Key takeaways
- $25M financial package: Josh Pierson has emerged as a frontrunner for an AJ Foyt Racing seat in 2027 after offering a two-year sponsorship package worth approximately $25 million.
- Foyt’s budget pressures: The funding arrives as Foyt seeks capital to finance the upcoming IR-28 chassis generation for 2028 and cover legal costs from losing its lawsuit to former driver Benjamin Pedersen.
- Impact on Collet: Pierson’s entry complicates Caio Collet’s contract renewal efforts at Foyt, though the Brazilian driver recently confirmed he is also exploring another option for 2027.
AJ Foyt Racing is closing in on a deal with Josh Pierson, currently 11th in the 2026 Indy NXT standings, to fill one of its IndyCar seats for the 2027 season. However, the American driver’s potential arrival threatens to narrow Caio Collet’s options to extend his tenure with Larry Foyt’s squad, which has yet to finalize its driver lineup for next year.
Despite recording just one podium finish and trailing 2026 Indy NXT points leader Enzo Fittipaldi by 185 points, Pierson became a prime candidate for Foyt after bringing a reported $25 million (around BRL 130 million) sponsorship backing over two years, according to American outlet RACER. The 20-year-old Andretti driver, who is contesting his fourth season in Indy NXT, satisfies two pressing financial needs for the team: assisting with the capital investment required for the upcoming IR-28 chassis entering service in 2028, and helping offset costs related to losing a court battle against Benjamin Pedersen.
Pedersen drove for Foyt during the 2023 IndyCar season under a multi-year agreement. However, the team signed Sting Ray Robb for 2024 and severed ties with the Danish-American driver, who subsequently filed a lawsuit and recently secured a favorable ruling in court.
Should Pierson — a former Ed Carpenter Racing development driver — finalize terms with Foyt, the team would have only one open entry remaining for 2027. During the Portland event, Santino Ferrucci noted he is awaiting confirmation from returning sponsors before locking in his own continuation with the organization.
Speaking to Sprint GP, GRANDE PRÊMIO‘s weekly program in Brazil, Collet confirmed ongoing discussions with Foyt while revealing he holds “another opportunity” elsewhere on the 2027 grid. The influx of funding brought by Pierson leaves the Brazilian with less leverage in negotiations with Foyt, heightening the importance of his parallel option.
IndyCar action resumes this weekend, August 22–23, with the inaugural Washington Grand Prix on a street circuit surrounding the U.S. Capitol.
Grande Premio
Session schedule: Washington Grand Prix (Freedom 250) grandepremio.com
| Session | Date | Local time (EDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 | 14:00 |
| Warm-up | Sunday, August 23 | 09:00 |
| Freedom 250 Race | Sunday, August 23 | 12:30 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Grande Premio
1. Who is Josh Pierson?
Josh Pierson is an American racing driver currently competing in his fourth Indy NXT season with Andretti Global and a former development driver for Ed Carpenter Racing.
2. Why does AJ Foyt Racing require significant funding for 2027?
Foyt requires substantial budget reserves to prepare for purchasing the new IR-28 chassis platform debuting in 2028, as well as meeting financial liabilities stemming from its lost legal dispute with former driver Benjamin Pedersen.
3. What is Caio Collet’s current status for the 2027 IndyCar season?
Caio Collet is in negotiations to stay with AJ Foyt Racing while concurrently evaluating an alternative drive opportunity in IndyCar for 2027.
grandepremio.com
