Bobby Travis · NASCAR/IndyCar Correspondent
At 20, Josh Pierson gets his own IndyCar ride, and with that AJ Foyt Racing has finalized its driver pairing for 2027.
AJ Foyt Racing has signed American Josh Pierson to a multi-year deal starting with the 2027 IndyCar season. The 20-year-old takes over the No. 4 Chevrolet, previously driven by Caio Collet, completing the legendary team's two-car lineup for next season. The signing costs Collet his seat at Foyt.
Two Chevrolets, one young duo
Alongside Pierson, Dennis Hauger will drive the iconic No. 14 Chevrolet. The Norwegian raced for Dale Coyne Racing in 2026 and moves to AJ Foyt Racing for the 2027 season. With Pierson (20) and Hauger (23), the team heads into 2027 with one of the youngest driver pairings in the field.
For a team steeped in tradition like AJ Foyt Racing, that is a clear statement: instead of relying on proven veterans, it is building its program around two drivers who are both still early in their careers in the series. That carries risk, but it also holds potential for the years ahead if both can grow into the car together and the team can build around them.
From a Le Mans record to a first INDY NXT win
Pierson's path in motorsport stood out early. At 16 he became the youngest driver ever to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a record that made his name well beyond the IndyCar world. Outings in the FIA WEC, in IMSA and finally in the INDY NXT development series followed.
In 2026 Pierson drove for Andretti Global and claimed his first INDY NXT win in September at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, finishing 11th in the championship. After successful tests, including on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he was granted his IndyCar license in mid-October 2026 under the series' tightened license rules, which cleared the way for the move to AJ Foyt Racing.
What the move means for the team
With Pierson and Hauger, AJ Foyt Racing is betting on two young drivers out of the development ladder, and for next season that should mean one thing above all: patience will be required, from the team and the fans alike. Both drivers bring fresh speed, but still little IndyCar experience across the series' varied tracks, from ovals to road courses to street circuits.
With its 2027 lineup confirmed, AJ Foyt Racing has settled a key personnel question. How quickly Pierson finds his feet in his new surroundings and how the young duo stacks up against more experienced teams will only become clear once the new season actually gets underway.
