HMD Motorsports and TJ Speed Motorsports are establishing a Driver Development Program to create a clear path from the USF Pro 2000 series to INDY NXT by Firestone.

In this new collaboration, TJ Speed will serve as HMD Motorsports' Driver Development team, offering young talent the resources, experience and guidance they need to climb the open-wheel racing ladder to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. As the only teams in their respective series with direct links to one another, HMD Motorsports and TJ Speed will offer a support system for rising talent while competing and working together on event weekends throughout North America.

“By partnering with TJ Speed, we’re establishing a comprehensive development ecosystem that equips drivers with the necessary tools, resources and environment to thrive,” HMD Motorsports President Mike Maurini said. “This partnership is a pivotal step in our mission to cultivate future champions for the INDY NXT by Firestone and NTT INDYCAR SERIES.”

While driver development will remain the primary focus, this new program will see sharing of resources at many levels. TJ Speed will use HMD Motorsports’ in-house resources for decals, paint and fabrication. Both teams will also have exclusive access to the state-of-the-art gym, simulator and personnel. Trackside, both teams will collaborate throughout the race weekends, with engineering teams sharing relevant data and insights and drivers sitting in on engineering meetings and the timing stand.

“This collaboration with HMD Motorsports opens a world of opportunities for our drivers,” TJ Speed Motorsports Owner Tim Neff said. “With access to HMD’s exceptional resources and expertise, our drivers are well-equipped to advance to INDY NXT and ultimately compete at the highest levels of open-wheel racing.”

HMD Motorsports has claimed three INDY NXT by Firestone championship titles in the past four seasons and has graduated six drivers to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Formed in 2022, TJ Speed Motorsports has competed in the Formula Regional Americas Championship and USF Pro 2000. TJ Speed won the Driver Championship and Team Championship in Formula Regional Americas in 2022. Switching to USF Pro 2000 in 2023, TJ Speed has earned three wins and eight podium finishes.

The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season starts Sunday, March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.