The NTT IndyCar Series has granted Josh Pierson approval to seek a seat in top-level machinery following a successful evaluation on Tuesday.
IndyCar introduced new requirements of incoming drivers earlier this year, placing an emphasis on driving ability.
If a driver has not competed in top-level motorsports before and has not demonstrated standout results in the IndyNXT feeder series, then that driver now has to be granted specific approval from IndyCar officials to compete America’s top open wheel series.
The first example of this approval process played out recently, when Pierson engaged in talks with IndyCar teams for a seat in 2027.
The 20-year-old recently completed his fourth season in IndyNXT, but has only earned one career win in that time and has a best championship result of sixth.
Pierson was invited to take part in an evaluation earlier this week, and demonstrated enough skill to earn approval from IndyCar officials to pursue a seat for next season.
“Following IndyCar’s driver qualification, licensing standards and process, Josh Pierson participated in an NTT IndyCar Series licensing approval test, Tuesday, on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course,” read a statement from IndyCar.
“Pierson became eligible for the test based on his IndyNXT by Firestone race win at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca last month.
“Under close observation from series officials, IndyCar Officiating and former IndyCar Series driver Davey Hamilton, Pierson was deemed to have satisfied performance requirements based on criteria such as car control, pace, consistency and communication.
“As such, Pierson is now eligible for an IndyCar license to compete in the NTT IndyCar Series.”
At this time, Pierson has not been announced as having a ride in IndyCar for next season. He is rumored to have a deal all but complete with AJ Foyt Racing, however.
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