Callum Hedge, ambassador for the Tony Quinn Foundation, secured his inaugural podium finish of the 2025 Indy NXT season during the double-header event at Laguna Seca, California. This milestone result came after a consistently strong string of performances leading into the weekend, highlighting Hedge’s determination to reach the top ranks.
Strong Pre-Race Form and Preparation Boost Confidence
Before arriving at Laguna Seca, Hedge had demonstrated solid form by achieving four consecutive Top 7 finishes and was eager to crack the Top 5 once again, something he had not done since Indianapolis in May. His confidence was further reinforced by promising lap times during preseason testing at the California track.
The weekend’s format demanded extra focus on Qualifying as it set the starting grid for both 35-lap races. Hedge used two practice sessions to adjust his setup ahead of the challenge.
Practice Sessions Show Positive Progress
In the opening practice, Hedge quickly made his presence felt, finishing sixth with a best lap of 1:15.4937, trailing leader Dennis Hauger by around three-quarters of a second. He further improved in Practice 2, clocking a 1:14.6709 that put him fifth overall, narrowing the gap to the fastest driver, Caio Collet, to just over half a second.
Mastering Qualifying Under Pressure
Assigned to Group 2 for Qualifying, Hedge faced the challenge of setting two competitive lap times since the second-best lap determined the Race 2 grid. He executed this well, maintaining a position among the Top 3 throughout the session. His quickest lap of 1:13.5210 placed him in contention, backed by a strong second-best lap of 1:13.7659, just 0.2 seconds slower. These laps secured him the fifth position on the grid for both races.
Race 1: Navigating Early Chaos and Maintaining Position
The first race saw immediate turmoil. Starting inside Row 3, Hedge ran alongside teammate Myles Rowe through the opening corners but was forced wide exiting Turn 3, losing momentum and making him vulnerable at Turn 4. There, Sebastian Murray attempted a bold maneuver, spun out, though fortunately avoided contact with Hedge. Multiple cars became entangled in the unfolding chaos, prompting an early caution.
When the race restarted on Lap 5, Hedge held fifth place, trailing Rowe and ahead of championship hopeful Lochie Hughes. He remained locked in tight pursuit of Rowe for the final podium spot, carefully managing the gap to Hughes behind him. Despite Rowe edging clear in the final laps, Hedge crossed the line in fifth, marking his best finish in months.
Race 2: Drama Unfolds on the Track, Opening a Path to the Podium
Hedge again started fifth for the second race, with the opening laps filled with multi-car incidents. Hedge skillfully avoided trouble and held his position, even as another early caution was called. After the restart on Lap 5, he closely followed Hughes and defended aggressively against Rowe and Max Taylor. Hedge attempted an outside move into Turn 1 but eventually settled back in line.
For several laps, Hedge kept pace with Hughes while fending off pressure from Rowe. However, a heavy impact involving teammate Liam Sceats at Turn 6 triggered another race neutralization. Thankfully, Sceats was unharmed from the incident. On the restart at Lap 22, Rowe intensified pressure, but Hedge maintained composure. Yet, additional crashes forced further cautions.
With nine laps remaining, the race resumed amid high tension. At Turn 1, Rowe’s late inside pass attempt led to contact, spinning Rowe out. Simultaneously, Hauger and Hughes collided and crashed out of third and fourth places, creating unexpected chaos.
These events promoted Hedge to third, behind Collet and Pierson. On the ensuing restart, Hedge launched a strong challenge on Pierson at Turn 1 but was unable to pass. He skillfully managed the gap behind him, pulling away from Max Taylor to finish third and secure his first Indy NXT 2025 podium finish.
Impact on Championship Standings and Future Outlook
This breakthrough result not only rewarded Hedge’s consistent progress throughout the season but also boosted his standing in the championship. Although seventh overall, he is now only 36 points shy of re-entering the Top 5 and less than 100 points behind third-placed Lochie Hughes. Hedge will take a well-deserved break before returning to race on the final road course of the 2025 season at Portland International Raceway.
With just three rounds remaining, Hedge is positioned to build momentum and continue his push up the Indy NXT leaderboard, keeping his focus sharp as every point becomes increasingly crucial.
“It was a brilliant drive and a deserving reward for a season of steady progression.” —Tony Quinn Foundation Spokesperson
“He’s now just 36 points off the Top 5 and under 100 points from third-placed Hughes.” —Race Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is indy nxt like F2?
A. The FIA Formula 2 car has 620 horsepower, while the INDY NXT by Firestone offers only 450 horsepower. However, unlike the INDY NXT cars, F2 cars don’t let drivers take corners by sliding the tires.
Q. What level is indy nxt?
A. Indy NXT is the top level in the Road to Indy, a series of races that lead to the IndyCar Series.
