Indy NXT – Page 3 – Syndication Server

Foster tops Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indy

Andretti Global’s Louis Foster was fastest during Friday afternoon’s dry running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indy NXT by Firestone Chris Griffis Memorial test on its road course, which shouldn’t come as a surprise for the Briton who’s …

Foster’s lap of 1m14.8432s was 0.0769s faster than another standout from 2023, Abel Motorsports’ Jacob Abel, in second.

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“Hopefully, we can keep our form like last year into 2024,” Foster said. “Looking forward to the rest of the offseason and doing some more testing so we can improve on what we did today.”

The biggest impression from the test was reserved for 2023 USF Pro 2000 champion Myles Rowe, who made his NXT test debut with HMD Motorsports at the test and set the third-fastest lap of the day with a 1m14.9487s tour of the 14-turn circuit, which led all rookies and the nine-deep HMD team.

“Pretty impressive, especially for his first time in the car and working with the engineer,” HMD GM Mike Maurini told RACER. “We made a seat for him in June or July, but there’s work to do there to get him fitted to the car a bit better. There was a point where we had eight HMD drivers in the top 10, so as a team, we were very proud of that.

“And with Myles, there are some drivers who do what they’re told to do and go out and improve, but with him he listens, analyses, and makes improvements by really taking everything in and then adjusting. There’s more areas that need improvement, obviously, which we’ve seen with rookies in the past, and we’re excited to work with him and all of HMD’s drivers to get ready for the next season.”

Rowe’s HMD teammates followed in fourth with Siegel, rookie Caio Collet in fifth, Reece Gold in sixth, Christian Bogle in seventh, Kaylen Frederick in eighth, Michael d’Orlando in ninth, and Andretti rookie Bryce Aron completed the top 10.

A large field of 21 Indy NXT cars were assembled for the one-day test; the USF Championships takes over for the rest of the weekend with its three classes for the Fall Combine.

The 2024 Indy NXT by Firestone season starts Sunday, March 10 on the streets of St. Petersburg.

RESULTS

21 Indy NXT drivers set for Chris Griffis Test

A bumper crop of Indy NXT by Firestone teams and drivers will take to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Friday to participate in the annual Chris Griffis Memorial test. Of the 21 entries scheduled to turn laps at the 2.4-mile, 14-turn …

A bumper crop of Indy NXT by Firestone teams and drivers will take to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Friday to participate in the annual Chris Griffis Memorial test.

Of the 21 entries scheduled to turn laps at the 2.4-mile, 14-turn facility, some have already finalized their 2024 plans including Andretti Global, which will field all four of its full-time drivers, while some other teams like the defending champions at HMD Motorsports have a blend of drivers who are signed and some who are hoping to turn their performances at the test into season-long seats.

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Among the interesting names on the entry list, Abel Motorsports will run three drivers at the test, led by Jacob Abel, and he’ll have his new full-time teammate, Yuven Sundaramoorthy, along with Jonathan Browne.

Bryce Aron will make his official debut for Andretti, and among the cadre of HMD entries, 2023 USF Pro 2000 champion Myles Rowe and 2022 USF2000 champion Michael d’Orlando will resume their friendly rivalry with Rowe set for next season and d’Orlando hoping to find the funding to make the yearlong leap to NXT.

“Definitely needed this test and Rising Star Racing have been super supportive in helping make this test happen for me,” d’Orlando told RACER. “We knew it was important to get to the Chris Griffis test and I can’t wait to show teams what I can do, and hope to build interest to make something happen for myself in Indy NXT.”

Miller Vinatieri Motorsports will make its debut as an NXT entrant with Jack William Miller at the controls, and Juncos Hollinger Racing will sample NXT veteran Antonio Serravalle and Lindsay Brewer. Cape Motorsports, which is rumored to have a new alliance with Andretti, is back with two cars for Jace Denmark and Callum Hedge, and will hit the track from 9am-4pm.

Sundaramoorthy joins Abel Motorsports for Indy NXT

Junior open-wheel talent Yuven Sundaramoorthy is taking the final step of his training to Indy NXT with the emerging Abel Motorsports team. A native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, the 20-year-old has been active on the open-wheel ladder since 2017, with a run to third in the 2021 USF2000 championship serving as his best season-long achievement where he earned four wins.

Having run four NXT races with Abel late in the 2023 season as a precursor to going full-time in 2024, Sundaramoorthy is primed to continue his journey with one of the series’ rising programs.

“I’m extremely happy to have signed with Abel Motorsports for the 2024 Indy NXT season,” said Sundaramoorthy, who aspires to become the first Indian-American IndyCar driver. “I had an amazing experience running the last couple of Indy NXT races with them to cap off my 2023 season and I have a ton of confidence in the crew that we can create some solid results together next season. This wouldn’t be possible without my family, sponsors, and partners, so thank you to them.”

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With Jacob Abel poised to turn his first NXT pole position and four podiums into a title run and the potential contained within Sundaramoorthy, Abel Motorsports enters the new season with another strong lineup to challenge its bigger rivals.

