By: Spencer Neff

November 10, 2026

2026 INDY NXT by Firestone Champion Nikita Johnson will join Dale Coyne Racing and make his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut for the 2027 campaign, the organization announced on Tuesday.

“This is a great opportunity for DCR to sign a young and talented driver with an impressive résumé,” Car Owner Dale Coyne noted in today’s announcement.

“Nikita has raced many types of cars and has gained great experience in the USA with INDY NXT, the USF series, Formula Regional in New Zealand, and GB3 and F3 in England and Europe.”

The Saint Petersburg, Florida native heads into the series after a pair of victories (St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park-Race 1) with Cape Motorsports powered by ECR propelled him tot the INDY NXT by Firestone championship.

“I want to thank Dale Coyne and everyone on the team for this amazing opportunity, together with OnlyBulls and my partners PV3 Enterprises/ENVE,” Johnson exclaimed in Tuesday’s announcement.

“I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support and my management team, for working with Dale Coyne to take the next step in my career. I am focused on working with the DCR team to maximize this opportunity at the top level of motorsports.”

Dale Coyne Racing will look to duplicate its 2026 success, which saw Dennis Hauger win Rookie of the Year honors following his Indy NXT Championship season. Johnson’s teammate for 2027 has yet to be confirmed.

Tuesday’s announcement confirms a pair of drivers will contend for 2027 Rookie of the Year honors. A.J. Foyt Racing signed Josh Pierson to drive the No. 4 car in the upcoming season.

Johnson will make his INDYCAR debut on the streets of his hometown St. Petersburg, Florida at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 5-7, 2027.

Header Image By James Black/INDYCAR