![\"Andretti](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Lochie-Hughes-INDY-NXT-WeatherTech-Raceway-Laguna-Seca-Testing-By_-Travis-Hinkle_Large-Image-Without.jpeg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLochie Hughes at Laguna Seca. Image: Travis Hinkle<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLochie Hughes at Laguna Seca. Image: Travis Hinkle<\/p>\n
Hughes will get his first taste of IndyCar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of a test at the road course-configured Brickyard.<\/p>\n
That test will also include ex-Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.<\/p>\n
As part of the reserve driver deal, Hughes will return to Indy NXT in 2026.<\/p>\n
This year, Hughes ran second behind eventual champion Dennis Hauger for the lion\u2019s share of the season before a tough end to the season saw him end up third behind Caio Collet.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited to be returning to Andretti Global for the 2026 INDY NXT season,\u201d said Hughes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a dream to drive for this team this past season, and I\u2019m proud that we finished third in the championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to building on that success next year with a team I know well now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am also beyond excited to be doing my first IndyCar test. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve looked forward
to for a long time, and doing it in Indy makes it even more special.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a great experience to work closely with the team as an IndyCar reserve driver in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Lochie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Lochie-Hughes-INDY-NXT-by-Firestone-Indianapolis-Grand-Prix-By_-Paul-Hurley_Large-Image-Without-Wate.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Lochie Hughes won his first Indy NXT race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Image: Paul Hurley<\/p>\n
Hauger will test with Dale Coyne Racing before stepping up to IndyCar full-time in 2026.<\/p>\n
Other drivers at the test include Collet with AJ Foyt Racing, James Roe with Juncos Hollinger Racing, as well as Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen at Ed Carpenter Racing.<\/p>\n
Andretti Global IndyCar team principal Rob Edwards said the expectation is for Hughes to fight for the Indy NXT title in 2026.<\/p>\n
Edwards pointed to Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing\u2019s Louis Foster as evidence of a second season paying dividends. Foster was the 2025 Rookie of the Year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to welcome Lochie back to the Andretti INDY NXT family for the 2026 season,\u201d said Edwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing off a successful rookie year with two wins and six podium finishes, the goal for 2026 is
very clear: we expect Lochie to challenge for the Indy NXT championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth Christian Rasmussen and Louis Foster have shown the growth and maturity that a second season in Indy NXT brings, and I am confident we will see more of the same with Lochie.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2026 Indy NXT season begins on the streets of St Petersburg on March 2 (AEDT).<\/p>\n