Sports · Motorsport · 4 hrs ago
Nikita Johnson joins Dale Coyne Racing for 2027 IndyCar season
Dale Coyne Racing has signed Nikita Johnson to race full-time in IndyCar in 2027.
The 18-year-old Floridian is moving up from Indy NXT, the development series below IndyCar.
Johnson became the youngest Indy NXT champion in 2026, winning two races and reaching the podium nine times.
He finished in the top eight in all 17 races and completed every lap of the season.
His IndyCar debut is set for St. Petersburg, his hometown, where the 2027 season is due to begin on March 7.
Johnson has won at that track in each of the past three seasons across IndyCar’s ladder series.
He aims to finish in the top 15 or 16 in the championship and become Rookie of the Year, while saying podium finishes are possible.
Dale Coyne Racing has signed reigning Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson for a full-time IndyCar seat in 2027.
The 18-year-old Floridian will drive a Honda-powered entry and compete as an ENVE-sponsored athlete.
Johnson won the 2026 Indy NXT championship, becoming the series’ youngest champion.
His IndyCar debut is scheduled for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 7, 2027.
Johnson said his goals include becoming Rookie of the Year and finishing in the top 15 or 16 in the championship.
- Who
- Nikita Johnson, the reigning Indy NXT champion, and Dale Coyne Racing.
- What
- Johnson will drive full-time for the team in the 2027 IndyCar Series.
- When
- The announcement was published on November 10, 2026. The season is scheduled to begin March 7, 2027.
- Where
- The season-opening race is at St. Petersburg, Florida, Johnson’s hometown.
- Why
- Dale Coyne Racing said Johnson is a young, talented driver with an impressive résumé.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Johnson finished vice champion in USF2000.
Johnson finished vice champion in USF Pro 2000.
Johnson won the Indy NXT championship with two victories and nine podium finishes.
Dale Coyne Racing announced Johnson’s signing for the 2027 IndyCar season.
The IndyCar season is scheduled to open at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
- Age
- 18
- Team
- Dale Coyne Racing
- Series
- 2027 IndyCar Series
- 2026 title
- Youngest Indy NXT champion
- Season opener
- March 7, 2027, St. Petersburg
- Indy NXT record
- Two wins and nine podium finishes in 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
I am focused on working with the DCR team to maximize this opportunity at the top level of motorsports.
My main goal is to be Rookie of the Year and top 15 or 16 in the championship my first year.
For me, I look at it as getting a few podiums, which is always possible
This is a great opportunity for DCR to sign a young and talented driver with an impressive résumé