A final chance for Josh Pierson? A switch to Andretti Global for a fourth year in Indy NXT

Josh Pierson has been announced as Andretti Global’s fourth and final driver for the 2026 Indy NXT season alongside Max Taylor, Sebastian Murray and Lochie Hughes.

The American has spent the last three seasons with HMD Motorsports, with a best championship finish of sixth last year, including two podium finishes. A fourth campaign in a single seater category isn’t common, however Pierson does have age on his side as he will be twenty when the 2026 season kicks off.

His time in Indy NXT hasn’t led to the results he would’ve wanted, however he showed from a young age he has substantial talent behind the wheel of any race car. After finishing fourth in the 2021 USF 2000 championship, Pierson stepped away from racing only single seaters towards endurance racing. He spent 2022 and 2023 in the FIA World Endurance Championship with United Autosports in the LMP2 class. He also made appearances in the LMP2 class of IMSA and a partial Indy NXT campaign in 2023.

At such a young age Pierson highlighted his raw talent behind the wheel of the Oreca 07 LMP2 car, finishing third and fifth in the standings across 2022 and 2023. Josh ‘performed brilliantly’ in the words of Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren and Co founder of United Autosports.

As Pierson moves to Andretti for 2026 it puts him in the recent championship winning team, therefore if he can unlock the clear potential that lies within him he will have the expertise and experience of Andretti to forge a potential championship fight.

“I’m proud to represent Andretti, and I’m really looking forward to furthering my career and taking another step toward my dream of racing in Indycar”, said the 19 year old.

“Going into my third full season of Indy NXT with the reigning champions gives me the confidence to focus on myself and how I can improve myself as a driver. I cannot wait to get started with the team at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test”.

Rob Edwards, Team Principal of Andretti Global, has made the goal clear for next season: „We expect him to challenge the IndyNXT championship in 2026“

He is clearly motivated for the upcoming season, and is focused on developing himself into a championship contender. It will be a crucial year for the American, and Andretti will expect a step forward as he looks for his first Indy NXT win.

Pierson will make his on track debut with Andretti this coming Monday, October 27th, at IMS for the Chris Griffis Memorial Test.

written by Michael Williams / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment