Collet Ends Andretti Streak, Hughes Back on Podium at Road America

Caio Collet broke through for his first win of the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season at Road America, ending a run of Andretti Global dominance that had included race wins by both Dennis Hauger and Lochie Hughes.

The HMD Motorsports driver stalked championship leader Hauger for most of the 20-lap race before making the decisive move with four laps remaining. Collet’s outside pass into Turn 1 was clean and clinical, and he quickly pulled away to win by 1.7 seconds.

“It was really frustrating earlier this year,” Collet said. “We couldn’t match them, to be honest, but we kept working and pushing. This one is for the team.”

The result gave HMD its first win of the season and Collet his second career INDY NXT victory, having last stood on the top step at Mid-Ohio in 2024.

Dennis Hauger, Caio Collet and Lochie Hughes – Grand Prix at Road America – INDY NXT Presented by Firestone. Image: Penske Entertainment: Chris Owens

Hauger was gracious in defeat after starting from pole and leading the first 15 laps. “We did everything right today,” he said. “But they were just a bit stronger. Still a decent weekend overall.”

Lochie Hughes, who had won two of the last three races, kept his strong run going by climbing back onto the podium in third. The Australian made a critical pass on the final lap, slipping by Josh Pierson to secure the result.

Hughes’ consistent pace means he stays second in the championship and actually gains ground, now sitting 28 points behind teammate Hauger as the series heads to Mid-Ohio. Collet sits third in the standings, 70 points back.

The Road America race ran caution-free on a warm and fast afternoon, with Myles Rowe finishing fifth for Abel Motorsports. Pierson matched his career-best result in fourth.

The next round at Mid-Ohio on July 6 could prove pivotal for Collet, who returns to the site of his maiden win last season. With the Andretti pair of Hauger and Hughes still leading the way overall, HMD and Collet will be hoping their Road America breakthrough marks the start of a serious championship charge.