ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – At just 17 years old, Nikita Johnson is poised to embark on his first full-time season in the INDY NXT series, a crucial stepping stone towards the pinnacle of American open-wheel racing: the IndyCar Series. The St. Petersburg Grand Prix this weekend marks not only the start of his season but also a homecoming for the young driver, who was born in the city and now resides in nearby Gulfport.
Johnson’s trajectory in motorsports has been remarkably swift. He began karting at age five and quickly progressed to European competition by the age of eight. By his teenage years, he was consistently achieving top speeds in various formula racing levels. In , he made history as the youngest-ever race winner in the USF2000 series, followed by a championship win in USF Pro 2000 in .
The season saw Johnson broaden his racing experience significantly, competing in four different open-wheel series across three continents. He raced in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand, the GB3 Championship in Europe and the FIA Formula 3 Championship, gaining valuable experience on diverse tracks and against a wide range of competitors. He also participated in his first endurance race, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and competed in three INDY NXT races.
“After looking fantastic in in his final full campaign in America, and winning nine races in USF Pro 2000, there’s a lot to look forward to from a driver who has proven time and time again he deserves to be alongside other top American open-wheel prospects,” wrote Eddie Fuhrer of usopenwheelnation.com, following the launch of USOWN Scout, a database analyzing IndyCar prospects.
The analytical data from USOWN Scout places Johnson among the top five drivers in terms of performance metrics, considering finishing positions relative to teammates, competitors, and the overall series standings. While Johnson acknowledges the positive assessment, he remains focused on continuous improvement. “I always did well when I was young,” he said. “I have about 40 to 50 hats from races I’ve won.” His father, Obie Johnson, emphasizes that Nikita is aware of his standing but doesn’t dwell on past achievements, prioritizing the lessons learned from each race.
The St. Petersburg Grand Prix holds a special significance for Johnson, not just as the opening race of the INDY NXT season, but also as a chance to race close to home. He appreciates the opportunity to enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by his mother, Olesya Pyankova, and the support of friends and family. “The fan support has been amazing,” Johnson said. “I get to eat at home, I get to sleep at home, which I usually never have a chance to do. Usually, you’re living out of a backpack.”
Obie Johnson revealed that the family spent nearly 300 days traveling for races in , highlighting the demanding schedule of a young driver pursuing a career in motorsports. This season, however, offers a welcome change, allowing Nikita to balance his racing commitments with a more stable home life.
The 1.8-mile St. Petersburg street course, with its 14 turns around Albert Whitted Airport and surrounding streets, presents a unique challenge for drivers. Johnson describes the track as technically demanding, with numerous bumps that require precise car control. This will be his fourth time racing at St. Petersburg and his sixth time competing on a street course.
Looking ahead to the race, Johnson has set a realistic goal of finishing in the top three. However, he acknowledges the increasing competitiveness of the INDY NXT series. “You have to be pretty technical,” Johnson said. “It’s my favorite track. It gets tougher every year.”
Nikita Johnson’s journey from a toddler in a booster seat to a rising star in open-wheel racing exemplifies dedication, talent, and a supportive family. As he prepares for his first full-time season in INDY NXT, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix offers a unique opportunity to showcase his skills on home soil and continue his pursuit of a career in IndyCar.