Escorpioni lands HMD ride for 2027 Indy NXT season

HMD Motorsports has signed 2026 USF Pro 2000 runner-up Leonardo Escorpioni to its Indy NXT program.

The Brazilian-American served as HMD’s junior driver last season as he observed the team’s NXT operation while competing in USF Pro 2000, where the 16-year-old earned five wins and 10 podiums while finishing second in the standings to Jack Jeffers.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to race in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports,” Escorpioni said. “After working with the team as their junior driver throughout the 2026 season, I feel I have a strong foundation heading into my debut year. Spending time with the drivers and engineers and learning from them last season was valuable, so getting into the car for the first time at the driver evaluation test was a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to the season and hope to be competing at the front.”

Escorpioni has driven for HMD on two occasions, including the recent Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

“We’re looking forward to Leonardo’s debut season,” said HMD Motorsports team president Mike Maurini.

“After spending the 2026 season learning the ins and outs of our team, Leo already has a strong understanding of our people and processes. We believe that familiarity will be an advantage as he transitions into Indy NXT, and we see a great deal of potential in him. Our goal is to give him the tools and support he needs to be competitive from the opening round.”