Callum Hedge set for INDY NXT debut at Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Callum Hedge is excited ahead of his debut in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship, at St Petersburg this weekend. Driving the #17 HMD Motorsport entry, the 20 year old is aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin, with the aim to rise up the American open-wheel ladder.
Hedge planned to undergo two tests in the pre-season, however was hampered by appendicitis on the day of his first test at Sebring, Florida. 6 weeks on from surgery, Hedge feels almost back to normal, however, admits he is on the back foot.
“I’m expecting it to be a tough weekend, but I’m still going to give it all I’ve got. The surgery I had 6 weeks ago had me bedridden for three weeks, and I lost the majority of my fitness and strength. I’ve recently got back into the gym, building up the strength I need to drive one of the INDY NXT machines.”
Hedge has recently returned to America, from New Zealand where he was a last minute entry to the final round of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania championship at Highlands Motorsport Park. Hedge finished 2nd in the 68th New Zealand Grand Prix, with the seat time being invaluable ahead of the upcoming INDY NXT round.
“To get some laps at in the FT-60 at the New Zealand Grand Prix was a great way to test how my body was feeling in the car, and just get some mileage for the first time since November 2023.”
The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the opening round for the NTT INDY CAR series, and it’s official feeder series, INDY NXT by Firestone. Callum’s first on track session will be 1:35 PM - 2:20 PM EST (5:35am - 6:20am AEDT, 7:35am - 8:20am NZDT).
“This weekend will be my first proper putting in the car so it’s going to be a big challenge. I need to continue to learn the car, but also the St. Petersburg Street Track. I’m really excited to just get out there, and see how I stack up against some really tough competitors.
“My goal isn’t to go and win, although that’d be nice! I’m expecting to take some time to adapt to the car and the championship, finish every race and build my season from there.”
This next step in Hedge’s career comes after he won both the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship and the Formula Regional Americas Championship in 2023.
“I just want to send a huge thank you to everyone who helped get me to this point - the Tony Quinn Foundation, Giltrap Group, Tasman Motorsports Group, Honda US and so many others. Bring on the weekend.
Viewers within the US can watch the race on NBC or Peacock, whilst viewers in Australia and New Zealand can catch the weekend's coverage through the INDYCAR Live subscription.
Full INDYNXT Schedule in AEDT and NZT times below.
Practice 1:
Friday, March 8th - 1:35pm - 2:20pm ET
Saturday, March 9th - 5:35am - 6:20am AEDT
Saturday, March 9th - 7:35am - 8:20am NZDT
Practice 2:
Saturday, March 9th - 8:25am - 9:10am ET
Sunday, March 10th - 12:25am - 1:10am AEDT
Sunday, March 10th - 2:25am - 3:10am NZDT
Qualifying:
Saturday, March 9th - 1:05pm - 1:35pm ET
Sunday, March 10th - 5:05am - 5:35am AEDT
Sunday, March 10th - 7:05am - 7:35am NZDT
Race:
Sunday, March 10th - 10:00am - 11:15am ET
Monday, March 11th - 1:00am - 2:15am AEDT
Monday, March 11th - 3:00am - 4:15am AEDT
