Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
Juan Manuel Correa has made a surprise move to Indy Nxt with HMD Motorsports, after meeting the team last weekend.
The 25-year-old American-Ecuadorian will debut in this week’s double-header on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course, then contest six further events and two tests.
It has not been confirmed which car he will drive, but it should be HMD’s #24 entry. The team has five full-time drivers, its #18 car is vacant only for August’s Portland race and Liam Sceats has been confirmed as racing at IMS after contesting the first two rounds in the #30 car and scoring strongly to sit 10th in the standings.
Sophia Floersch drove the #24 car in St. Petersburg then left Indy Nxt, and Evagoras Papasavvas replaced her last week at Barber Motorsports Park where he stunned by finishing second on debut.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the HMD Motorsports family and compete in Indy Nxt in 2025,” said Correa.
“This opportunity is a huge step in my career, and I’m looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned in my previous experiences to the upcoming races. The support from the team has been amazing, and I’m ready to give my best on track.”
Correa is also racing in IMSA’s Endurance Cup rounds this year with United Autosports in the LMP2 class, and a date clash means he will miss Indy Nxt’s Road America round in June.
His single-seater career was interrupted by a horrific Formula 2 crash at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019 that claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert. After spending time in a coma, Correa had extensive surgery then had to relearn how to walk.
On his way up the ladder he won in Italian Formula 4 and the Toyota Racing Series, and was a Sauber junior in 2019. He made the podium twice before his F2 rookie campaign ended abruptly.
Correa returned to racing in 2021 via the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and claimed one podium across two seasons. Next up was F2, and a feature race podium was the highlight of the last two years.
Experience in LMP2 sportscars was also gained, with Correa winning in the 2022 European Le Mans Series and racing in the 2023 World Endurance Championship.
HMD’s team president Mike Maurini explained how Correa’s latest career move happened: “We have been in contact for a while, and when we crossed paths last week at Barber, I had asked if he was interested in racing in Indy Nxt. Less than 24 hours later a deal was done, and 36 hours later, he was on a plane to Indy.”
“His extensive racing background, including his years in the European ladder programme, shows the level of talent and determination he brings to the table. His ability to overcome adversity and continue pursuing his passion for motorsport is second to none. We’re confident that Juan will be a great asset to our team as we continue to push for success in Indy Nxt, and we hope that we can help him in his goal to advance to IndyCar.”