Josh Pierson Cleared for IndyCar After IMS Road-Course Evaluation
The approval removes a licensing hurdle for a likely AJ Foyt Racing move, highlighting concerns that the series' mixed objective and discretionary rules can allow exceptions.
Overview
- IndyCar said Tuesday that Josh Pierson passed a supervised licensing test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and is now eligible for an IndyCar license.
- Pierson earned the chance for the evaluation by winning Race 1 at Laguna Seca last month, a result that moved him from a 'resume review required' status into evaluation eligibility.
- Multiple outlets report Pierson is the frontrunner for AJ Foyt Racing’s open 2027 seat but no official team announcement or contract has been released.
- Critics say the series' hybrid system lets officials grant case-by-case clearances, and they argue a road-course-only test does not prove a driver's competence on high-speed ovals.
- Pierson’s season stats include one Indy NXT win, two poles, two more podiums and a season-high 108 laps led, and pundits say the approval will likely prompt calls for a formal oval test and clearer objective standards.