Josh Pierson always wanted to be an IndyCar driver even while competing in other races around the world
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Josh Pierson has competed in races all around the world, but his goal never changed — he always wanted to be an IndyCar driver.
He will get that chance next season.
A.J. Foyt Racing announced Tuesday it has hired Pierson to drive the team's No. 4 Chevrolet in 2027, teaming up with IndyCar rookie of the year Dennis Hauger. The team had already announced Hauger would drive the team's No. 14 car.
“ Racing in IndyCar has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” Pierson said. “The variety of racing I’ve done has all been in preparation for this incredible opportunity. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way and am tremendously appreciative of the commitment of a new (sponsor) that will be announced shortly. I’m grateful for their confidence in me and look forward to my first IndyCar green flag."
The 20-year-old from Oregon already has an intriguing resume.
At age 16, he became the youngest driver to ever compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He's a gold-rated FIA driver. He's won races or produced podium finishes — or both — in the World Endurance Championship, the Asisa Le Mans Series and the IMSA Series.
And after competing internationally in karting as well as sports cars, he has focused more recently on steadily climbing the ranks of American open-wheel racing.
He started in the junior formula series then joined IndyCar's feeder program, Indy NXT, where he led the most laps of any driver in 2026. Pierson started on the front row in each of the series' final three races this year, winning two poles, breaking Hauger's qualifying record at Milwaukee and then capturing the pole and winning at Laguna Seca by leading from start to finish.
Larry Foyt, the racing team's president, closely monitored Pierson's progression and figured the time was right to make the move.
“Few drivers at his age have his depth of experience, and his maturity and work ethic are remarkable,” Foyt said in a statement from the team. “Over the past year, he impressed us in multiple tests in a Panoz DP01 Champ Car alongside current IndyCar drivers, and again in our Chevy-powered car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. I believe in Josh, and we’re excited to be part of his continued development.”
Foyt added: “What stood out at Laguna Seca was his composure. He had the speed, handled the restarts and executed from start to finish. Those are qualities we’re looking to build on as he makes the move to IndyCar.”
The series will open its 17-race 2027 season at St. Petersburg on March 7.
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