Australian rookie Nicolas Stati tackled the demanding Streets of St. Petersburg this weekend, making his debut in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit. Starting 17th on the grid, the 17-year-old showed composure beyond his years, maintaining consistency throughout the race to bring the #15 machine home in 16th, completing every lap of every session, gaining some valuable experience.
In his foundational season in the series, Stati continues to build experience alongside veteran teammate Juan Manuel Correa. The Cusick Morgan Motorsports crew focused heavily on preparation during preseason testing, gathering data and refining setups to help the young Australian acclimate quickly to the championship’s competitive field and challenging circuits.
While the finishing result only tells part of the story, the weekend provided crucial mileage, valuable insights, and a solid platform for growth as Stati and the team continue to develop momentum heading deeper into the season.
“This was a good start to the season,” commented Stati. “There’s a lot for us to analyze and improve, but I’m proud of how we handled such a demanding street course in my first INDY NXT race. I’m learning quickly, and I’m excited to keep building with the team. Ready to go again in Arlington in two weeks!”
Stati now turns his focus to the next round at the Grand Prix of Arlington, March 13–15, held on the hybrid street circuit in Arlington, Texas. The fast, technical layout will offer another opportunity for the rookie to expand his skillset as he continues his development campaign.
Stay connected with Nicolas Stati by following his social media channels for updates, results, and announcements. Additional team details can be found at CusickMotorsports.com.
Photo Credit: RTD Media