On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Dennis Hauger solidified his position as the Dennis Hauger INDY NXT leader by capturing a hard-fought victory in the Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway. This win granted Hauger an even larger cushion in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship battle, edging out rival Caio Collet in a decisive showdown.
Driving the No. 28 Nammo car for Andretti Global, the rookie extended his points advantage to 54 over Collet with only two races left in the season. Both upcoming events, scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile on August 24 and in Nashville on August 31, are oval tracks that may further shape the championship race. Hauger’s margin equates to roughly one race’s worth of points, providing crucial breathing room as he pursues the title.
Race Dynamics: Pivotal Moves at Turn 1 and Consistent Pace Secure Victory
Starting third on the grid behind pole sitter Collet and front-row starter Myles Rowe, Hauger seized a critical opportunity in the challenging Turn 1-2 section early in the race. Collet and Rowe both braked slightly too deep entering Turn 1, allowing Hauger to exploit the gap and overtake Collet on the inside at Turn 2. From that moment, Hauger maintained the lead relentlessly across all 35 laps, demonstrating both skill and strategy under the ever-watchful eyes of spectators at the 1.964-mile course.
Throughout the race, Hauger effectively managed the spacing to his pursuers, especially Collet, whose efforts to reclaim the lead were repeatedly countered with the strategic use of the Push to Pass system. His margin of victory was less than a second—0.9353 seconds—but large enough to confirm his command on the track that day.
Podium Finishers and Team Performances
Behind Hauger and Collet, Myles Rowe earned an impressive third place in the No. 99 Abel/Force Indy entry, marking his fifth podium finish of the season. Rowe’s teammate, Callum Hedge, contributed to its strong showing by finishing fourth in the No. 17 Abel Motorsports car. Completing the top five was Salvador de Alba, representing Andretti Global in the No. 27 Grupo Indi machine. Both Andretti and Abel teams succeeded in placing two drivers among the leading five, highlighting their competitive depth.
Championship Implications and Hauger’s Ambitious Outlook
This victory was Hauger’s sixth of the season but just the second since early June, following a dominant start where he won four of the first five races. The win also clinched the Rookie of the Year title for him, yet his focus remains on the overall championship prize. Hauger expressed his determination to continue his strong momentum in upcoming races, especially at Milwaukee, aiming to seal the championship.
“It’s a great day for the championship,”
Hauger said.
An awesome day – back on top. Hopefully we can have a good weekend in Milwaukee and clinch the title there, as well.
—Dennis Hauger, Driver
Collet candidly acknowledged the critical moment that led to his narrow defeat, expressing his regrets but vowing to keep competing vigorously.
I was looking at Myles, and I think we both ended up a little bit deep (in Turn 1),
Collet said.
I didn’t see Dennis coming on the outside. I just misjudged it and gave Dennis the opportunity for a great move.
—Caio Collet, Driver
I did a mistake at the most crucial part of the championship, so very frustrating for myself. But we’ll keep pushing.
—Caio Collet, Driver
Upcoming Races Set to Decide the Season Champion
The finale of the INDY NXT by Firestone season nears with just two events remaining, both on oval circuits that typically offer faster, more aggressive racing dynamics. Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet stand as the only contenders mathematically capable of winning the championship, with each likely to bring intense competition to Milwaukee and Nashville.
How Hauger manages his points advantage and whether Collet can challenge successfully will be critical storylines as the season heads toward its climax. With Hauger’s confidence growing, the Indianapolis motorsport world watches eagerly to see if he can convert this extended points lead into a championship victory.