Hauger back on top with third Indy Nxt win at Indianapolis

Photo: Penske Entertainment

Dennis Hauger returned to the top step in Indy Nxt with his third victory of the season in race two on the Indianapolis road course.

The championship leader passed Andretti team-mate Lochie Hughes for the race lead after an early caution period. Hughes challenged Hauger for short bursts throughout the race, falling back a few car lengths at other times. No attack worked and Hughes slipped back to finish 4.7739s at the chequered flag.

While the top two drivers were in a race of their own, almost every position behind them was hotly contested.

The first caution period was caused by a multi-car incident in the battle in the middle of the top 10. James William Miller had already banged wheels with James Roe when he came up against Nolan Allaer. The pair made contact and both were sent limping back to the pits, but not before bringing out the pace car. Jordan Missig and Nikita Johnson also made contact, leaving Missig with a damaged front wing. 

As Hauger challenged Hughes for the lead on the restart, Callum Hedge came under pressure behind them. He slipped back behind Myles Rowe and Salvador de Alba, who continued in third and fourth to the chequered flag.

Hedge was soon caught by Caio Collet. Collet forced Hedge to defend hard, allowing Josh Pierson to close in on the fight. He finally found a way through on lap 23 and set about closing the gap to de Alba ahead. 

Pierson continued to battle Hedge. A late dive by the HMD Motorsport driver brought him alongside, and the pair ran side by side for a number of corners before Pierson was pushed off, allowing Johnson and Liam Sceats through. Hedge was also forced to drop back in the final laps, finishing 10th.

Niels Koolen managed to avoid the drama to finish sixth, ahead of Johnson, Sceats and Pierson. A recovering Roe finished 11th.

Race results (35 laps)