Toby Sowery

Toby Sowery’s return to the INDYCAR paddock will reach a higher gear when the INDY NXT by Firestone driver tests an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car for the first time with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on June 8 at Sebring (Florida) International Raceway.

Sowery, from Great Britain, finished third in the INDY NXT Grand Prix of Alabama on April 30 for HMD Motorsports, his first start in the series and first podium finish since 2021.

“I am grateful to RLL for giving me this opportunity,” said Sowery, 26. “After the frustrations of 2020 and 2021, I focused on building a strong team and a more strategic approach to reaching the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This test is a massive moment for my career, and I am more hungry than ever to deliver the results I know I am capable of and show what I can offer on the INDYCAR stage.

“RLL is a race-winning team with great resources, and last season delivered the Rookie Driver of the Year honors. Bobby Rahal came to meet me in the UK earlier this year; his passion for the sport is infectious. I also visited the new facility before the start of the season and was hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment to reaching their ultimate goal. This drive to commit everything you can to be the very best and the genuine love of the sport is something I share with RLL, so there is a natural synergy between us.”

The test will come a few days after Sowery returns to the cockpit of the No. 14 HMD Motorsports machine in the Indy NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader on June 3-4. He is filling in at Detroit and at the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for regular driver Josh Pierson, who has clashing sports car commitments in the World Endurance Championship.

“We’re really pleased to be able to do this test with Toby,” RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “After a year-and-a-half hiatus, he’s had a great podium finish at Barber and showed his potential. We’re looking forward to having him with us at the test and anticipate a positive outcome.”