Cusick Morgan Motorsports announced Oct. 15 that Australian driver Nicolas Stati will compete with the team in the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season, their joint debut in the INDYCAR development series.

Stati, 16, has competed in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Formula Regional Americas, GB3 Championship, F4 U.S. Championship, F4 U.A.E. Championship and F4 Australian Championship, among others. In 2024, he finished second in the F4 U.S. Championship, falling just 4.5 points short of the title. Stati also was second in the F4 Australian Championship that year.

“I’m excited to make my INDY NXT by Firestone debut with Cusick Morgan Motorsports,” Stati said. “This is a big step in my career, and I believe the team and I can grow together as we take on this challenge for the first time. It’s an honor to represent Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and I’m looking forward to learning everything I can as we start this journey.”

Nicolas Stati

Stati (photo, above) got his first taste of INDY NXT machinery this fall during the official driver evaluation test at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, where he logged laps and began acclimating to the car. He will participate in a full offseason test program with Cusick Morgan Motorsports, with his first race coming in the 2026 season debut Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg.

“Nicolas will be a great addition to our program,” Cusick Morgan Motorsports Team Owner Billy Morgan said. “He’s shown maturity well beyond his years, and we’re confident he’ll adapt quickly to INDY NXT.

“He has a long-term commitment in INDY NXT as he continues to build his race craft and experience but has a bright future. For us as a new team, it’s important to have a driver who is hungry to learn and eager to push himself. Nicolas fits that mold perfectly, and we’re excited to build this foundation together.”