Reigning Indy NXT by Firestone champion Nikita Johnson has landed a big, new opportunity for the 2027 season.
Videos by FanBuzz
Johnson, 18, will move up to the NTT IndyCar Series after his record-setting championship season. He will join Dale Coyne Racing while driving a Honda with sponsorship from ENVE.
The Florida native is the youngest Indy NXT champion in history at 18 years, 3 months, and 12 days. He was eight days younger than AJ Foyt IV, the 2002 champion.
He is the only driver this past season to finish top 10 in every race and complete all 656 laps. Johnson's championship campaign included two race wins.
"I want to thank Dale Coyne and everyone on the team for this amazing opportunity, together with OnlyBulls and my partners PV3 Enterprises/ENVE," Johnson said in a press release.
"I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support and my management team for working with Dale Coyne to take the next step in my career. I am focused on working with the DCR team to maximize this opportunity at the top level of motorsports."
Prior to becoming the Indy NXT champion, Johnson finished runner-up in the 2024 USF Pro 2000 championship standings after winning eight races. He also finished runner-up in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 championship standings after becoming the youngest race winner (Circuit of the Americas at the age of 15).
Johnson also competed in Formula Regional Oceania, British GB3, and FIA Formula 3. He became the youngest British GB3 winner in 2024 while capturing the checkered flag at Zandvoort. He also won at the historic Brands Hatch.
Dale Coyne Racing has not provided details about the other driver in the lineup for the 2027 season.
"This is a great opportunity for DCR to sign a young and talented driver with an impressive resume," the team said in a statement.
"Nikita has raced many types of cars and has gained great experience in the USA with INDY NXT, the USF series, Formula Regional in New Zealand, and GB3 and F3 in England and Europe."
