Defining the ladder and the progression for drivers
HMD Motorsports and TJ Speed Motorsports are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership, establishing a Driver Development Program that creates a clear path from USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire 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 advance up 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 an unmatched support system for rising talent, all while competing and working together on event weekends throughout North America.
INDY NXT by Firestone and USF Pro 2000 are designed to be pass-through programs, where drivers can hone their skills as they prepare for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The formation of the Driver Development Program with TJ Speed allows each team additional time with drivers and provides a multi-tiered development program, striving to produce INDYCAR-ready drivers with a solid foundation in all aspects of motorsports.
Mike Maurini – President - HMD Motorsports: “By partnering with TJ Speed, we’re establishing a comprehensive development ecosystem that equips drivers with the necessary tools, resources, and environment to thrive. 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 go beyond that, creating numerous synergies that benefit both winning efforts. TJ Speed will be able to utilize 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, maximizing their physical and mental preparation. 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.
Tim Neff – Owner - TJ Speed Motorsports: “This collaboration with HMD Motorsports opens a world of opportunities for our drivers. 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.”
Both HMD Motorsports and TJ Speed bring a wealth of experience and success in the junior levels of American open-wheel racing. Rejoining INDY NXT by Firestone in 2021 (then Indy Lights), HMD Motorsports has claimed three championship titles in the past four seasons and has graduated six drivers to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including David Malukas, Benjamin Pedersen, Linus Lundqvist, Toby Sowery, Kyffin Simpson, Christian Rasmussen and Nolan Siegel.
Formed in 2022, TJ Speed Motorsports has competed in the Formula Regional Americas Championship and USF Pro 2000. In 2022, TJ Speed took home both the Driver Championship and Team Championship, with all three drivers finishing in the top five of the championship. Switching to USF Pro 2000 in 2023, TJ Speed has earned three wins and eight podiums.
This partnership will leverage the strengths of two championship-caliber teams. Together, these teams offer an unrivaled ladder system designed to foster driver growth and prepare them for success at the highest levels.
While this is the first step in the HMD Motorsports and TJ Speed collaboration, more news will be announced soon.
For more information on HMD Motorsports visit HMDMotorsports.com or email info@hmdmotorsports.com. HMD Motorsports can also be found online on Facebook, X, and Instagram by searching @HMDMotorsports.
For more information on TJ Speed or to contact Tim Neff, please email TJSpeed1@aol.com or by phone at 321.508.6348. TJ Speed can also be found online on Facebook, X, and Instagram by searching “TJ Speed” or by visiting their website, www.TJSpeed.com.