Cusick Morgan Motorsports named Juan Manuel Correa on Oct. 24 as one of the drivers for its two-car program in INDY NXT by Firestone in 2026.

American-Ecuadorian driver Correa, 26, made nine starts in the INDYCAR development series in 2025 with HMD Motorsports, with a best finish of third on the streets of Detroit. Cusick Morgan has a technical alliance with HMD for the 2026 season.

“Last season fueled my desire to become a top competitor in the INDY NXT by Firestone series and ultimately make the climb to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Correa said. “Joining a team new to the series is an exciting challenge, giving me the chance to contribute my feedback and help build something we can all be proud of. Their technical alliance with HMD Motorsports, where I raced last year, gives me confidence that we can compete at the front, fight for wins and be a real force on the grid.”

Correa brings extensive experience in Formula 3, Formula 2 and IMSA to the new Cusick Morgan team. He also is a model of persistence, as he overcame life-threatening injuries in an FIA Formula 2 crash in 2019 at Spa-Francorchamps.

“Juan Manuel brings experience, resilience and undeniable confidence in the INDY NXT car, making him a standout addition to our program,” Cusick Morgan Motorsports Team Owner Don Cusick said. “We are committed to giving him every tool necessary to succeed and are excited to see him push the team forward as we make our series debut.”

Said Cusick Morgan Co-Owner Billy Morgan: “I cannot wait to get to work with Juan Manuel both on and off the track. We have had some fantastic conversations leading to this moment, and I am extremely proud to have him in our seat for our inaugural season”.

Correa will participate with Cusick Morgan in all INDY NXT by Firestone tests, starting with the Chris Griffis Memorial Test on Monday, Oct. 27 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

The first race of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season is Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.