lineage (including ARS and Indy Lights eras) and the 24th under IndyCar sanctioning.

Cars, Technical Specifications, and Safety

Chassis: Dallara IL‑15

The current spec car is the Dallara IL‑15, introduced in 2015 specifically for the Indy Lights/Indy NXT championship.

  • Chassis type: Carbon‑fiber monocoque with integrated crash structures.

  • Bodywork: Full aero body with underwing, front wing, and rear wing, designed to balance downforce and drag for road, street, and oval racing.

  • Safety: A halo cockpit protection device was added starting in 2021, bringing Indy NXT in line with FIA and IndyCar safety standards.

The IL‑15 is a single‑seat, open‑cockpit formula car with a rack‑and‑pinion steering system and a fully custom‑fit cockpit for each driver.

Engine: 2.0‑L Turbo Inline‑Four (AER P63)

From 2015 onward, Indy NXT uses a Mazda‑derived 2.0‑liter inline‑four engine, tuned and prepared by Advanced Engine Research (AER).

  • Manufacturer: Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63.

  • Displacement: 2.0 liters (122 cu in), inline‑four, DOHC.

  • Horsepower:

    • Base power: 450 hp.

    • Push‑to‑pass boost: Additional ~50 hp, giving a short burst of extra power for overtaking.

  • Reliability: Engines are designed to run an entire season without a rebuild, a major cost‑saving and reliability feature for teams.

  • Fuel: Run on VP Racing Fuels gasoline, with a turbocharger and modern electronic engine management.

Transmission and Performance

  • Gearbox: 6‑speed sequential semi‑automatic with paddle‑shift, similar to IndyCar units but tuned for a development‑series power curve.

  • Weight: Approximately 1,400 lb (635 kg) excluding driver and fuel, giving the car a very high power‑to‑weight ratio and sharp acceleration.

  • Tires: Firestone racing slicks and wet tires; Firestone became the sole tire supplier after the 2023 rebrand, aligning with IndyCar’s Firestone partnership.

Lap‑time Context

On a typical IndyCar‑caliber road course, Indy NXT cars are usually around 3–5 seconds per lap slower than the IndyCar Series cars, depending on the track layout, but the driving challenge remains high due to limited grip margins and tight competition.

Race Format, Qualifying, and Points System

Event Format

Most Indy NXT race weekends are built around the IndyCar event structure:

  • Typically one or two races per weekend, with doubleheaders at several rounds (e.g., Barber, Road America, Indianapolis Road Course, Detroit, and Laguna Seca).

  • Each race is usually 30–45 minutes plus one lap, adjusted for TV windows and track length.

Qualifying Rules

Qualifying is split into two groups based on entrants, with the fastest cars from each group forming the final grid. The fastest overall qualifier starts on pole position. No “fastest of the slow” or shootout format like IndyCar; instead, it’s a straightforward group‑time format designed to ensure fairness and reduce track congestion. Race starts are full‑field rolling starts, with drivers lining up in the order they qualified. Overtaking is controlled strictly under yellow so team strategies and driver patience are key.

Points System

Indy NXT uses a points‑for‑finishing system similar to IndyCar, but scaled down, with extra emphasis on wins and podiums.
Typical points structure (modern era):

  • Win: 50 points.

  • 2nd: Around 40 points.

  • 3rd: Around 35 points, with points tapering down to around 1 point for 22nd or 23rd.

  • Laps led increment: Drivers who lead laps receive a small bonus (usually about 1–2 points) to reward leaders.

Doubleheader: Both races award points independently; the championship is decided by the total points across all rounds.

Penalties and Discipline

Indy NXT follows the same core safety and sporting rules as IndyCar, enforced by series stewards:

  • On‑track penalties (drive‑throughs, time penalties) for avoidable contact, false starts, or track‑limit violations.

  • Grid penalties for engine or gearbox changes beyond the allowed allocation.

  • Weight penalties for champions or high‑placed drivers are not used; balance is kept via strict spec‑car rules.

Championship Structure, Scholarships, and Promotion to IndyCar

Title Decider and Doubleheaders

With up to 17 races in 2026, the title is often decided late in the season, frequently at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which has hosted the finale multiple times. The use of five doubleheader weekends increases the points volatility and demands consistency across a large number of races. The championship is awarded to the driver with the highest accumulated points after all rounds, with tie‑breakers usually based on number of wins, then podiums, then pole positions.

Scholarships and IndyCar Paths

Indy NXT plays a major role as a talent conduit into the IndyCar Series, with structured incentives for top finishers:

  • Series champion: Typically awarded a scholarship valued around 1.2 million dollars (exact figure varies by year) toward an IndyCar seat, plus a guaranteed IndyCar start the following season.

  • Runner‑up and third place: Often receive partial scholarships or guaranteed participations in IndyCar tests or evaluations, helping them secure budgets and seats.

In recent years, the prize structure has been explicitly tied to year‑old calendar paths:

  • 2024 champion Louis Foster and 2025 champion Dennis Hauger are both positioned for 2026 IndyCar debuts under this ladder system.

Schedule Evolution and 2026 Overview

Indy NXT’s schedule has grown from a smaller, Indy‑only circuit to a full‑season, multi‑venue series that mirrors IndyCar’s diversity.

2026 INDY NXT by Firestone Calendar (Headlines)

The 17‑round 2026 calendar includes:

  • Season opener: Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (street circuit).

  • Major ovals:

    • World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway).

    • Nashville Superspeedway.

