Max Taylor led an Andretti Global 1-2-3 in INDY NXT practice at Road America on Friday, putting the No. 28 Susan G. Komen car on top before a busy doubleheader weekend in Wisconsin.
The American rookie produced a best lap of 1 minute, 53.1419 seconds in the only practice session for the Grand Prix at Road America, with Andretti team-mates Lochie Hughes and Josh Pierson second and third. The result gives Taylor a sharp platform before qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, with Race 2 following on Sunday.
Taylor is already firmly involved in the championship picture, sitting fourth in the INDY NXT standings and 27 points behind leader Nikita Johnson, according to INDY NXT’s official practice report.
Andretti’s Road America pace gives Taylor a real opening
The session matters because Road America is not a one-race opportunity. With two races across the weekend, early speed can quickly become a major points swing if Taylor converts it through qualifying and race execution.
Andretti’s lockout also changes the tone of the weekend. Hughes and Pierson being immediately behind Taylor suggests the team has found a strong baseline around the 4.014-mile circuit, not simply one driver finding a tow or a late lap.
For Taylor, the next step is turning practice pace into clean track position. If he does that, Road America could become a serious momentum weekend in his title chase.
