Nikita Johnson secures full IndyCar season with Dale Coyne
American driver Nikita Johnson has signed with Dale Coyne Racing for the full 2027 IndyCar season. The 18-year-old moves up after becoming the youngest Indy NXT champion, finishing every race in the top 10 and completing every lap. His next campaign begins in his hometown of St. Petersburg, where he has already won in junior categories.
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Johnson moves into a full-season IndyCar seat
Florida driver Nikita Johnson of the United States has secured a full-time IndyCar drive for 2027 following his Indy NXT championship. Dale Coyne Racing signed the 18-year-old for the step up to the senior single-seater series in the United States.[1], [2]
The team announced the deal on 10 November. Johnson is signed to one of its Honda-powered cars for the whole season. Team owner Dale Coyne highlighted his experience in different cars, including development categories in the United States, Formula Regional in New Zealand and GB3 and Formula 3 in Britain and Europe.[1]
A youngest-ever champion who completed every lap
Johnson won the Indy NXT development championship at 18 years, 3 months and 12 days, the youngest title winner in the series. He finished in the top 10 in all 17 races and completed the season’s full 656 laps. He recorded two victories, starting with the opener in St. Petersburg, Florida. That city is his hometown and also hosts the start of the 17-race 2027 IndyCar season on 7 March.[1]
Junior wins preceded the promotion
He previously won at St. Petersburg in the USF2000 development series in 2023 and USF Pro 2000 in 2024, finishing runner-up in both championships. In 2025 he raced in Britain’s GB3 series and won at Zandvoort in the Netherlands and Brands Hatch in England at 16. Johnson thanked his family, management and new team, saying his focus was on making the most of the opportunity.[1]
