Multiple GB3 race winner Nikita Johnson will move up to the NTT INDYCAR Series for the 2027 season, after securing a full-time drive with Dale Coyne Racing.
The 18-year-old enters INDYCAR after a rapid ascend through the junior single-seater ranks. The American is the youngest driver to win the INDY NXT title with two wins and seven further podiums this year, and prior to that, had won GB3 races at Zandvoort and Brands Hatch in addition to podiums at Silverstone and Spa while racing for VRD and Hitech.
He moves up to USA's top series with support from sponsor ENVE, which also backs Mick Schumacher. Johnson has also gained support from Dale Coyne Racing's wider partner OnlyBulls.
He will make his INDYCAR debut at the St Petersburg season opener, his hometown. He's enjoyed great success at the circuit in his junior career, having won INDY NXT, USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 races at the venue across the last three years.
“I want to thank Dale Coyne and everyone on the team for this amazing opportunity, together with OnlyBulls and my partners PV3 Enterprises/ENVE" Johnson said.
"I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support and my management team, for working with Dale Coyne to take the next step in my career. I am focused on working with the DCR team to maximize this opportunity at the top level of motorsports.”
Team owner Dale Coyne added: “This is a great opportunity for DCR to sign a young and talented driver with an impressive résumé.
"Nikita has raced many types of cars and has gained great experience in the USA with INDY NXT, the USF series, Formula Regional in New Zealand, and GB3 and F3 in England and Europe.”