Chip Ganassi Racing has signed a reserve driver for the street and road course rounds of the 2027 IndyCar season, choosing to combine the role with one of its IndyNXT drivers.
Alessandro de Tullio will serve in both capacities next year, competing a full season in the feeder series while being on call for most of the IndyCar rounds.
De Tullio contested his first IndyNXT season last year with AJ Foyt Racing, earning two wins and finishing sixth in the championship.
He will now race with CGR for next season, but will have an added role with the team’s IndyCar program as well.
“I’m very excited to be joining Chip Ganassi Racing for 2027 in IndyNXT and with a reserve driver program in IndyCar,” said de Tullio.
“It’s another step in my career, and joining the most successful team in IndyCar is something that’s very special. I’m looking forward to adding to that success in the IndyNXT program, doing my best to learn as much as possible and help as much as possible as the reserve driver in IndyCar.
“I also have to thank my partners that have helped me get to this stage, and I’m excited to see what we can do together at Chip Ganassi Racing.”
CGR has a full three-car program already set for 2027, with Kyffin Simpson and Christian Lundgaard racing alongside the five-time champion Alex Palou.
If any of those three drivers needs to miss a race next year, the 20-year-old de Tullio would be the first in line to take over driving duties for the weekend.
The arrangement is only in effect for the season’s street and road course races, with the season’s five oval rounds seemingly not part of the deal at this time.
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