AJ Foyt Racing has officially announced the signing of Josh Pierson to a multi-year contract, confirming his place on the team's driver roster for the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series. Pierson will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet for the historic outfit.
The 20-year-old driver will join teammate Dennis Hauger, who was signed by the team in September. This new lineup marks a fresh start for the organization as it prepares for the upcoming 2027 season and the 111th Indianapolis 500.
Pierson’s promotion to the IndyCar Series follows his successful completion of a mandatory licensing test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on October 13. IndyCar officials evaluated his performance, noting his car control, pace, and consistency.
The Oregon native has spent three and a half seasons competing in the Indy NXT by Firestone series. During the 2026 campaign, Pierson demonstrated significant speed, leading more laps than any other driver throughout the season.
His breakout performance included a dominant victory at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where he qualified on pole and led every lap. He also set a new qualifying record at Milwaukee, surpassing a mark previously held by his new teammate, Hauger.
Reflecting on his career path, Pierson expressed his long-held ambition to reach the top level of American open-wheel racing. He noted that his diverse experience in international sports cars and junior formulas was essential preparation for this opportunity.
Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing, praised the young driver's maturity and work ethic. He highlighted that Pierson had impressed the team during multiple tests, including sessions in a Panoz DP01 and the team's current Chevrolet-powered IndyCar.
Foyt emphasized that the team was particularly impressed by Pierson's composure under pressure during his recent race wins. He stated that the team is eager to support the driver's continued development as he transitions to the premier series.
Pierson’s motorsport background is notable for his early achievements on the global stage. At just 16 years old, he became the youngest driver in history to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
His resume also includes competitive success in the World Endurance Championship, the Asian Le Mans Series, and IMSA. These experiences helped him gain the necessary FIA gold rating before focusing on his transition to IndyCar.
The team's decision to sign Pierson follows recent updates to IndyCar’s licensing standards for Indy NXT drivers. Pierson successfully navigated these requirements, moving through the evaluation tiers to earn his seat for the 2027 season.
AJ Foyt Racing, owned by the legendary four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, is currently preparing for a significant milestone. The 2027 season will mark the 50th anniversary of Foyt’s historic fourth victory at the Indianapolis 500.
The team has confirmed that while Hauger will continue to represent the Homes For Our Troops initiative in the No. 14 car, Pierson’s No. 4 entry will feature a new partner that is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Pierson shared his enthusiasm for joining such a storied organization, stating that he is looking forward to his first green flag in the series at St. Petersburg. He expressed gratitude to the team for their confidence in his abilities.
The move completes the driver lineup for AJ Foyt Racing, signaling a clear focus on youth and development for the team. With the 2027 season approaching, the team aims to build on its history while integrating its new, young talent.
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