Juan Manuel Correa knows a thing or two about comebacks.

The 26-year-old American-Ecuadorian driver has lived through moments that would end most racing careers, but for him, every challenge has become a chapter in his story.

In 2019, Correa survived a devastating crash during an FIA Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps, one that left him with life-threatening injuries and a long, painful road to recovery. Yet nearly six years later, Correa is once again on the rise, this time in one of North America’s premier development series.

Correa made nine starts in the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season with HMD Motorsports, beginning with the doubleheader on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course in May. His first taste of the series also included a trip to the tight, unforgiving streets of Detroit -- two circuits he’d never seen before.

“It was definitely a whirlwind,” Correa said. “The drivability of these cars was not easy to get used to. They have a lot of torque and you kind of have to throw them around. With the Firestone tires, you can slide a lot more than I was used to coming from Europe.”

Despite the steep learning curve, Correa found his footing. The experience gave him a foundation, one he plans to build upon as he returns full-time in 2026 with the newly formed Cusick Morgan Motorsports, a team aligned with HMD.

The partnership provides a familiar structure, but also a chance for something new.

“The offseason testing is about trying different setup items, different car concepts and seeing if anything fits my driving style better,” Correa said. “We didn’t have the opportunity to do that last year because we were just going from event to event, trying to be competitive and stay in the window. Every time you try something, whether it works or not, you learn a little more about how the car reacts.”

Correa brings with him a deep well of experience from Formula 3, Formula 2 and IMSA, and perhaps more importantly, the mental toughness that comes from surviving and rebuilding.

His goals for 2026 are clear and measured.

“My main goal next season is to bring the new team forward,” Correa said. “Cusick’s engineering side is the same, but I do feel like we lacked a bit in a few races last year. We have work to do in that sense. Personally, I still have new tracks to learn and I’m still getting used to ovals. I don’t think I’ve mastered that yet.

“My goal is to be as competitive as possible, win a few races, get podiums, and if we’re in a contending position, great. If not, I’m sure we’ll learn a lot and improve throughout the year.”

While Correa continues adjusting to life in INDY NXT, he’s also part of a growing trend of European-trained drivers looking across the Atlantic for opportunity.

“I think there’s a lot of attention in Europe now toward INDYCAR and INDY NXT,” Correa said. “The opportunity INDYCAR offers is very enticing. It’s a great series with great racing, and you can have a really strong career here. I think more and more people in Europe are starting to open their eyes to what we have up here. And for me, it’s fun.”