Former VRD Academy driver and youngest INDY NXT champion in history takes the next step in his racing career.
DAWSONVILLE, GA – November 10, 2026 – Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) is proud to congratulate Nikita Johnson on officially signing with Dale Coyne Racing for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, marking an incredible milestone for the 18-year-old driver whose early development in open-wheel racing included time with Velocity Racing Development (VRD), headquartered at Atlanta Motorsports Park.
Johnson will make his INDYCAR debut behind the wheel of the No. 19 Honda for Dale Coyne Racing, competing at the highest level of American open-wheel racing after an impressive climb through the junior racing ranks.
Where It All Began: The VRD Academy at AMP
Long before reaching the INDYCAR grid, Johnson was making his mark as a promising young driver in karting. In 2020, at just 11 years old, he became the very first driver to join the newly established Velocity Racing Development (VRD) Academy, a driver development program founded by Dan Mitchell to help young racers transition from karting to formula cars.
Headquartered at Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville, Georgia, VRD Racing has built a reputation for developing talented young drivers and preparing them for competition at the professional level.
The VRD Academy provides aspiring racers with structured testing, technical development, coaching, and valuable seat time, utilizing facilities including Atlanta Motorsports Park to help drivers develop the skills necessary to progress through the motorsports ranks.
Johnson was the first driver to join the academy’s development program. Under the guidance of Mitchell and the VRD Racing team, he gained valuable experience in formula cars while building the foundation for what would become a remarkable racing career.
When Johnson joined the academy, Mitchell described the young racer as a future open-wheel champion, recognizing his natural talent, maturity, and willingness to learn.
Six years later, that prediction has become a reality.
An Incredible Climb Through the Racing Ranks
Johnson’s rise through motorsports has been nothing short of impressive.
Following his early development with VRD, Johnson progressed through multiple levels of the USF Pro Championships, earning victories and establishing himself as one of the most promising young drivers in American open-wheel racing.
In 2023, Johnson finished runner-up in the USF2000 Championship and became the youngest race winner in USF Pro 2000 history. He continued his success in 2024, recording eight victories and finishing second in the USF Pro 2000 Championship while also competing internationally in the GB3 Championship with VRD Racing by Arden.
His racing career continued to expand internationally in 2025, including competition in Formula Regional Oceania, GB3, and FIA Formula 3, before turning his attention to INDY NXT.
In 2026, Johnson delivered his biggest achievement yet.
Driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, Johnson captured the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone Championship, becoming the youngest champion in series history at just 18 years, 3 months, and 12 days old.
Throughout the season, he recorded two victories, nine podium finishes, and 10 top-five finishes while finishing inside the top 10 in all 17 races.
That remarkable consistency helped secure his championship and put him in a position to make the jump to INDYCAR.
The Next Chapter: INDYCAR in 2027
Following a successful INDYCAR test with Dale Coyne Racing at Barber Motorsports Park in October, Johnson’s next chapter is officially set.
On November 10, 2026, Dale Coyne Racing announced Johnson’s signing for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, where he will compete for Rookie of the Year honors.
The announcement represents years of dedication, countless hours of preparation, and an extraordinary progression from a young karting competitor to one of the newest drivers on the INDYCAR grid.
Atlanta Motorsports Park: A Training Ground for Future Champions
Atlanta Motorsports Park is more than just a racing facility. It’s a place where aspiring drivers can develop their skills, challenge their abilities, and take meaningful steps toward a future in professional motorsports.
Featuring a two-mile, Hermann Tilke-designed road course with technical corners, significant elevation changes, and demanding driving conditions, AMP provides an exceptional environment for drivers looking to sharpen their skills behind the wheel. Combined with its 0.85-mile karting circuit, the facility offers opportunities for driver development at multiple stages of a racing career, from young karting competitors learning the fundamentals to experienced racers refining their craft.
The track’s challenging layout emphasizes precision, car control, braking techniques, and consistency, all essential skills for success at higher levels of motorsports. Through professional driver development programs, testing opportunities, and partnerships with organizations like VRD Racing, Atlanta Motorsports Park provides an environment where young talent can grow and prepare for the next level of competition.
Johnson’s journey demonstrates the potential of these development pathways and the importance of providing young drivers with access to quality facilities, experienced coaching, and opportunities to advance their racing careers.
A Proud Moment for Atlanta Motorsports Park
For Atlanta Motorsports Park, Johnson’s achievement is particularly meaningful.
Watching a driver who began his formula-car development through an academy headquartered at AMP reach the highest level of American open-wheel racing is an exciting reminder of the importance of investing in motorsports at the grassroots and developmental levels.
From the youngest drivers learning the fundamentals of racing to experienced competitors working toward professional careers, AMP is proud to provide a facility where motorsports talent can continue to grow.
Johnson’s success is also a testament to the dedication of Dan Mitchell and the entire VRD Racing organization, whose commitment to developing young racers has helped create opportunities for the next generation of professional drivers.
Atlanta Motorsports Park extends its congratulations to Nikita Johnson, Dan Mitchell, the VRD Racing team, and everyone who has played a role in this incredible journey.
From the VRD Academy at Atlanta Motorsports Park to the INDYCAR grid, we can’t wait to see what Nikita accomplishes next!
