Dennis Hauger Sets Track Record in Indy NXT Season Opener

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Dennis Hauger kicked off his Indy NXT by Firestone career with an impressive performance, securing pole position at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Saturday. Hauger set a track-record lap of 1:03.8801 in the No. 28 Rental Group car from Andretti Global, marking a strong debut in the series.

The 45-lap race on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary street circuit is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday. Fans can catch live coverage on FS1, the FOX Sports app, and the IndyCar Radio Network.

“The team did a great job getting a good car for qualifying,” Hauger said. “We did the job. I’ll take that. Overall, I think there was a bit more in there for me, but it’s the first race weekend. We’re getting up to speed. Happy overall.”

Hauger’s impressive lap time broke the previous Indy NXT track record of 1:04.5759 set by Nolan Siegel last year, who has since moved up to the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren. Hauger also showcased his skills by leading practice on Friday and finishing second in the pre-qualifying session Saturday morning.

In addition to Hauger, 2024 USF Pro 2000 champion Lochie Hughes secured the second spot on the grid, qualifying with a time of 1:04.0209 in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship machine. Caio Collet, the top returning driver for the series, qualified third with a time of 1:04.3851 in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports car. Myles Rowe took the fourth position, clocking in at 1:04.2053 in the No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy vehicle.

Newcomer Liam Sceats rounded out the top five with a lap of 1:04.5451 in the No. 30 HMD Motorsports car, while Jack William Miller qualified sixth at 1:04.3300 in the No. 40 Abel/Miller/Vinatieri Motorsports car.

Hauger’s trajectory in motorsports has been impressive. The Norwegian driver transitioned to Indy NXT after a successful tenure in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2021 and achieved five wins and 13 podium finishes in FIA Formula 2 over the last three seasons. His ambition is to climb to the NTT IndyCar Series.

The upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg promises to be an exciting opening event for the season, with strong competition from both seasoned veterans and promising rookies. Hauger’s exceptional performance in qualifying is a strong indicator of the challenge he will present throughout the season as he aims for a pathway to the NTT IndyCar Series.