Photo: Chris Owens
Matthew Brabham has been announced as replacing Enaam Ahmed in Cape Motorsports’ line-up for this weekend’s Indy Nxt round in Nashville.
The American-Australian son of former IndyCar racer Geoff Brabham first raced in Indy Nxt in 2014, taking one win with Andretti Autosport. He was then promoted into its Formula E line-up for two races before stepping back down to Indy Nxt.
His budget dried up after two rounds of the 2015 season, and Brabham then moved to Stadium Super Trucks where he is now a three-time champion. In 2016 he made two IndyCar starts with Team Murray, and in ’17 cameoed in Australian Supercars.
In an attempt to put himself back on the map for IndyCar, Brabham reunited with Andretti in 2022 to do the full Indy Nxt season. He came third in the standings with two wins, but could not find a 2023 IndyCar seat so returned to Stadium Super Trucks. Yet another Indy Nxt return was made last month as he raced for Juncos Hollinger Racing at Iowa Speedway after the team split with Matteo Nannini. Brabham qualified 11th, and finished fourth.
“I’ve been with the Capes on and off since I drove for them in 2012,” Brabham said, referring back to his USF2000 title claimed with the team.
“It’s been great working with them, whether it’s driving or coaching – or testing. I actually drove a test day with Jagger [Jones, his team-mate this weekend] before his USF2000 season, so we’re quite close.”
“I’m looking forward to the weekend. I was strong on the street courses last year, including Nashville finishing fourth, and I know the Capes were quick at Detroit earlier this year. Hopefully, we’re fast out of the gate and can build on the momentum I have from Iowa.”
Team owners Dominic and Nicholas Cape added: “We were able to put some things together over the last week, and we are ecstatic to have Matthew on our team in the #47 car for Nashville. Matthew won a championship for us back in 2012, and he has done most of the development on our cars over the years. He has also been one of our mainstay driver coaches, so it will be an easy fit.”
No reason has been given for Ahmed’s departure from the team’s line-up for Nashville.