Hometown Driver Nikita Johnson Wins INDY NXT Firestone Grand Prix

The 22-year-old Cape Motorsports racer captured his first career INDY NXT victory in the season opener at St. Petersburg.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nikita Johnson, a 22-year-old driver from the St. Petersburg area, won the INDY NXT By Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday. It was Johnson's first career victory in the INDY NXT developmental racing series, coming in just his fourth start.

Why it matters

Johnson's hometown victory is a feel-good story for the local community and highlights the rising talent in the INDY NXT pipeline, which serves as a feeder series for the top-level NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The details

Johnson, driving for the Cape Motorsports team, led the final 20 laps of the 45-lap race on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg to take the checkered flag. He held off a late charge from series veteran Kyffin Simpson to secure the win.

  • The INDY NXT Grand Prix of St. Petersburg took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Johnson led the final 20 laps of the 45-lap race.

The players

Nikita Johnson

A 22-year-old driver from the St. Petersburg area who races for the Cape Motorsports team in the INDY NXT developmental series.

Cape Motorsports

The racing team that Johnson drives for in the INDY NXT series.

Kyffin Simpson

A veteran driver in the INDY NXT series who finished second to Johnson in the St. Petersburg race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Winning my first INDY NXT race in my hometown is a dream come true. The team gave me a great car and I'm so proud to bring home the victory for Cape Motorsports and the St. Petersburg community.”

— Nikita Johnson, INDY NXT Driver (tracksideonline.com)

What’s next

Johnson will look to build on his first career victory as the INDY NXT season continues. The next race is scheduled for April 12th in Birmingham, Alabama.

The takeaway

Johnson's breakthrough win in St. Petersburg showcases the local talent emerging in the INDY NXT ranks and the continued growth of the developmental racing series as a path to the top levels of open-wheel racing in North America.