Floersch ends Indy NXT program

Sophia Floersch’s Indy NXT career has come to a halt after one race.

The German driver’s shift from European junior open-wheel racing to the top American feeder program for the IndyCar Series saw the 24-year-old finish 12th on her debut earlier this month at St. Petersburg with the HMD Motorsports team. RACER understands a miscommunication with her primary sponsor led to the swift end to her time in the No. 24 Dallara IL15-AER.

“As we move onwards in 2025, HMD Motorsports and Sophia Floersch have mutually agreed to part ways for the remainder of the Indy NXT by Firestone season. HMD wishes Sophia the best of luck in her future endeavors,” a team statement read.

HMD, which fields nine cars, has started the search for Floersch’s replacement.

“The team is now actively considering driver options for the No. 24 car for the remaining 13 races and upcoming test days,” the team stated.

Floersch was one of two women racers competing in NXT. With her exit, HMD rookie Hailie Deegan, who placed 14th at the opening race, is the sole female driver remaining in the IndyCar pipeline.