Nikita Johnson Tests IndyCar Honda at Barber
The new Indy NXT champion ran a Dale Coyne Racing car during a team evaluation test at Barber Motorsports Park.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Motorsports
Nikita Johnson drove a Dale Coyne Racing Honda in an IndyCar evaluation test at Barber Motorsports Park last week. Johnson is expected to be confirmed with the team as he prepares for a potential move up to the series.
Why it matters
The test gives Dale Coyne Racing a look at the 18-year-old Indy NXT champion as it evaluates its driver lineup for next season. Johnson's performance in the car could influence whether he earns a full-time IndyCar seat.
The Barber Motorsports Park road course measures 2.4 miles, and Johnson's 1m08.020s best lap was run during a 62-lap afternoon session. The test does not establish a race-ready lap time comparison because official team confirmation and final driver assignments remain unannounced.
The players
Nikita Johnson
Johnson is the reigning Indy NXT champion and an 18-year-old driver whose move to IndyCar is being prepared.
Dale Coyne Racing
Dale Coyne Racing is an IndyCar team that ran the Honda in the evaluation test and is expected to confirm Johnson.
Alex Dunne
Dunne drove the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda in the morning session of the same evaluation test.
The details
Johnson took over the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda from Alex Dunne during the afternoon portion of the team evaluation tests after watching Dunne run first. Dunne posted a top lap of 1m07.674s during his 55-lap morning session before Johnson took the car.
Timeline
Last week: Team evaluation tests held at Barber Motorsports Park.
Next season: Johnson's planned IndyCar ride, which is still being finalized.
Season Trajectory
Indy NXT has long served as the proving ground for drivers moving up to IndyCar, and Johnson's test follows that path after winning the championship. A confirmed seat would add a young driver to the field and shape how Dale Coyne Racing fills its lineup heading into next season.
A confirmed seat would determine which driver races for Dale Coyne Racing in IndyCar next season, affecting the team's entry and lineup. Fans tracking the series can follow whether Johnson's ride is officially announced.
The takeaway
Young drivers who win the Indy NXT title often get tested in IndyCar machinery before a full-time decision is made, so the outcome of Johnson's evaluation will signal how teams weigh rookie potential. Watch for an official announcement from Dale Coyne Racing to confirm his seat.
Further reading
For more on the racing circuit, see Motorsports coverage across the series.
