Photo: Gavin Ward Photography / F4 US
Nicolas Stati will leap up the single-seater ladder to Indy Nxt in 2026 with the rebranded Cusick Morgan Motorsports team.
The 16-year-old Australian will be the first signing of the outfit formerly known as Cusick Motorsports, which announced its expansion from IndyCar into its primary feeder series in late August and will have technical support from HMD Motorsports.
Last month the team’s name was changed to reflect the increased involvement of team director Billy Morgan.
“Billy has proven himself to be a top-level operator and more than deserves to be a partner in our team,” said team owner Don Cusick.
“I am proud to have his name alongside mine and to help ensure the legacy is carried on for many more years to come. As we enter this next phase of our growth in motorsports, I know Billy is the right person to have on the front lines.”
Morgan said “it cannot be understated what an honor this is to be named as an operating partner with Don”.
Stati joins Cusick and the Indy Nxt paddock after a 2025 spent racing across three different continents.
He began the year with Kiwi Motorsport in Formula Regional Oceania, where he came 15th in the standings with a best finish of seventh. Following that he did a half-season in FRegional Americas with the team, and made the podium once. A GB3 cameo at Silverstone was also made, adding to his single-seater experience.
“I’m excited to make my Indy Nxt debut with Cusick Morgan Motorsports,” said Stati.
“This is a big step in my career, and I believe the team and I can grow together as we take on this challenge for the first time. It’s an honor to represent Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and I’m looking forward to learning everything I can as we start this journey.”
Stati drove an Indy Nxt car for the first time in last month’s driver evaluation test at Autobahn Country Club. While it was contested by multiple teams, the two-day test is not considered an official part of Indy Nxt’s post-season schedule.
“Nicolas will be a great addition to our program,” Morgan commented. “He’s shown maturity well beyond his years, and we’re confident he’ll adapt quickly to Indy Nxt.
“He has a long-term commitment in Indy Nxt as he continues to build his race craft and experience but has a bright future. For us as a new team, it’s important to have a driver who is hungry to learn and eager to push himself.”
After spending several years karting in his homeland, Stati took a race victory as a single-seater rookie in Formula 4 South East Asia in 2023.
He began 2024 in F4 United Arab Emirates and failed to score, then joined Kiwi for United States F4 and narrowly missed out on the title. At home he was runner-up in AU4 (then known as Australian F4), and came eighth in the UAE-based Formula Trophy series.