Andretti Drivers Sweep Top 3 Spots in St. Pete Practice

Max Taylor leads 1-2-3 finish for Andretti Global in opening INDY NXT session

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Max Taylor, driving for Andretti Global, topped the opening practice session of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, leading a 1-2-3 sweep for the team. Taylor, a Connecticut native entering his first full INDY NXT campaign, posted a best lap of 1:05.0852, followed by veteran Josh Pierson and second-year driver Seb Murray in the Andretti entries.

Why it matters

Andretti Global's dominance in the opening practice session sets the stage for a potentially strong weekend for the team as the new INDY NXT season gets underway. The 1-2-3 finish showcases the team's depth and the potential of its driver lineup, which includes rising talents like Taylor alongside more experienced competitors.

The details

Taylor, who made six INDY NXT starts in 2025 while racing full-time in USF Pro 2000, has been impressive in preseason testing, topping the INDY NXT Group Test at Barber Motorsports Park last November and ranking among the fastest drivers at other recent tests. His strong opening practice performance in St. Petersburg validates the team's faith in him as he embarks on his first full INDY NXT campaign.

  • The 45-minute practice session took place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The next practice is scheduled for 8:35 a.m. ET on Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by qualifying at 3:45 p.m. ET.
  • The 45-lap race is set to start at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Max Taylor

A Connecticut native entering his first full season in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, driving the No. 28 Susan G. Komen entry for Andretti Global.

Josh Pierson

A series veteran and newcomer to the Andretti Global team, driving the No. 29 Starchive Andretti entry.

Seb Murray

A second-year INDY NXT driver, completing the Andretti Global 1-2-3 sweep in the No. 27 Prosperity entry.

Andretti Global

The racing team that fielded the top three cars in the opening practice session of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season.

INDY NXT by Firestone

The INDYCAR development series that is holding its season-opening event at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

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What they’re saying

“A good first session. Always loved driving around this place. Missed it. It was a really good session working with team, developing the setup, fixing my driving, as well. A really good start to the weekend, and I'm excited to keep on attacking it.”

— Max Taylor (tracksideonline.com)

What’s next

The next practice session is scheduled for 8:35 a.m. ET on Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by qualifying at 3:45 p.m. ET the same day. The 45-lap race is set to start at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Andretti Global's dominant performance in the opening practice session of the 2026 INDY NXT season suggests the team has the cars and drivers to contend for the championship this year. With rising talent Max Taylor leading the way, Andretti's 1-2-3 finish underscores the team's depth and the competitive landscape in the INDYCAR development series.