Alessandro de Tullio has joined Chip Ganassi Racing in INDY NXT along with a Reserve Driver role in IndyCar

IndyCar Photo

With testing time severely limited in IndyCar, Chip Ganassi Racing has created a reserve driver role for INDY NXT by Firestone driver Alesandro de Tullio. This past season, de Tullio competed for AJ Foyt Racing in INDY NXT and will continue to compete in the IndyCar Ladder Series in 2027 as he joins Chip Ganassi Racing in its INDY NXT program.

The driver from Argentina will be the IndyCar Reserve Driver for street and road course events on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule.

The 20-year-old Argentinian will pilot the No. 10 AstroPay car next season after completing multiple productive test sessions with the team in the offseason.

De Tullio Continues In INDY NXT After A Terrific Season In 2026

De Tullio won two races in his rookie INDY NXT campaign this season, finishing sixth in the championship standings. He qualified on pole eight times in 2026 falling one shy of the series record. He will join teammate Carson Etter, who will again drive for Chip Ganassi Racing’s INDY NXT team in 2027. Work continues to confirm the drivers of the other CGR INDY NXT entries.

“I’m very excited to be joining Chip Ganassi Racing for 2027 in INDY NXT and with a reserve driver program in IndyCar,” de Tullio said. It’s another step in my career, and joining the most successful team in IndyCar is something that’s very special. I’m looking forward to adding to that success in the INDY NXT program, doing my best to learn as much as possible and help as much as possible as the reserve driver in IndyCar.

“I also have to thank my partners that have helped me get to this stage, and I’m excited to see what we can do together at Chip Ganassi Racing.”

The Value Of Having A Reserve Driver In IndyCar

As the reserve driver for road and street courses for the Chip Ganassi Racing’s NTT IndyCar Series efforts, de Tullio will support the team with simulator work and at-track efforts on all non-oval weekends. Last season, Alex Palou clinched the team’s 18th IndyCar Series Championship to set the team record. Chip Ganassi Racing has won six of the last seven IndyCar Series titles.

“We’re excited to welcome Alessandro to Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2027 season,” said Chip Ganassi Racing Team Manager Taylor Kiel. “Our goal is to give him and his teammates the support and resources to compete for wins and the INDY NXT championship. Pairing that program with an IndyCar reserve driver role gives him a valuable opportunity to learn from our drivers and engineers, contribute to the team in a variety of ways and build his experience as a driver.”

De Tullio was one of several quick rookies to join the series in 2026. He led 99 laps in his inaugural INDY NXT season, the most among rookies and second-most in the series. He drove to victory at Barber Motorsports Park and Portland International Raceway, scoring four podiums and five top-5 finishes in 17 races.

His eight poles in a season are second-most all-time, tied with former IndyCar drivers Ed Jones and Thiago Medeiros.

De Tullio will drive the No. 10 car in INDY NXT, harkening back to the other famous Argentinian No. 10s: World Cup champions Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.