Indy Lights rebrands as Indy NXT, announces 14-race 2023 schedule
The Indy Lights series, IndyCar's penultimate step on its developmental ladder, will now be known as INDY NXT by Firestone.
The Indy Lights series, IndyCar's penultimate step on its developmental ladder, will now be known as INDY NXT by Firestone.
The move, announced Thursday, comes after INDY NXT, pronounced "next," was brought back under the full IndyCar umbrella this offseason, previously promoted by Andersen Promotions. Now, Penske Entertainment controls all promotion and operations of Indy NXT.
That includes introducing Firestone tires into the series. Firestone will also serve as the presenting sponsor for INDY NXT.
"INDY NXT by Firestone will continue to develop and graduate new generations of racers ready to engage in breathtaking, high-stakes competition," IndyCar president Jay Frye said in a press release. "Firestone is the perfect partner in this endeavor, with its innovative technology and authentic appreciation for INDY NXT and its vast potential."
Frye said the move comes as an attempt to generate more attention on the INDY NXT series, specifically with Gen Z audiences as Gen Z drivers pilot more vehicles in the series.
The Indianapolis Star's Nathan Brown reports next season's INDY NXT grid is expected to reach 20 cars, the largest field since 2009.
Also announced Thursday was the 14 race schedule for INDY NXT. All races will stream on Peacock.
The rest of the IndyCar ladder rebranded as the USF Pro Championships earlier this offseason, with bottom category renamed USF Juniors among other changes.
IndyCar Developmental Ladder
Updated for 2023
- NTT IndyCar Series
- INDY NXT by Firestone
- USF Pro 2000
- USF 2000
- USF Juniors
2023 Indy NXT by Firestone schedule
March 5, Streets of St. Petersburg
April 30, Barber Motorsports Park
May 12, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1
May 13, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2
June 3, Streets of Detroit Race 1
June 4, Streets of Detroit Race 2
June 18, Road America
July 2, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
July 22, Iowa Speedway
Aug. 6, Streets of Nashville
Aug. 27, World Wide Technology Raceway
Sept. 3, Portland International Raceway
Sept. 9, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1
Sept. 10, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2
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