Dennis Hauger, the latest sensation in the world of Indy NXT by Firestone, made an impressive debut this season, clinching the pole position at the inaugural Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Delivering a track-record lap for the IndyCar development series, Hauger has indeed set the stage on fire.
The Norwegian, driving the No. 28 Rental Group car fielded by Andretti Global, clocked an exceptional top lap of 1m3.8801s. This feat secured him the coveted top spot in his series debut. A challenging 45-lap race awaits him on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary street circuit, scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. ET Sunday. Fans can catch the action live on FS1, the FOX Sports app, and the IndyCar Radio Network.
Hauger, expressing his satisfaction, lauded his team’s efforts in preparing an excellent car for the qualifying round. Despite acknowledging room for improvement, he expressed contentment with the first race weekend’s performance.
In a spectacular display of raw talent, Hauger shattered the previous Indy NXT track record of 1m04.5759s, held by Nolan Siegel. He consistently demonstrated his prowess, leading practice on Friday and ranking second during the pre-qualifying session on Saturday morning.
Hauger has his sights firmly set on the NTT IndyCar Series, mirroring Siegel’s successful climb. Prior to joining Indy NXT by Firestone, Hauger had an illustrious run in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2021. He also boasts five wins and 13 podium finishes in the FIA Formula 2, the penultimate stepping stone to Formula One, over the past three seasons.
Joining Hauger on the front row will be 2024 USF Pro 2000 champion Lochie Hughes, who made an impressive Indy NXT debut by qualifying second at 1m04.0209s. Hughes drives the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship vehicle for Andretti Global.
The series veteran Caio Collet, the top returning driver this season, locked in third place with a qualifying time of 1m04.3851s in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports car. Myles Rowe, another seasoned competitor, will start alongside Collet in the second row after qualifying fourth at 1m04.2053s in the No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy car.
Rookie Liam Sceats made his mark by qualifying fifth at 1m04.5451s in the No. 30 HMD Motorsports car, while Jack William Miller secured the sixth position with his best lap of 1m04.3300s in the No. 40 Abel/Miller/Vinatieri Motorsports car.
As the engines rev up, all eyes are on these talented racers, ready to make their mark in the Indy NXT by Firestone.
