Hughes takes sensational maiden IndyNXT win
By Timothy Neal
Date posted: 10 May 2025
Australia’s rising ‘Road to Indy’ star Lochie Hughes has taken his first victory in IndyNXT with a lights-to-flag win after starting the weekend with twin poles at the Indianapolis Motorsport Park Road Course.
The Andretti Global driver has had a fantastic start to life in the second tier Dallara category, and whilst he’s played second fiddle on race day to teammate Dennis Hauger across the first two rounds, he’s now stamped his authority as a championship threat.
The Gold Coast born charger led all 35 laps of the Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1, storming home with great poise after surviving to flags, to eventually win by 0.7229.
After opening the year with podiums in Florida and Alabama, it’s clear to see that Hughes is getting used to the heavier and faster machinery after a commanding Qualifying.
“This is an awesome weekend so far,” Hughes said.
“I can’t thank the whole team enough. It’s been a tough jump to this series. It’s a big step from what I was in, so I’ve been playing catch-up for a while.
“It’s nice to finally get a win, especially around here. What a day. My parents are here, as well, this weekend, and they’re not usually here, so I think it’s the first time they’ll see me win in a long time because they don’t come over (to America) much. Pretty cool.”
After opening up an early gap after the first caution, Hughes’ +2.339 second advantage was thwarted by his teammate James Roe who crashed out of Turn 14. But Hughes then held on against the more experienced Caio Collet.
“I was pretty annoyed when I kept seeing the yellow come out,” Hughes said. “I was just trying to get a good jump off the last corner there and brake late into (Turn) 1 and make sure I don’t get passed.”
Race 2 of the doubleheader, another 35-lap contest, starts at 1 p.m local time on the Saturday, with Hughes again set to launch from pole.
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