Hughes Claims First Oval Victory at WWT Raceway
WWT Raceway, Missouri – In an exhilarating INDY NXT race, Lockie Hughes of Andretti-Cape Motorsport celebrated his first career oval victory and second overall for the 2025 season. The Australian driver expressed his disbelief after clinching the win, stating, “Pretty cool. I am still in shock; we were so far behind.”
Hughes started the race in fifth place but struggled in the early laps. However, a daring move to the high line on lap 62 allowed him to leapfrog competitors and seize the lead, which he maintained until the end. “I honestly didn’t really care,” Hughes reflected on the initial setbacks. “I just thought I’d try the high line one lap, and it worked. I’m so happy.”
The race was marked by its intensity, featuring a remarkable 165 on-track passes, setting a record for INDY NXT at WWT Raceway. Hughes averaged a speed of 157.199 mph in a caution-free race, marking the first time in this season and since 2022 that an oval race finished without a yellow flag.
Dennis Hauger, the pole sitter and championship leader, finished fifth in the No. 28 Nammo race car. Despite not finishing in the top spot, Hauger’s prowess was evident as he captured the pole with an impressive two-lap average of 166.162 mph, marking his fourth pole of the season. “First time on an oval, and we got the pole,” Hauger remarked, excited to tackle the challenges ahead.
Joining Hauger on the front row was HMD Motorsports’ Caio Collet, whose average speed of 165.735 mph displayed the competitive nature of the event. The race at WWT Raceway has proven to be a showcase of skill, determination, and high-octane excitement for fans and drivers alike.
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