INDY NXT is the new name for IndyCar’s top ladder series
The top rung on the ladder to the NTT IndyCar Series has been rebranded as INDY NXT, replacing the longtime Indy Lights moniker.
The series’ presenting sponsor and official tire is Firestone (replacing Cooper Tires), whose previous involvement with former incarnations of the Indy Lights brand dates to the early 1990s.
“We look forward to being part of the journey as INDY NXT enters a new era and expands our partnership with IndyCar,” Bridgestone Americas director of motorsports Lisa Boggs said in a release. “Having been in the series previously, we know how important it is for the development of the next generation of drivers, and we are proud to support them again. INDY NXT provides opportunities for Firestone to engage with new audiences and develop and showcase our technology.”
Ushering in a new era.#INDYNXT by @FirestoneTires has arrived. pic.twitter.com/HKFoYn2iiv
— INDY NXT (@INDYNXT) November 3, 2022
IndyCar took over operational control of Indy Lights last year as its promoter and sanctioning body. As .part of the move, Indy Lights was integrated into the IndyCar paddock and its marketing plans.
The 2023 season for INDY NXT will open March 5 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. All 14 races will be streamed on Peacock.
“INDY NXT by Firestone will continue to develop and graduate new generations of racers ready to engage in breathtaking, high-stakes competition,” IndyCar President Jay Frye said in a release. “Firestone is the perfect partner in this endeavor, with its innovative technology and authentic appreciation for INDY NXT and its vast potential.”
2023 INDY NXT schedule (start times TBA)
Sunday, March 5: Streets of St. Petersburg
Sunday, April 30: Barber Motorsports Park
Friday, May 12: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1
Saturday, May 13: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2
Saturday, June 3: Streets of Detroit Race 1
Sunday, June 4: Streets of Detroit Race 2
Sunday, June 18: Road America
Sunday, July 2: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Saturday, July 22: Iowa Speedway
Sunday, Aug. 6: Streets of Nashville
Sunday, Aug. 27: World Wide Technology Raceway
Sunday, Sept. 3: Portland International Raceway
Saturday, Sept. 9: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1
Sunday, Sept. 10: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2
The season can't come soon enough.
Check out the 2023 #INDYNXT schedule below. pic.twitter.com/ESWscFgrnY
— INDY NXT (@INDYNXT) November 3, 2022
INDY NXT is the new name for IndyCar’s top ladder series originally appeared on NBCSports.com
