Polish driver Tymek Kucharczyk will make his INDY NXT by Firestone debut with HMD Motorsports, racing in America for the first time in the 2026 season.
Kucharczyk, 19, will be the first Polish driver to race in the INDYCAR development series. He arrives in the United States after a dominant 2025 season, securing the Euroformula Open Championship title with BVM Racing.
To prepare for his transition to INDY NXT, Kucharczyk participated in the Chris Griffis Memorial Test in October on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course (photo, below) and competed in the 2025 Macau Grand Prix in the FIA Formula Regional World Cup with Van Amersfoort Racing.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join HMD Motorsports,” Kucharczyk said. “Making the move to the American racing scene feels like the right next step, and the test I did with the team was really positive. I feel confident in what we can achieve together.
“Thank you to my main sponsor, Mubi.pl, and my supporting partners, ORLEN Motorsport Academy and Iteo, as well as to HMD for their trust and support. I am committed to giving everything I have this year.”
Kucharczyk began karting at age 5 and quickly emerged as a standout talent. His early career in formula racing includes a third-place finish in the 2022 F4 Spanish Championship, earning one win and 12 podium finishes. He then advanced to the GB3 Championship, where across two seasons he showcased consistent growth, claiming four wins, three pole positions and a third-place championship result.
“Tymek has shown tremendous potential throughout his career,” HMD Motorsports Team President Mike Maurini said. “We are excited to help guide his development in the United States and see what we can accomplish together. The 2026 season will undoubtedly feature a strong lineup throughout the series, and we believe Tymek will be a valuable addition to it as he fights for race wins, podium results, Rookie of the Year honors and, ultimately, the INDY NXT championship.”
Kucharczyk will continue participating in the official series tests next week at Sebring International Raceway and in late February at the F1 Miami circuit before the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season opener Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
