Photo: Gavin Baker Photography
Alessandro de Tullio will step up to Indy Nxt in 2026 with AJ Foyt Racing, becoming the team’s first signing for its championship return.
Foyt announced two weeks ago it would be joining the grid next season after an absence of over 21 years, and its two-car entry will be “backed by a strategic alliance with HMD Motorsports”.
De Tullio will drive the #14 car, using the same number as team founder AJ Foyt did when he won the 1979 United States Auto Club’s Championship Car series as a driver.
“I am very excited to join AJ Foyt Racing for the 2026 Indy Nxt season,” said de Tullio.
“This is an amazing opportunity to take the next step in my career with such a respected and historic team. I’ve learned a lot, especially last year in USF Pro 2000, and I’m ready to apply that experience as I continue pushing myself to improve. I can’t wait to get started with the team and show what we can accomplish together.”
The 19-year-old made his name known in the USA’s karting and esports scenes, and made his real-world single-seater debut with Velocity Racing Development in the 2022 USF Juniors season when the championship used Formula 4 cars.
He came fourth in the standings with five wins, three of which came in a cleap sweep of the round at Virginia International Raceway, as well as four other podiums and five fastest laps.
De Tullio was then back in karting until late 2024, when he joined BN Racing for the last three rounds of the third-tier USFP2000 championship. The best result from his six races was a fourth place, putting him 20th in the standings.
This year he contested the full season with Turn 3 Motorsport, and was fourth in the points. There were three victories and a second place in the first five races, then there was only further podium in the next 10 races before a win and a runner-up finish in the last three races.
“Alessandro has shown impressive pace and determination throughout his career so far,” said Foyt’s team president Larry Foyt.
“He’s proven he can adapt quickly and deliver results, which is exactly what we look for in a young driver. We’re excited to have him join the AJ Foyt Racing family and look forward to helping him develop in Indy Nxt.”