Photo: James Black
Lochie Hughes will remain in Andretti Global’s Indy Nxt line-up in 2026, and will also be a reserve driver for the team in IndyCar.
The 23-year-old Australian came third in Indy Nxt this year as a rookie, taking two victories, six other podiums and two poles.
He stepped up to IndyCar’s primary feeder series after plenty of success lower down the USA’s single-seater ladder, having won the 2022 United States Formula 4 title, come third in USF2000 in 2023 and been USF Pro 2000 champion last year.
“I’m really excited to be returning to Andretti Global for the 2026 Indy Nxt season,” said Hughes.
“It was a dream to drive for this team this past season, and I’m proud that we finished third in the championship. I’m looking forward to building on that success next year with a team I know well now.”
Preparations for his IndyCar reserve role will begin with a test on October 13 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he will get his first mileage in a top-tier single-seater on the famous circuit’s road course.
“I am also beyond excited to be doing my first IndyCar test. It’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time and doing it in Indy makes it even more special. It will be a great experience to work closely with the team as an IndyCar reserve driver in 2026.”
Andretti’s team principal Rob Edwards said: “Coming off a successful rookie year with two wins and six podium finishes, the goal for 2026 is very clear: We expect Lochie to challenge for the Indy Nxt championship. Both Christian Rasmussen and Louis Foster have shown the growth and maturity that a second season in Indy Nxt brings, and I am confident we will see more of the same with Lochie.”
Several of Hughes’ Indy Nxt rivals made their IndyCar test debuts on October 1 at Mid-Ohio, including champion Dennis Hauger who will be racing at the top level with Dale Coyne Racing next year.
Also on track was 2025 runner-up Caio Collet, who tested with AJ Foyt Racing and is targeting a race seat with the team, and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Niels Koolen. He came eighth in this year’s standings.
In next week’s test at IMS, Hauger, Collet, Hughes and James Roe Jr will be driving. Roe, 26, has been racing in Indy Nxt since 2022 and for Andretti Global for the last three seasons. After coming sixth in 2024 with two podiums and a pole, Roe dropped to 12th in the standings this season with a best finish of seventh place.
His IndyCar test debut will come with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Its team principal Dave O’Neill said Roe “has shown strong progression through the junior ranks, and his recent experience in both Indy Indy Nxt and LMP2 makes this a natural next step”. He added that “the test will give us a chance to evaluate his potential in the IndyCar environment”.