Race-winning driver Matteo Nannini is set to return to the Indy NXT series in the 2026 season, driving for Cape Motorsports powered by Ed Carpenter Racing. The announcement marks an important step in Nannini’s career as he aims to compete full-time after an initial part-season stint in 2023.
Review of Nannini’s Initial Indy NXT Experience and Career Progression
When Nannini last raced in Indy NXT at age 19, he only participated in the first half of 2023 with Juncos Hollinger Racing. His standout achievement was a victory from pole position, combined with the fastest lap, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, which was his only top-10 finish that year. He concluded the season 19th in the overall standings. Now 22, Nannini has broadened his horizons by forming his own team and preparing for a full campaign with Cape Motorsports, which recently formed a partnership with the IndyCar team Ed Carpenter Racing. He completed testing with Cape at Sebring ahead of the new season.
Statements from Nannini and His Team Plans
I’m very happy to be back in Indy Nxt with Cape by ECR,
said Nannini.
I’m grateful to the team for this great opportunity and for the trust they’ve shown in me. Our first test together was very positive; we worked well as a group and built a strong foundation from the start. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and to enjoying every moment on track.
– Matteo Nannini
Past Achievements and Current Team Dynamics
Throughout his single-seater journey, Matteo Nannini has claimed the UAE Formula 4 title, finished 15th in the Formula Regional European Championship, and placed 14th in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He also made select appearances in Formula 2, scoring one championship point. This season, at Cape Motorsports, he will team up with rookie Nikita Johnson, who brings experience from Formula Regional Oceania, GB3, and the FIA Formula 3 Championship, alongside limited Indy NXT racing last year.
Enve Motorsports and Longer-Term Ambitions
Matteo Nannini co-founded Enve Motorsports, which this year competes full-time in the USF2000 series, two tiers beneath Indy NXT on the Road to Indy ladder. Nannini envisions Enve expanding onto the Indy NXT grid and ultimately advancing into top-level single-seater racing. The most ambitious goal includes acquiring an IndyCar charter to compete at the highest level.
Outlook for Juncos and Indy NXT in 2026
Juncos Hollinger Racing, the team Nannini previously competed with, reverted focus entirely to its IndyCar program in 2024 due to its intensive resource demands. The team plans to return to the Indy NXT grid in 2026 with new signing Ricardo Escotto. However, the outfit will face the season without its founder and co-owner Ricardo Juncos, who has recently passed away, marking a poignant moment for the team and series.
