As the 2026 Indy NXT season approaches, Chip Ganassi Racing showcases a varied roster featuring drivers at different stages of their careers. Among them, rookie Carson Etter is preparing for his first season with the team, aiming to make a strong impression in the competitive series. The 23-year-old Californian joins established teammates Niels Koolen and Bryce Aron, with fellow newcomer James Roe bringing additional experience to the lineup.
Etter, who grew up admiring Formula 1, found an exciting opportunity to race for Chip Ganassi Racing, the team where six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon competes. This connection has inspired the rookie as he adapts to the unique demands of American open-wheel racing.
Learning from Seasoned Teammates in a Competitive Environment
During Indy NXT media days, Etter spoke about his respect for the team’s experienced drivers and how their guidance is invaluable for his development. Surrounded by veterans, he embraces the chance to observe and learn their approach both on and off the track.
“It’s honestly good for me, and I like that I am around a group of experienced drivers. They obviously know what to expect in terms of where we’re gonna be at, how the car’s gonna play out over the long duration. So being able to learn off guys that are very experienced is something that I value high because of my inexperience. So being able to learn off what they’re doing and apply it to my own racing is something that I’d like a lot.”
Carson Etter, Rookie Driver
Despite climbing the ranks in open-wheel racing, Etter has maintained his commitment to education, continuing his studies at Arizona State University. His diverse background includes short-course off-road racing and steady progression through junior categories in American racing circuits since 2023.
Progression Through Junior Series Builds Foundation for Indy NXT
Before joining Chip Ganassi Racing, Etter competed in the USF Junior and US F2000 series with DC Autosport across 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he raced with Exclusive Autosport, where he recorded a notable sixth-place finish in Portland among mostly modest results. This performance, coupled with his evident race craft and potential, drew the attention of Chip Ganassi Racing’s talent scouts.
Ambitions for a Strong Rookie Season Targeting Top 10 Finishes
Etter has established a clear objective for his first Indy NXT season: to consistently place within the top 10 during races and achieve a comparable position in the overall championship standings. This goal reflects a realistic but ambitious target considering the performance benchmarks set by his teammates in 2025.
Both Koolen and Aron achieved multiple top-10 race finishes last year, finishing eighth and 11th in the championship, respectively. Etter views their success as motivation and a standard to match or exceed in his own rookie campaign.
“The target I’ve set for myself in this rookie season is just to be fighting for that Top 10, anywhere inside the Top 10. If I’m to be able to do that, I’m gonna be pretty happy for that.”
Carson Etter, Rookie Driver
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Return Adds Depth and Expertise to Indy NXT
Chip Ganassi Racing marked its return to Indy NXT in 2025 after nearly two decades, bringing a fresh but experienced perspective to the series. Known for dominating IndyCar over the past several years with champions such as Alex Palou—a four-time title winner and the 2025 Indy 500 victor—the team’s expertise forms a solid platform for its rookie drivers.
For Etter, joining this iconic organization not only elevates his racing career but also places him within a structure capable of guiding emerging talent towards success in Indy NXT and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Growth and Opportunity
As Carson Etter steps into his rookie Indy NXT season with Chip Ganassi Racing, his focus on learning and hitting consistent top-10 results suggests a determined approach to growth. Supported by a mix of experienced teammates and a championship-winning team infrastructure, Etter’s 2026 campaign is positioned to be a significant chapter in his ascent through American open-wheel racing.
If he can translate potential into performance, Etter may well become a key figure for Chip Ganassi Racing’s continued presence and success within Indy NXT.
