Here is the news we have been waiting for: as Motorsport.com reports, Alessandro de Tullio has signed with Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2027 Indy NXT by Firestone season. The 20-year-old Argentinian standout will pilot the #10 AstroPay entry following productive offseason test sessions with the squad.
That is not all for the young driver, because he is also taking on a reserve driver role for Chip Ganassi Racing's IndyCar Series team at all road and street course events. He will support the organization through simulator development and trackside operations on non-oval race weekends. Joining the most successful team in the discipline is a massive step up.
De Tullio arrives at his new home after a brilliant 2026 rookie campaign with AJ Foyt Racing. During that breakout season, he took victories at Barber Motorsports Park and Portland International Raceway, collected four podiums, secured five top-five finishes, and led 99 laps—the highest mark among rookies and second-most overall in the series. He also claimed eight pole positions in 2026, tying former IndyCar drivers Ed Jones and Thiago Medeiros for the second-highest single-season total in series history.
There is a brilliant detail to his machine as well. He will carry the iconic #10 number, famously worn by fellow Argentinian sporting icons Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. He joins returning teammate Carson Etter in the Chip Ganassi Racing INDY NXT lineup, while the team continues finalizing the remaining entries.
Team Manager Taylor Kiel made it clear what the expectations are for the upcoming campaign. The goal is to provide the drivers with the resources needed to fight for victories and the championship, while using the IndyCar reserve program to build valuable experience alongside the engineers and drivers.
