The Fittipaldi name is back on top at Indianapolis Motor Speedway—and this time, it's Enzo Fittipaldi writing the next chapter of the family legacy.
Driving for HMD Motorsports, the 24-year-old Brazilian-American pulled off a late-race charge to win the first race of the Indy NXT doubleheader weekend on the iconic 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course. The victory marks his first career win in the series, and it came on the same hallowed ground where his legendary grandfather, Emerson Fittipaldi, claimed two Indianapolis 500 triumphs.
Starting from 10th on the grid, Fittipaldi methodically worked his way through the field. The decisive moment came with just six minutes remaining in what became a 55-minute timed race due to track conditions. He executed a daring pass on Lochie Hughes, showcasing the kind of wheel-to-wheel racing that runs in the family bloodline.
"Honestly, that was probably one of the best drives of my career," Fittipaldi said. "I just can't thank my team enough. We had a tricky qualifying when we knew we had the pace, and yeah, just so happy with the race today. I think we were flying today in the dry and then in the wet. We started P10 and won the race. Honestly, didn't expect this, but I knew that a win was coming."
The emotional weight of winning at a venue so deeply tied to his family's motorsport history wasn't lost on the young driver. "It's a huge amount of weight. My family has a very successful history here in Indianapolis and the Indy 500—this legendary track. To get my first race win here in Indy NXT is very special. I'm just so happy and so stoked. I wouldn't have gotten this win without my whole team here that supports me. They did a great job."
Hughes (Andretti Global) settled for second, while Nikita Johnson (Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR) rounded out the podium in third. Tymek Kucharczyk (HMD Motorsports) crossed the line fourth, ahead of Max Taylor (Andretti Global) in fifth.
The race wasn't without early drama. Pole-sitter Alessandro De Tullio led the field to the green flag but locked up his brakes into Turn 1, handing the lead to third-place starter Hughes. De Tullio was forced to use the escape road and rejoined in eighth. Moments later, a multi-car incident involving Max Garcia, Salvador de Alba, and Myles Rowe sent Garcia sliding off into the grass at Turn 5, shaking up the order early on.
With one win in the books and the family legacy burning bright, all eyes are now on Fittipaldi as he looks to make it a doubleheader sweep.