City celebrates INDY NXT champion Nikita Johnson

St. Petersburg native Nikita Johnson is only 18 years old. Earlier this month, he won the championship for INDY NXT by Firestone, which is INDYCAR’s developmental series, and made history as the youngest person to claim the title. Johnson was also named the 2026 Dallara Rookie of the Year. 

For the race car driver, it all began with karting. Pursuing his passion professionally was a dream. The City of St. Petersburg hosted a celebratory event Monday at City Council chambers in recognition of his 2026 season. 

“It’s amazing to win in my rookie year,” Johnson told the Catalyst. “This is Cape Motorsports’ first INDY NXT championship. They’ve been very successful in the junior series, but they’ve never won an INDY NXT. It’s just great to do it with an amazing family and team. So, I couldn’t be more proud of the whole team for all of the hard work that they’ve done.” 

In 2024, Johnson became the youngest-ever British GB3 winner and stood on the podium in Zandvoort in the Netherlands. He finished second in the 2024 USF Pro 2000 championship. At only 15 years old, Johnson became the youngest USF Pro 2000 race winner at Circuit of the Americas in 2023.

Nikita Johnson’s INDY NXT by Firestone championship and 2026 Dallara Rookie of the Year Award trophies. Photo by Michael Connor.

This March, Johnson won the season-opening INDY NXT race at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. It was only fitting for the Gulfport resident. 

Community support has been key in the journey, he explained. Home is also a place for the driver to decompress and relax. His hobbies include golfing and fishing. Johnson said that it’s “always a pleasure coming back from wherever I’m traveling from.” 

As for Johnson’s future aspirations, he hopes to race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES next year and receive a multi-year contract. Long-term, Johnson’s dream is to dethrone Alex Palou, who won the 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 championships. 

“Nobody has done it yet,” Johnson said. “So, that would be cool to break his streak. That might take a few years.”

Prior to racing, he tried a variety of sports. These included soccer and football. Initially, Johnson’s family tried to encourage him to be a hockey player. However, he had yet to find his passion. 

“I got into go-karting kind of by accident,” Johnson said. “Once I hopped in it, I realized that this is what I’m going to be doing for years and years to come. I truly loved it and never looked back.” 

While racing in INDY NXT may be daunting, Johnson embraces the experience. Every competition is an opportunity he does not take for granted. More so, each race is a chance to improve and grow in the sport. 

“For some people, they’re all jacked up,” he explained. “For me, I just like being calm and collected. I think the best way to drive is without emotion. This allows you to make clear decisions in the split seconds where it can decide your whole race. I always just try to be very very calm and enjoy it. That’s the biggest thing.” 

Nikita Johnson races for Cape Motorsports. Photo: Facebook.

Johnson also doesn’t take being a role model lightly. Students from Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School and Pinellas Technical College attended the Monday event. 

“I’m hoping the kids will follow their dreams and obviously do well in school,” he said. “It’s just cool to have the support of all the little fans. They’re always so cool to go meet and hang out with. Hopefully, I see them in INDYCAR some day.” 

Mayor Ken Welch explained at the gathering that he first met Johnson in 2018 when he was still karting. Former St. Petersburg City Council member Charlie Gerdes, the father of current Council member Copley Gerdes, made the introduction. 

“In just a few short years, you’ve gone from a young driver with big ambitions to a champion competing at one of the highest levels of the sport,” Welch said. “Nikita’s story is an excellent example of what can happen when opportunity is pursued with talent, hard work, discipline and the courage to pursue an ambitious goal.” 

“As the mayor, there is something special about watching a hometown talent represent St. Pete on a national and international stage,” he continued. “We’re proud of the trophies and the championships, but we’re also proud of the way that you represent our city. It means a lot. You continue to give back to the next generations.” 

Copley Gerdes also spoke at the Monday event.

“St. Petersburg’s got a racing tradition,” he said. “We have a history. Nikita, you are carrying that torch.”