Young driver Nikita Johnson, current Indy NXT champion, has been signed by Dale Coyne Racing to compete full-time in the 2027 IndyCar season. At just 18 years old, Johnson, from Florida, is preparing to make the leap to the top level of open-wheel racing in the United States, driving a Honda-powered vehicle sponsored by ENVE.
The 17-race season will start on March 7 in his hometown, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a circuit where Johnson has already achieved significant successes in previous competitions. He has achieved victories in the inaugural race of three different series: Indy NXT in 2026, USF Pro 2000 in 2024, and USF2000 in 2023.
Johnson arrives at IndyCar with an impressive track record and after a record season in 2026. He made history by becoming the youngest champion of Indy NXT, with a title achieved at the age of 18 years, three months, and 12 days. On his way to the championship, he amassed several victories and finished in the top eight in all races, as well as completing every lap of the total 656 in the championship.
After signing with Dale Coyne Racing, Johnson expressed his gratitude: ‘I want to thank Dale Coyne and the whole team for this incredible opportunity, as well as OnlyBulls and my partners PV3 Enterprises/ENVE. I also thank my family for their unconditional support and my management team for working with Dale Coyne on this career advancement.’
Before winning his crown in Indy NXT, Johnson was the runner-up in the USF Pro 2000 (2024) and USF2000 (2023) series. Additionally, at just 16 years old, he competed in the GB3 championship, achieving victories at circuits like Zandvoort and Brands Hatch.
The team owner, Dale Coyne, commented on the signing: ‘This is a great opportunity for DCR, as we sign a young and talented driver with an impressive resume. Nikita has had experience with many types of cars and has continually improved in his years of competition in North American series, as well as abroad.’
In addition to ENVE, Johnson will also have the support of the financial platform OnlyBulls, which will continue to be a key partner of Dale Coyne Racing for the third consecutive season. Johnson will become the third athlete sponsored by ENVE to compete in the IndyCar world in 2027, joining Mick Schumacher and Matteo Nannini.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
