On October 1, Caio Collet and Niels Koolen, prominent drivers in the INDY NXT by Firestone development series, completed their initial test in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car during a team evaluation at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near Columbus, Ohio. This INDYCAR SERIES car test marked a significant step as both drivers edge closer to advancing their careers in the top-level circuit.
Collet, who finished as the 2025 INDY NXT series runner-up, drove for AJ Foyt Racing, while Koolen, a more experienced competitor this season with Chip Ganassi Racing’s INDY NXT program, remained with his team for the test. Both drivers were keen to gauge how the INDYCAR SERIES vehicle compares with the NXT car, particularly focusing on braking performance.
Powerful Braking and Enhanced Downforce Impress Drivers
Though the INDYCAR SERIES car boasts significantly increased downforce and an additional 200 to 250 horsepower depending on turbo boost settings, Collet and Koolen were most struck by its ability to decelerate quickly. The larger car’s braking power stood out as a defining feature of their experience.
The biggest thing I noticed was the braking power; the car just stops so much quicker, More than I would have expected. Obviously, there is a lot more mechanical grip and the aero gives you much more to work with, especially in the mid to high-speed corners.
Niels Koolen, INDY NXT Driver
Collet added,
You can really push the (brake) pedal. The way they warm up, different than the NXT car.
His comments underline the adjustment drivers must make when transitioning to the more powerful INDYCAR SERIES machinery.
Extensive Track Time Sharpens Skills During Test
Throughout the session involving five drivers, Koolen completed 103 laps on the demanding 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio circuit featuring 13 turns, while Collet turned 95 laps. Collet’s strong performance earned him second place overall behind Felipe Nasr, a driver from Team Penske and an IMSA sports car veteran. Koolen finished fourth, just under half a second shy of Nasr’s pace.
Reflecting on the test, Collet expressed enthusiasm:
It was an amazing experience, Dream come true. We got up to speed quite quickly. We have worked quite a bit the last few days to understand how each other works and what I need to get on top of the tools. There are a lot more different things than the NXT car, with the hybrid system and a lot more stuff going on for the driver to deal with. They (AJ Foyt Racing crew) helped me a lot with how to stay on top of the tools all day.
Future Prospects and Ambitions for Both Drivers
Neither Collet nor Koolen have finalized plans for the 2026 racing season. Koolen, originally from the Netherlands and ranked eighth in the INDY NXT standings with one top-five finish, may continue in the development series to gain further experience. In contrast, Collet, a Brazilian driver, aims to progress to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2026 following his runner-up finish and three victories in the 2025 INDY NXT season behind champion Dennis Hauger.
I want to learn as much as possible and prove that I can one day be in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, It’s a very competitive series and really tough, so you have to prove you are ready. Today, I think we kind of showed that. A lot to work on, a lot to improve, but definitely a step in the right direction. The NXT car taught me a lot on how to drive the car.
Caio Collet, INDY NXT Driver
He added,
I was very happy. I was smiling on the install lap. Very grateful to be here to do this.
Significance of the Test for Their Racing Careers
This INDYCAR SERIES car test at Mid-Ohio is a crucial milestone for both Caio Collet and Niels Koolen as they prepare for potential transitions within professional open-wheel racing. The experience provided valuable insights into handling a more powerful car equipped with advanced hybrid systems and greater aerodynamic downforce. Their performances suggest that both drivers possess the skill and determination necessary to compete in the highly competitive NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with Collet clearly aiming to join the premier level in the near future. Continued development and evaluation will likely shape their racing options as 2026 approaches.
