Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has announced the addition of two new drivers, Irish racer James Roe and Californian Carson Etter, to its INDY NXT by Firestone lineup for the 2026 season. This expansion brings the total number of cars to four, alongside returning drivers Bryce Aron and Niels Koolen.
After an 18-year hiatus, CGR made a comeback to the INDYCAR development series last year. Their efforts paid off, as the No. 9 Jaguar Land Rover Chesterfield car, piloted by Aron, and the No. 10 Super B Batteries car, driven by Koolen, finished in the top 10 in entrant points.
“Chip Ganassi Racing is glad to have Carson and James join the team with Bryce and Niels as we expand our INDY NXT by Firestone efforts in 2026,” said CGR Team Manager Taylor Kiel. He emphasized the team's commitment to hard work and competitiveness as they aim for podiums. “We are putting in a lot of hard work as we try to fight for wins and podiums in our second year back on the NXT grid, and I’m looking forward to see what we accomplish.”
James Roe, entering his fourth full season in INDY NXT, will race the No. 8 Topcon car. With a strong career featuring one pole and three podium finishes, Roe brings valuable experience not only from INDY NXT but also from various international sports car events, including 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 stated. He reflected on the significance of joining such a prestigious team. “Competing with one of the most successful teams in the sport as they grow their INDY NXT program is a unique chance to combine my experience in the series with their championship-level culture. The INDYCAR paddock is where I want to be, and I’m more determined than ever.”
For Carson Etter, the upcoming season marks his debut in INDY NXT, where he will be behind the wheel of the No. 11 GATC Health car. A student at Arizona State University, Etter completed an impressive rookie season in USF2000, securing four top-10 finishes and achieving the fastest lap at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. His racing journey began in off-road truck racing back in 2017.
“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 shared. He expressed his longstanding admiration for the team, stating, “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.”
Etter underscored the team's rigorous environment that fosters growth, stating, “Chip Ganassi Racing sets the bar high. There are no excuses, only results, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be in.” With enthusiasm, he expressed his commitment to contributing to the team's success. “We’re coming in hungry, putting in the work and making sure every weekend means something. I can’t wait to get after it in 2026.”
Aron and Koolen, both returning drivers, have set their sights on building on their successes from the previous season. Aron, hailing from Winnetka, Illinois, will once again take the wheel of the No. 9 Jaguar Land Rover Chesterfield car. After placing 11th in the championship with multiple top finishes last season, Aron is eager to continue the momentum.
“I am extremely excited to be returning to Chip Ganassi Racing again in 2026 for the INDY NXT season,” Aron remarked. He highlighted the team’s progress since he joined during the latter part of 2025. “We finished the second half of last season really strong, and I was very proud of all of the development we made across the entire year.”
Koolen, who represents the Netherlands, is also looking forward to his return in the No. 10 Super B Batteries car. After a productive 2025 season in which he achieved several top finishes, Koolen is determined to take his performance to the next level.
“I really enjoyed last year with the Chip Ganassi Racing team,” Koolen said. “The people, the preparation, and the way we kept improving throughout the season gave me a lot of confidence.” Koolen expressed excitement about intensifying the competition as they push for victories in the upcoming season.
The journey for CGR in the 2026 INDY NXT season will kick off at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, held on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, a start filled with promise and anticipation for both the team and its fans.
