Josh Pierson Will Perform IndyCar Licensing Test
The 20-year-old driver will evaluate his readiness for an AJ Foyt Racing seat on the Indianapolis road course.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Motorsports
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On October 13, 2026, Josh Pierson will undergo an official IndyCar licensing evaluation test at the Indianapolis road course. The test will utilize the AJ Foyt Racing No. 4 Chevrolet as part of an assessment to determine if Pierson is prepared to compete in the 2027 IndyCar season.
Why it matters
AJ Foyt Racing is looking to fill an open seat for the upcoming 2027 season and is using this evaluation to determine if Pierson possesses the necessary skills for a transition to the premier series. Officials will assess the driver's pace, car control, and communication abilities during the session.
Pierson, 20, recorded three podium finishes and two poles during his 2026 Indy NXT campaign. He finished 11th in the 2026 championship standings following a 6th place finish in 2025.
The players
Josh Pierson
He is a 20-year-old racing driver who has competed in the Indy NXT series.
AJ Foyt Racing
This is a professional racing team currently evaluating drivers for a vacant position on their IndyCar roster.
Scot Elkins
He is an IndyCar official responsible for overseeing and assessing the licensing test process.
Kyle Novak
He is an IndyCar official participating in the evaluation of driver performance and safety protocols.
The details
IndyCar officials Scot Elkins and Kyle Novak, along with veteran drivers, will observe the test to gauge Pierson's readiness for the next level. The session is a critical step in verifying whether his performance during the 2026 season—which included a victory at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca—translates to the requirements of the IndyCar series.
Timeline
2023 marked the year Pierson completed a partial Indy NXT season.
2025 was the year Pierson placed 6th in the Indy NXT championship.
2026 was the year Pierson placed 11th in the Indy NXT championship.
October 13, 2026, is the scheduled date for the IndyCar licensing test.
2027 is the IndyCar season for which the team seat remains open.
Season Trajectory
This test significantly impacts the offseason roster construction and the competitive balance for the 2027 campaign. Securing a seat at AJ Foyt Racing would cement Pierson's position in the series, directly shaping the team's long-term developmental strategy.
The result of this evaluation will finalize the availability of the No. 4 Chevrolet seat for the 2027 season. Fans and team followers should monitor the post-test assessment to see if a formal contract offer or roster addition follows.
The takeaway
Licensing evaluations provide a controlled environment for teams to assess how young talent handles the physical and technical demands of top-tier cars. Success in these tests is essential for drivers aiming to bridge the gap between developmental series and professional racing.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments on the track at Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
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