Andretti Global announced Oct. 21 that Josh Pierson will join the team’s 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone lineup, driving the No. 29 Dallara.

Pierson (photo, above), 19, from Portland, Oregon, has competed in the INDYCAR development series for the last three seasons, making his debut in 2023. This year was his most successful season in INDY NXT, as he collected two podium finishes and 11 top-10 results, finishing sixth in the series standings with HMD Motorsports.

“I’m super excited to be joining Andretti Global for the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season,” Pierson said. “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.

“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 as a driver. I cannot wait to get started with the team at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test.”

Andretti Global drivers Louis Foster and Dennis Hauger have won the last two championships in INDY NXT, respectively. Both drivers have since climbed to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Josh Pierson

Pierson’s additional open-wheel racing experience includes a partial season in the F1600 series in 2020, collecting two podium finishes. In 2020 and 2021, he moved up to compete in the USF 2000, securing five podium finishes and 16 top-10 results. Pierson (photo, above) also has experience in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship.

He also has enjoyed success in sports car racing in the LMP2 class in 2022 and 2023. Pierson captured two podium finishes and 11 top-10 results in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and four podiums and 12 top-10 finishes in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He has competed in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, with a best result of 10th in 2022.

Pierson rounds out the Andretti INDY NXT driver lineup for next season, following previously announced teammates Lochie Hughes, Seb Murray and Max Taylor. Pierson will make his on-track debut with the Andretti INDY NXT team Monday, Oct. 27 at the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

“We first talked to Josh over three years ago, so we are delighted to now add him to the Andretti Global INDY NXT family for the 2026 season,” Andretti Global Team Principal Rob Edwards said. “We have watched Josh develop as a driver over the past few years, not just in INDY NXT, but also through his experience racing in Europe.

“Josh put in many strong performances over the second half of the 2025 season, and we expect him to challenge for the INDY NXT championship in 2026.”

The 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season starts Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.