“We are extremely excited that Yuven is going to be back with Abel Motorsports for the 2024 Indy NXT season and getting to build on what we learned together in 2023,” said team owner Bill Abel. “You know, Yuven joined us towards the end of last season for a few races to get his feet wet in the series, and the poise and talent he showed spoke volumes for what he can bring to our team, so we can’t wait to see what he can do in 2024.”

Chadwick set for second Indy NXT season with Andretti Global

Jamie Chadwick’s American open-wheel racing adventure will continue with Andretti Global. The Briton, who made her Indy NXT debut in 2023 after clinching three consecutive W Series titles, rejoins Andretti for 2024 with the returning Louis Foster …

“I’m really looking forward to being back with Andretti to compete in my second Indy NXT season,” she said. “My first year with the team taught me so much and we were able to make a lot of progress with every race. I know that taking this experience and confidence into 2024 is going to be massively valuable for us, and I truly feel like part of the family here. I can’t wait to hit the ground running this winter and see what we can do for next season.”

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Chadwick’s results improved during her rookie season as she came to grips with the Dallara IL15-AER, which is bigger, heavier and faster than any of the cars previously wielded by the diminutive 25-year-old.

“It’s a pleasure to have Jamie return to our Indy NXT team for 2024,” said team owner Michael Andretti. “Developing talent has always been a priority for Andretti, and Jamie’s motorsports journey is a perfect example of what we hope to achieve with our development drivers. Jamie represents what it means to break down barriers and continues to impress everyone in our organization. The growth that we saw in Jamie’s rookie season was strong and we’re confident that coming back to Indy NXT is the right choice as she continues to advance her open-wheel career.”

Foster to stay with Andretti for 2024 Indy NXT season

A serious battle is on the menu in next year’s Indy NXT by Firestone championship as Louis Foster has signed to stay with Andretti Global. The 2022 USF Pro 2000 by Cooper Tires champion had a breakout rookie year in NXT with six visits to the podium, four pole positions and a pair of wins, and with the Briton’s confirmation at Andretti, he and 2023 NXT Rookie of the Year Nolan Siegel from HMD Motorsports — also returning for a second season – become instant favorites to vie for the title.

“I’m excited to be back at Andretti for the 2024 Indy NXT Championship. I’ve enjoyed being part of the team and we have already shown the potential we have last season,” Foster said. “We will look at all the details and focus on what we can do to deliver a better performance together and achieve the results we want next year. My target is to win the Drivers’ Championship and to help Andretti win the Teams Championship.

“I can’t wait to get back to work and start testing with the team and get ready for St Pete. I will do my very best to make myself, Andretti and everybody connected to us proud of our achievements next year.”

Foster is the third NXT driver confirmed by Andretti, joining fellow returnee James Roe and newcomer Bryce Aron. Of its remaining 2023 lineup, Hunter McElrea is aiming for an IndyCar berth and RACER understands the team is working through scenarios that would allow three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick to contest her sophomore NXT season within the team’s developing entry plans.

Siegel staying with HMD for second Indy NXT season

Nolan Siegel will return for his second season of IndyCar training with the HMD Motorsports Indy NXT team. The Californian teenager earned NXT’s Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, but more importantly, he demonstrated immense talent while winning …

With his continuation at HMD, Siegel becomes an instant title favorite for the upcoming 14-race season.

“I am anxious and excited to get back to work with HMD Motorsports,” Siegel said. “My rookie year was a good one, and we set out to do what we wanted to do but now I am fully focused on the championship. I will have the same engineer and same crew this season providing consistency that will hopefully help in a championship run.”

Having won back-to-back NXT titles with Linus Lundqvist and Christian Rasmussen, HMD Motorsports GM Mike Maurini hopes to complete a Hat Trick with Siegel or one of the team’s other young chargers.

“Nolan is a great talent and has a bright future in motorsports,” he said. “He has proven this by not only winning in Indy NXT but topping the podium in different racing platforms around the world. We look forward to watching his continued growth and helping him reach his goals of the NTT IndyCar Series.”

Bogle and Roe back in Indy NXT in 2024

Christian Bogle and James Roe will return to their respective Indy NXT by Firestone teams for a third year of training on the top step of IndyCar’s ladder system. Ireland’s Roe took a noticeable step forward with Andretti Autosport last season, as …

Christian Bogle and James Roe will return to their respective Indy NXT by Firestone teams for a third year of training on the top step of IndyCar’s ladder system.

Ireland’s Roe took a noticeable step forward with Andretti Autosport last season, as the sophomore delivered four finishes inside the top five, including a second at August’s Brickyard Grand Prix weekend in Indianapolis, on the way to placing seventh in the championship.

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“I’m extremely happy to be staying with Andretti Global for 2024,” Roe said. “The Andretti Indy NXT team feels like family to both our partners and myself. We’ve already enjoyed some fantastic moments together, and I’m sure we are going to create many more. Thank you to all involved for placing their trust in me and I’m looking forward to the 2024 season.”

