In a thrilling expansion that is shaking up the Indy NXT landscape, Chip Ganassi Racing has announced the signing of two promising talents for the 2026 season: Irish driver James Roe and Californian Carson Etter. This strategic move catapults the team’s lineup to an impressive four cars, as they aim to solidify their position in the racing world.
This marks a significant moment for Ganassi, who made a triumphant return to Indy NXT last season after an 18-year hiatus. The team quickly made its mark, with both the No. 9 Jaguar Land Rover Chesterfield car, piloted by Bryce Aron, and the No. 10 Super B Batteries car, driven by Niels Koolen, finishing in the top 10 of the entrant points. Their resurgence has set the stage for even greater ambitions in the coming season.
Carson Etter, hailing from Villa Park, California, is set to make his Indy NXT debut in the No. 11 GATC Health car. A student at Arizona State University, Etter had a commendable rookie season in USF2000 in 2024, where he secured four top-10 finishes and even clocked the fastest lap at the challenging Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. His journey began in 2017 with off-road truck racing, but his aspirations have now reached the pinnacle of open-wheel racing. “It feels like ‘thank you’ isn’t enough, but I’d like to give a huge thank you to Chip Ganassi Racing for this opportunity to compete in Indy NXT by Firestone,” Etter exclaimed. “I’ve dreamed of racing with this team since I was a kid and I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since they called and said I’m a part of the Ganassi family.”
Joining Etter is James Roe, who takes the wheel of the No. 8 Topcon car for his fourth season in the Indy NXT championship. Roe brings a wealth of experience, with a pole position and numerous podium finishes under his belt. Beyond Indy NXT, he has also made his mark in sports cars, competing in prestigious series like IMSA and the Asian Le Mans Series. “I’m incredibly excited to join Chip Ganassi Racing and take this next step in my journey toward IndyCar,” Roe shared. His determination is palpable as he looks to leverage the rich culture of Ganassi’s championship-level team. “The goal is to create something special together this season.”
Meanwhile, Bryce Aron will return to the No. 9 Jaguar Land Rover Chesterfield car, having played a pivotal role in Ganassi’s return to Indy NXT. With one top-five finish and six top-10s in 13 starts, Aron is poised to make a significant impact as he continues to build on his momentum from the previous season.
Niels Koolen, also making a comeback in the No. 10 Super B Batteries car, showcased impressive performances, particularly on oval tracks, finishing eighth in the championship standings. With one top-five and seven top-10 finishes last season, Koolen is setting his sights higher for 2026, eager to elevate his game and contribute to the team’s success.
As Chip Ganassi Racing gears up for this new chapter, the stakes are higher than ever. The combination of fresh talent and returning drivers promises an exhilarating season ahead in Indy NXT, with fans eagerly anticipating the fierce competition and the thrilling stories that will unfold on the track.
