Photo: Chris Owens
Chip Ganassi Racing has completed its expanded four-car Indy Nxt line-up for 2026 by signing Carson Etter and James Roe Jr.
The pair join Bryce Aron and Niels Koolen, who are remaining for a second season. Their inclusion was mentioned to media two months ago by team manager Taylor Kiel.
Aron came 11th this year, worse than his rookie campaign with Andretti Global in 2024 which featured two podiums, while ex-Formula 2 racer Koolen was eighth in his sophomore season.
“We finished the second half of last season really strong, and I was very proud of all of the development we made across the entire year, especially with me jumping in at the second round,” said 22-year-old Aron.
“I feel like we developed the car a tonne, and I am excited to continue the momentum we had coming out of last year and with the off-season testing we’ve had so far. I’m very excited to get going again in 2026 and make a championship charge.”
Roe has driven for three teams over the past four Indy Nxt seasons, and the 27-year-old went without a top-five finish as he came 12th in the 2025 standings. The Irishman’s best campaign was in 2024, when he took a pole and two podiums en route to sixth in the points table.
“Competing with one of the most successful teams in the sport as they grow their Indy Nxt programme is a unique chance to combine my experience in the series with their championship-level culture,” said Roe of joining Ganassi.
“The IndyCar paddock is where I want to be, and I’m more determined than ever. The goal is to create something special together this season.”
Etter steps up to IndCar’s primary feeder series after coming 17th in USF Pro 2000 this year. His best finish in the third-tier championship was sixth, achieved on his last start and which stood as his sole top-10 result.
When he makes his Indy Nxt debut, Etter will have raced at every step on the Road to Indy as he was 12th in USF Juniors as a rookie in 2023, with sixth place his best result, and 16th in USF2000 last year with three top-10 finishes.
“It feels like ‘thank you’ isn’t enough, but I’d like to give a huge thank you to Chip Ganassi Racing for this opportunity to compete in Indy Nxt,” said the 21-year-old.
“I’ve dreamed of racing with this team since I was a kid, and I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since they called and said I’m a part of the Ganassi family. This team has a culture that will push you past what you thought you were capable of, even in practice, and turn it into results on race day. I’m fired up to help carry that momentum forward.
“Ganassi sets the bar high. There are no excuses, only results, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be in. We’re coming in hungry, putting in the work and making sure every weekend means something.”