Myles Rowe, driving for Abel Motorsports and a long-time admirer of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has made history by becoming the first Black driver to win in the Indy NXT series. His breakthrough victory occurred during the 2025 Indy NXT By Firestone race held at Iowa Speedway, marking a significant milestone in the sport.
Rowe secured the win in dramatic fashion by executing a remarkable overtaking maneuver against Dennis Hauger of Andretti Global in the oval race’s final stages.
Race Details Highlight Strategic Overtake Against Dennis Hauger
The 75-lap race saw Dennis Hauger leading an impressive 61 laps, but Myles Rowe maintained pressure throughout. With 14 laps remaining, Rowe made a decisive move on the outside to claim the lead and ultimately the victory. His persistence paid off after staying close to Hauger for most of the event.
During the FOX broadcast, commentators captured the intense moment:
“Lost all that track position, just trying to hang on right now. Dennis goes high here, Myles Rowe with the run. He’s got a chance, looking to the outside, side-by-side, Myles Rowe leads at the Iowa Speedway.”
This statement highlighted Rowe’s skill and determination under pressure to seize the winning position on the challenging oval track.
Background on Rowe’s Racing Journey and Support System
Now 25 years old, Myles Rowe is in his second season competing in Indy NXT. He earned the 2023 USF Pro Championship title before joining Abel Motorsports through the Force Indy pilot program, an initiative under Penske Entertainment’s Race for Equality and Change. This program aims to support diversity and inclusion within motorsports.
Rowe’s association with Force Indy was encouraged by two-time IndyCar champion Will Power, who recognized Rowe’s talent early on. Prior to Indy NXT, Rowe had strong performances in the USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 series. Notably, in August 2021, he became the first Black driver to win an INDYCAR-sanctioned race at New Jersey Motorsports Park during his debut USF2000 season.
Influence of Lewis Hamilton on Myles Rowe’s Career
Before achieving this historic win, Rowe openly credited Lewis Hamilton as a crucial influence on his own aspirations and career path. In September 2023, during a talk with Motorsport Magazine, Rowe reflected on Hamilton’s impact among young racers, especially Black kids in the United States who may have limited exposure to motorsports.
“I think it is extremely important that we represent, in a very positive way, people like us around the world, for young people to see it and think: I can do this. Certainly, Lewis Hamilton has had that impact. Even here in this country, when a lot of kids – especially black kids – don’t know anything about racing, when they see Myles, it means something. It’s extremely important for me, because when I was a kid, looking at Lewis, he was breaking all the records.”
—Myles Rowe, Indy NXT driver
Looking Ahead: The Future of Myles Rowe in Motorsports
Myles Rowe’s groundbreaking success in Indy NXT at Iowa Speedway has marked him as a rising star within the racing community. His victory is not just a personal achievement but also a symbol of progress and representation in a sport working toward greater diversity. As Rowe builds on his momentum, many will be watching closely to see how his promising career unfolds and what further milestones he will reach.