For Bogle, the Louisiana native will continue his education with the defending series champions at HMD Motorsports by tackling his fourth season of NXT.

“I’m excited to be returning with HMD Motorsports in 2024,” said Bogle, who earned a best result of fourth. “With still many years of experience less than my competition, I will continue my development and improvement to try and close the gap to my rivals. Finishing 11th in the 2023 title chase, we have reset goals for the upcoming 2024 season and will get to work during our first test later this month.”

Indy NXT unveils 14 race 2024 calendar

IndyCar’s Indy NXT by Firestone series will return in 2024 with a 14-race calendar that runs from St. Petersburg on March 10 to Nashville on September 15. The stops on IndyCar’s top junior open-wheel training series are a mirror of last season’s …

“The 2024 Indy NXT by Firestone schedule builds on the growth and success of the 2023 season,” said series director Levi Jones. “We enjoyed great competition among a growing field of 17 to 19 cars at nearly every event, with a talented group of drivers from all over the world.”

All 14 races will run alongside NTT IndyCar Series events and Indy NXT will continue to be aired exclusively on NBC’s streamer Peacock.

Gold stays with HMD Motorsports for 2024 Indy NXT

Reece Gold will return to HMD Motorsports for his second season of education in the Indy NXT by Firestone series. The 19-year-old Floridian placed second in the 2022 Indy Pro 2000 by Cooper Tires championship with Juncos Hollinger Racing and …

Reece Gold will return to HMD Motorsports for his second season of education in the Indy NXT by Firestone series.

The 19-year-old Floridian placed second in the 2022 Indy Pro 2000 by Cooper Tires championship with Juncos Hollinger Racing and graduated to NXT with the team, but left after two rounds to join HMD where he won on his second appearance for the championship-winning outfit.

On top of his win at Detroit, Gold delivered a pair of podiums on the IMS road course on the way to placing eighth in the NXT drivers’ standings.

“HMD Motorsports is an incredible program, and I feel very at home with the team,” Gold said. “I have a great support team around me, and they have helped me elevate my game to the next level. I look forward to the 2024 season and to being able to challenge for more podiums, race wins, and the Indy NXT championship.”

Gold becomes HMD’s second confirmed driver for 2024 following the signing of new Indy Pro 2000 champion Myles Rowe.

“Reece really came into his own as the season went on,” said HMD GM Mike Maurini. “I have known him from the early years of karting, and he is a young talent capable ofwinning at every level. We look forward to sharing success with Reece again in 2024.”

Askew, Rasmussen to test for Ed Carpenter Racing

Ed Carpenter Racing has narrowed its shortlist of candidates to a pair of Indy NXT champions to take over the No. 20 Chevy. After parting with Conor Daly after the Detroit round in June and replacing him with Ryan Hunter-Reay for the rest of the …

Ed Carpenter Racing has narrowed its shortlist of candidates to a pair of Indy NXT champions to take over the No. 20 Chevy.

After parting with Conor Daly after the Detroit round in June and replacing him with Ryan Hunter-Reay for the rest of the championship, ECR spent the final weeks of the season developing a cast of contenders to join Rinus VeeKay in 2024. That roster has been defined as 2019 NXT title winner Oliver Askew and new NXT champion Christian Rasmussen.

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The pair recently shared a day on Chevrolet’s driver-in-the-loop simulator in North Carolina ahead of an upcoming test at Barber Motorsports Park where ECR is expected to evaluate the results and choose Askew or Rasmussen as the full-time driver for the No. 20 entry.

“We’re testing both of those guys on Monday at Barber,” Carpenter told RACER. “That’s where our plan lies now.”

For Florida’s Askew, who completed his rookie IndyCar season with Arrow McLaren in 2020 and subbed for an injured VeeKay and placed 12th at Road America for ECR in 2021, there’s a familiarity with the team that drew the interest of Carpenter, general manager Tim Broyles, and the rest of ECR’s leadership.

With Denmark’s Rasmussen, the team sees a bright young talent who took command of the NXT championship with five wins and seven podiums for the HMD Motorsports team.

“I’m excited to see both of them in the car,” Carpenter said. “With Christian, for the first time, and with Oliver, we have one race of experience with him when he filled in for Rinus and we want to give him another look, especially since he’s been more so on the sidelines than doing what he should be doing.

“He made a good impression back then, so we’ll see how things go at the test with him and Christian and have conversations and see what we can put together from there.”

Questions remain as to whether ECR would take whoever does not earn the full-season contract and pair them alongside Carpenter to drive his No. 33 Chevy on road and street courses. Carpenter says it isn’t ECR’s first priority, but it isn’t an impossibility.

“I wouldn’t say I think that’s highly likely, but at this point [we’re] just trying to get the 20 car fully put together,” he added. “And then we’ll go to the next phase from there.”