Dennis Hauger delivered a commanding performance to secure his first Indy NXT by Firestone victory at St. Petersburg, leading every lap from pole position in the No. 28 Rental Group car. The Norwegian rookie, who previously won the FIA Formula 3 Championship and collected multiple Formula 2 victories, became the first driver since Linus Lundqvist in 2021 to win in their series debut.

Andretti Global secured a 1-2 finish with rookie Lochie Hughes taking second place in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship car. Caio Collet, the highest-returning driver from last season, completed the podium in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports entry.

Notable performances included Myles Rowe matching his career-best fourth place finish for Abel Motorsports/Force Indy, and Salvador de Alba securing fifth position for Andretti Global. Jordan Missig achieved a career-best sixth-place finish for Abel Motorsports, improving significantly from his previous best result.

The race, originally planned for 45 laps, was converted to a 55-minute timed event due to four caution periods. Hauger maintained control through three restarts and was building a substantial lead when a late incident involving Jack William Miller brought out the final caution, ending the race.

Rookie drivers Sophia Floersch and Hailie Deegan finished 12th and 14th respectively in their series debuts for HMD Motorsports.

The next Indy NXT by Firestone race will take place at the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday, May 4.

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