Bart Harrison to Join AJ Foyt Racing for 2027 Season
The 19-year-old racer secures a full-season seat in INDY NXT following his debut performances.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Motorsports
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AJ Foyt Racing has signed 19-year-old Bart Harrison to compete in the 2027 INDY NXT season. This move marks the team's commitment to developing emerging racing talent after a successful 2026 campaign.
Why it matters
The signing bolsters AJ Foyt Racing's developmental program as the team aims to build on the momentum of its previous competitive results. Harrison brings experience from his 2026 series debut and notable karting background to the organization.
AJ Foyt Racing recorded two victories, eight Firestone P1 Awards, and four podium finishes in the 2026 INDY NXT season. Harrison previously secured two IAME Winter Cup X30 Junior titles in 2020 and 2021.
The players
Bart Harrison
A 19-year-old racing driver from Nunnington, North Yorkshire, who is transitioning into a full-time role in the INDY NXT series.
AJ Foyt Racing
An established professional auto racing team competing in IndyCar and INDY NXT that is known for its developmental focus.
HMD Motorsports
A prominent racing organization that serves as a strategic partner to AJ Foyt Racing.
The details
Harrison enters the team following two starts with AJ Foyt Racing's strategic partner HMD Motorsports in 2026, where he achieved a top 10 finish in his debut at Portland International Raceway. He further solidified his preparation by completing the Chris Griffis Memorial Test in October 2026.
Timeline
Harrison won the IAME Winter Cup X30 Junior title in 2020 and 2021.
The driver made two starts in INDY NXT during the 2026 season.
Harrison completed the Chris Griffis Memorial Test in October 2026.
Official series testing is set for early November 2026 at Barber Motorsports Park.
Season Trajectory
This acquisition signals a strategic pivot by AJ Foyt Racing to prioritize young talent as a core pillar of their long-term growth. The move positions the team to better compete against established rivals within the increasingly competitive INDY NXT field.
The transition to a full-season role means Harrison will now be eligible to compete for the series championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 2027. His expanded schedule following the 2026 limited-start season significantly changes the team's roster strategy for the upcoming year.
The takeaway
Securing a full-time seat in a developmental series represents a critical milestone for young drivers climbing the professional motorsports ladder. Consistent performance in pre-season testing remains the most effective way for drivers to build trust with their new engineering teams.
What happens next
Bart Harrison will participate in the official series test at Barber Motorsports Park in early November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest developmental moves in the racing world, visit the Motorsports section.
More information
View the latest team announcements and driver profiles on the AJ Foyt Racing official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Press, York.
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