Christian Lundgaard’s multiyear deal to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing leaves open seats to be discussed for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Lundgaard was named Sept. 29 to drive the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in a multiyear deal, marking one of the most coveted rides for next season.
Juncos Hollinger and AJ Foyt Racing Openings
Curt Cavin highlights Rinus VeeKay at Juncos Hollinger Racing, noting that the pairing was among the best of the 2026 season with a third-place finish at the Milwaukee Mile, three fourth-place finishes, a sixth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, and a 10th-place standings finish, with an announcement expected once team ownership details are finalized.
Meanwhile, Eric Smith points to the second seat at AJ Foyt Racing, where Josh Pierson has the inside line pending an evaluation test, following a season where Dennis Hauger took Rookie of the Year honors before departing to Foyt for 2027. The Foyt team will draw significant attention next May for the 60th anniversary of A.J. Foyt’s third Indy 500 victory and the 50th anniversary of him becoming the first driver to win the race four times.
Nikita Johnson and Romain Grosjean’s Futures
Arni Sribhen focuses on reigning INDY NXT by Firestone champion Nikita Johnson, an 18-year-old who starred in the 2026 developmental series. AJ Foyt Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing have all pursued the Floridian phenom for a full-time seat, though budget factors will play a role.
Paul Kelly questions the future of Romain Grosjean in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES following an uninspiring 2026 season with Dale Coyne Racing that featured just three top-10 finishes, highlighted by a second-place finish at Markham. While Coyne may seek a veteran to mentor a rookie like Johnson following Dennis Hauger’s departure, drivers like Callum Ilott and Nolan Siegel are also on the market and would likely require smaller pay packets, while Grosjean may consider a return to sports cars.
