Photo: IndyCar
Chip Ganassi Racing has signed Jonathan Browne and Niels Koolen to front its Indy Nxt return in 2025.
The IndyCar juggernaut has had to downscale its squad at the top level of American single-seater racing due to the arrival of a charter system capping it to three full-time cars, so has joined rival Andretti Global in IndyCar’s primary support series.
It has settled on a two-car entry for its return campaign, with both of its drivers having raced in Indy Nxt this year with HMD Motorsports. Browne came 13th in the standings with a best finish of sixth, and Koolen was 20th with a best finish of 10th.
Browne won the Formula Ford Festival in 2019, raced part-time in GB3 two years later then relocated his career to America. Across two seasons in USF Pro 2000 he claimed two podiums, then stepped up to Indy Nxt this year.
“This is very much a dream come true,” said Browne. “In terms of being brought into an organization like Chip Ganassi Racing, it’s huge. I’m just excited to get started and get to racing. It’s a huge honor and privilege to be a part of this organisation.”
Koolen raced part-time in both Formula 2 and Indy Nxt in 2024, but his primary campaign was in the European Le Mans Series where he came 17th. In single-seaters, he failed to score points in any series he raced in before debuting in Indy Nxt.
“I’m excited to be doing my second year and first full season in Indy Nxt,” Koolen said. “I look forward to working with Chip Ganassi Racing, who have great pedigree and vast experience across many different categories.”