Hughes scores key oval win

A blistering run to the flag saw Australia’s Lochie Hughes “send it” to a timely maiden oval win of his growing Indy NXT title push.

Hughes went from fifth to first inside the final 15 laps and charged to a strong 4.3s triumph at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Starting fifth, the #26 Andretti Global driver put in an inspired drive to the second win of his rookie Indy NXT campaign and brought his championship challenge to life.

With Norgian winning machine Dennis Hauger only managing fifth, Hughes cut the deficit to from 38 to 19 points in what is becoming a two-horse race for the title.

Hughes remains the only driver to beat Hauger and admitted he gave it everything to secure his latest success.

“I was starting fifth, and I was pretty angry with yesterday (after qualifying),” Hughes said. 

“So, I honestly didn’t really care. I just thought I’d send it and try something with the setup and send it and see what happens.”

Caio Collet led 58 of the first 61 laps and appeared to be in control until Hughes put the foot down and produced a magical and decisive four-lap run.

The Aussie deployed a high-downforce set up at the 1.25m oval and it paid off handsomely.

Hughes lit it up on the high line and flew from fourth to first.

The big moment arrived on Lap 62 when he caught Collet, who was running behind the lapped Ricardo Escotto and flew past both of them at Turn 2.

After snatching the lead, Hughes did not look back.

“It was mega,” Hughes said of his car. 

“I still can’t really believe it, to be honest. I was so, so disappointed after yesterday. I thought we had thrown away a good result. We did it somehow.

“I just thought I’d try the high line one lap, and it worked. I was like, ‘Oh, found something,’ and then just kept running it and ended up with a win. It’s awesome. I’m so happy.”

Having also won at the Indianapolis road course, Hughes is giving himself a serious shot at backing up his USF4 and USF Pro 2000 titles.

Kiwi Callum Hedge secured a solid seventh, while Australia’s Tommy Smith was two laps down in 17th.

The next INDY NXT race is Sunday, June 22, the Grand Prix at Road America.

Image: Penske

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