    • Milwaukee Mile.

  • Road courses and street circuits:

    • Barber Motorsports Park (road course doubleheader).

    • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (road‑course doubleheader).

    • Detroit Grand Prix (street circuit doubleheader).

    • Road America (road‑course doubleheader).

    • Portland International Raceway.

    • WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (season‑finale doubleheader).

  • New addition: INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, a street‑circuit doubleheader around the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.

All 17 races support NTT INDYCAR SERIES events, except the Indianapolis 500 itself, where Indy Lights/Indy NXT does not run.

Entry List, Teams, and Driver Mix

Indy NXT fields are now growing steadily, with around 20–25 cars on the grid in recent seasons and projections for 24 entries in 2026.

  • Primary teams (2025–2026) include:

    • Andretti Global (formerly Andretti Autosport).

    • HMD Motorsports (a major multi‑car entrant).

    • Abel Motorsports.

    • Cape Motorsports, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Turn 3 Motorsport, and others.

Driver profiles are diverse:

  • American prospects from Road to Indy, karting, and sports cars.

  • European graduates from Formula 2, Formula 3, and regional formula series (e.g., Dennis Hauger, Louis Foster).

  • Experienced drivers making IndyCar‑style transitions, often with prior experience in DTM, endurance, or junior formulae.

Full List of Indy NXT / Indy Lights / ARS Champions (All Years)

Below is a complete year‑by‑year list of champions in the series’ lineage, from its inception in 1986 through 2025.

1980s–1990s

  • 1986: Roberto Guerrero (American Racing Series).

  • 1987: Didier Theys.

  • 1988: Brian Till.

  • 1989: Buddy Lazier.

  • 1990: Robbie Buhl.

  • 1991: Scott Goodyear (Indy Lights).

  • 1992: Scott Goodyear (second title).

  • 1993: Mark Smith.

  • 1994: Jacques Villeneuve.

  • 1995: Bryan Herta.

  • 1996: Jeff Ward.

  • 1997: Greg Moore.

  • 1998: Scott Harrington.

  • 1999: Scott Dixon (then just 19, later two‑time IndyCar champion and Indy 500‑winner).

  • 2000: Townsend Bell.

  • 2001: Jon Herb.

After 2001 the series was canceled under CART, so the championship was not awarded in 2002.

Relaunched IRL / IndyCar Era (2003 onward)

  • 2003: Alex Lloyd (IRL Indy Pro Series).

  • 2004: Jay Howard.

  • 2005: Wade Cunningham.

  • 2006: P. J. Chesson.

  • 2007: Raphael Matos.

  • 2008: J. R. Hildebrand.

  • 2009: James Hinchcliffe.

  • 2010: J. R. Hildebrand (second title).

  • 2011: Josef Newgarden (two‑time IndyCar champion and Indy 500 winner).

  • 2012: Tristan Vautier.

  • 2013: Sage Karam.

  • 2014: Jack Harvey.

  • 2015: Spencer Pigot.

  • 2016: Ed Jones.

  • 2017: Kyle Kaiser.

  • 2018: Oliver Askew.

  • 2019: Robert Shwartzman.

  • 2020: Oliver Askew (second title, under Indy Lights/IndyCar era).

  • 2021: Devlin DeFrancesco.

  • 2022: Sting Ray Robb.

  • 2023: Nolan Siegel (first season under the “Indy NXT by Firestone” branding).

  • 2024: Louis Foster (British driver, former Euroformula/Open champ, now being fast‑tracked toward IndyCar).

  • 2025: Dennis Hauger (Norwegian, ex‑Formula 2 driver, back‑to‑back Indy NXT title with Andretti Global).

This makes Indy NXT / Indy Lights / ARS the longest‑running single‑make open‑wheel championship in North America, with champions spanning from the CART‑era bright spots like Jacques Villeneuve, Greg Moore, and Scott Dixon through modern graduates such as Josef Newgarden, James Hinchcliffe, J. R. Hildebrand, Jack Harvey, Oliver Askew, and the current‑generation prospects Louis Foster and Dennis Hauger.

Why Indy NXT Matters in the Modern Open‑Wheel Landscape

Indy NXT is the essential bridge between junior formulae (such as USF2000 and USF Pro 2000) and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, giving drivers experience on the same venues, under the same operational conditions, as future IndyCar peers. Many recent IndyCar rookies—Newgarden, Hinchcliffe, Hildebrand, Hauger, Foster—ran Indy Lights or Indy NXT before making their top‑level debuts, cementing the series’ reputation as the “IndyCar finishing school.”

For fans, Indy NXT offers:

  • Close, cost‑controlled racing with multiple passing opportunities thanks to spec‑car parity.

  • A front‑row view of future stars before they headline IndyCar grids or the Indianapolis 500.

  • Affordable access as a support‑series ticket at IndyCar‑weekend venues, often with shared garages and media exposure.

Operators and teams prize Indy NXT for:

  • Technical feedback from the Dallara IL‑15 and AER P63 package, which closely mirrors IndyCar’s philosophies while remaining more budget‑friendly.

  • A proven pathway to IndyCar: multiple champions and podium finishers each decade have parlayed NXT titles into multi‑year IndyCar careers.

As IndyCar continues to globalize its driver pool and escalate its on‑track and technical sophistication, Indy NXT remains the central node in the talent pipeline—one that shapes racecraft, media presence, and oval‑road‑street adaptability for the next generation of American open‑wheel stars.