On Friday, July 25, 2025, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, Caio Collet emerged as the fastest driver in the first day of INDY NXT by Firestone practice sessions, while series leader Dennis Hauger experienced an uncommon crash that hindered his performance. Collet’s quick lap positioned him ahead of several top contenders during these crucial practice runs.
Details of the First-Day Practice Sessions at Laguna Seca
Collet, driving the No. 76 car for HMD Motorsports, recorded the fastest overall lap time at 1 minute, 14.0546 seconds. Close behind were Lochie Hughes in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship car for Andretti Global, posting a 1:14.3332 lap, and Josh Pierson, also from HMD Motorsports in the No. 14 entry, who posted a 1:14.6193. Dennis Hauger, piloting the No. 28 Nammo car for Andretti Global, had the best time in the opening session with a 1:14.7484 but was unable to improve after crashing at Turn 6 during the second practice.
Hauger’s crash caused damage to his vehicle, restricting his ability to compete in the second session and resulting in his lap times placing him 16th overall for the day. This position will pose a challenge during Saturday’s qualifying session, scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern Time on FS1, which will determine the starting grids for both races scheduled this weekend.
Competitive Standings and Upcoming Races
Hauger currently leads the INDY NXT series, boasting five victories and six pole positions, and holds a substantial 76-point advantage over Hughes, who has secured two wins and two poles. Caio Collet, who has won one race during the season, is 94 points behind Hauger. With five races left in the season, the championship battle remains highly competitive.
Nineteen teams are participating this weekend following Andretti Cape INDY NXT and driver Ricardo Escotto parting ways. The first race will take place on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS2, followed by the second race at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, broadcast on FS1.
The Significance of Qualifying at Laguna Seca
Qualifying at Laguna Seca holds added importance since the last ten pole winners of the Grand Prix of Monterey have all gone on to win the race. With Hauger’s mishap, the pole position remains open for contenders like Collet, Hughes, and Pierson. Their performance in qualifying will be pivotal for championship points and race strategy moving forward.
This weekend’s events at WeatherTech Raceway will likely shape the trajectory of the INDY NXT season as drivers push to capitalize on their opportunities. Collet’s strong showing reinforces his potential to challenge the top of the standings, while Hauger must recover quickly to maintain his lead.
“Hauger finished with the 16th-best lap overall in Andretti Global’s No. 28 Nammo car, a position he won’t want to be in when qualifying is held Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on FS1.”
—INDYCAR Communications
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Dennis Hauger?
A. Hauger will stay in Formula 2 for a third year with MP Motorsport in 2024. He is teamed up with Franco Colapinto, a member of the Williams Driver Academy. Before the Qatar round, Hauger decided to leave Formula 2. He wants to focus on getting ready for Indy NXT in 2025, and Richard Verschoor took his place.
