Alessandro de Tullio signs with Chip Ganassi Racing in Indy NXT alongside IndyCar reserve role
Alessandro de Tullio will return for a sophomore season of Indy NXT in 2027 as he moves to Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). De Tullio will drive the No.10 entry for Ganassi and enters an IndyCar reserve driver role for all road and street course races with the team.
De Tullio was one of the surprise stars of the 2026 Indy NXT season in his rookie season, in which he drove for AJ Foyt Racing. The Argentine took eight poles and secured 14 front row starts in 17 races, and tied for second all-time for the most poles in an Indy NXT season.
The 20-year-old took home victories at Barber Motorsports Park and Portland International Raceway in his rookie season and earned a further two podiums on his way to sixth in the championship.
“I’m very excited to be joining Chip Ganassi Racing for 2027 in Indy NXT and with a reserve driver program in IndyCar," said de Tullio. "It’s another step in my career, and joining the most successful team in IndyCar is something that’s very special. I’m looking forward to adding to that success in the Indy NXT program, doing my best to learn as much as possible and help as much as possible as the reserve driver in IndyCar. I also have to thank my partners that have helped me get to this stage, and I’m excited to see what we can do together at Chip Ganassi Racing.
Alongside the Indy NXT confirmation, de Tullio will have his first IndyCar-associated role after being announced as the team's IndyCar reserve driver for all road and street course races. De Tullio will also complete simulator work and be present at the track for all IndyCar road/street events.
"We’re excited to welcome Alessandro to Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2027 season," said CGR team manager Taylor Kiel. "Our goal is to give him and his teammates the support and resources to compete for wins and the Indy NXT championship. Pairing that program with an IndyCar reserve driver role gives him a valuable opportunity to learn from our drivers and engineers, contribute to the team in a variety of ways and build his experience as a driver.”
De Tullio has already conducted multiple tests with the team, with his first outing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test since followed by a further test at Barber Motorsports Park.
Carson Etter has also been confirmed to return to the team for his sophomore Indy NXT season, confirming two of the team's four entries for next season.
De Tullio and Etter become the fifth and sixth entries confirmed for Indy NXT in 2027, alongside Niels Koolen for Abel Motorsports, Bryce Aron for Cape Motorsports, Leonardo Escorpioni for HMD Motorsports and Bart Harrison for AJ Foyt Racing.
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