Igniting the Future: Indy NXT's Path to Stardom
A Robust and Diverse Racing Calendar for Emerging Talent
IndyCar's premier development league, Indy NXT, has unveiled its 2027 schedule, designed to challenge and prepare the next generation of open-wheel racing stars. The 15-race season will traverse 11 diverse North American tracks, incorporating a mix of street circuits, traditional road courses, and high-speed ovals. A key feature of the upcoming season is the inclusion of four doubleheader weekends, strategically placed to intensify competition and provide more racing action for fans and drivers alike.
Building on a Legacy of Growth and Record-Breaking Performances
The 2027 season is poised to capitalize on the remarkable success of its predecessor. The 2026 championship witnessed an unprecedented level of competition, matching series records with ten different race winners, seven of whom celebrated their maiden victories. Furthermore, the series established new benchmarks for overtaking at nine circuits, underscoring the thrilling on-track battles. Off-track, the series experienced significant expansion, with an average of 24 starters per event, marking the highest grid density in 17 years. This growth was mirrored in viewership figures, with a 14% year-over-year increase across FOX Sports' FS1 and FS2 channels, which will continue to broadcast every race in 2027.
Leadership's Vision: Elevating the Indy NXT Platform
IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles emphasized the immense growth of Indy NXT, both in competitive intensity and market exposure. He highlighted the fierce competition of the previous season, which saw numerous drivers vying for victory, and praised the partnership with FOX Sports for elevating the series' profile. Boles expressed confidence that the 2027 schedule would provide another rigorous test for teams and drivers, culminating in a deserving champion being crowned at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Key Dates and Venues: A Tour of North American Racing Excellence
The 2027 campaign will commence on Sunday, March 7, on the challenging Streets of St. Petersburg, marking its 17th appearance and sixth consecutive year as the season opener. The series then moves to Texas on March 21 for the second annual Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. April will feature the first doubleheader at Barber Motorsports Park, known for its high-passing count, followed by a return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on May 15. The summer months will see races on the Streets of Detroit, World Wide Technology Raceway, and back-to-back doubleheaders at Road America and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The season will conclude with a trip to Portland International Raceway, the final oval event at the Milwaukee Mile, and the championship-deciding doubleheader at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 4-5.
Comprehensive Testing Program: Refining Skills and Performance
Beyond the race schedule, Indy NXT has also outlined an extensive testing program to ensure drivers and teams are optimally prepared. Preseason group tests are slated for Barber Motorsports Park and Sebring International Raceway in January. In-season group tests will take place at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Additionally, oval open tests are scheduled for World Wide Technology Raceway and the Milwaukee Mile, providing crucial track time for specialized oval racing skills.
A Proven Pathway to the NTT IndyCar Series
Indy NXT continues to solidify its reputation as a crucial development league for IndyCar. With Nikita Johnson's recent announcement of graduating to the IndyCar Series in 2027, all of the last four Indy NXT champions will secure full-time seats at the top tier next year. In 2026 alone, 15 Indy NXT alumni competed full-time in IndyCar, and 20 past participants took part in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Indy NXT Director Kirk Dooley reiterated the series' commitment to developing drivers and team personnel, emphasizing that the strategic testing schedule combined with an impressive race lineup will continue to provide an exemplary proving ground for future IndyCar stars.
Broadcast and Streaming: Global Access to All the Action
While specific FOX Sports network assignments and broadcast times will be announced later, fans can expect comprehensive coverage. Live audio will be available via IndyCar Radio on SiriusXM channel 190 and the IndyCar App. International fans outside the U.S. will have access to live streams of all 15 races, practice sessions, and qualifying through IndyCar Live, ensuring global access to every moment of the thrilling 2027 seaso