Indy NXT | Barber | FP1 | Hauger fastest as two rookies bring out red flags - Motorsport

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The first session of the Indy NXT weekend is in the books at Barber Motorsports Park, view the full report and results of FP1 below.

Miller hit with big penalty for abusive language towards officials

Jack William Miller will start the race on Sunday at the back of the field following his behaviour towards officials after the race in St. Pete. He crashed out of P5 in the closing laps.

“INDYCAR has announced penalties for the driver of the No. 40 Abel/Miller/Vinatieri Motorsports entry, Jack William Miller, ahead of this weekend’s event at Barber Motorsports Park.

“Following his participation in the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the driver was in violation of the following from the INDY NXT by Firestone rulebook:

“Rule 9.3.1.7. Failing to follow the direction of INDYCAR.

“Rule 9.3.1.8. Using improper, profane, or disparaging language or gestures in reference to any Official, Members or anyone else or improper, profane or disparaging language or gestures in reference to, concerning or connected in any way with INDYCAR, the INDY NXT by Firestone, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, or any Event and could result in additional penalties as determined by INDYCAR.

“According to Rule 9.2.3., the penalty is considered a Non-Race Procedure Penalty. Miller has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“At the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama event, the No. 40 will lose one set of tyres for the weekend, will not be permitted to qualify and will start Sunday’s race at the rear of the field.”

The on track action

Ireland’s James Roe led the way inside the first 5 minutes as a 1:14.252 saw him a tenth clear of de Alba. Hedge, Escotto and Hauger completed the top 5. The championship leader had a moment in turn 1 as he got a fraction wide.

Down at turn 1, Tommy Smith had a sizeable off as he got very wired and ran off. Luckily for him no damage was done.

At the front, Dennis Hauger quickly stamped his authority on proceedings. The Norwegian was the first into the 1:12, logging a 1:12.800 by the 10-minute mark. Collet was almost 0.5s slower, with Hedge, Roe and de Alba completing the top 5.

As Collet reduced the gap to 0.301s, Hughes jumped to P3 ahead of Hedge, with Josh Pierson and Seb Murray moving themselves into the top 6 a third of the way through.

First red flag

Rookie Evagoras Papasavvas had a crash and caused a red flag. In the long right hander of turn 4, he slid wide, got on the grass and kissed the tyres on entry to the pit road. Hauger was exactly 0.2s clear of Collet before the action resumed.

Former F3 driver Tommy Smith vaulted up to 2nd with just over 10 minutes to go, getting within 0.075 of Hauger’s benchmark. Max Taylor impressed as he moved up to 5th on debut.

Brazilian driver Caio Collet lowered the best time as a 1:12.469 from the HMD Motorsports driver put him almost 0.3s clear of Josh Pierson. Hauger, Smith and Roe completed the top 5 with 7 minutes left. After problems early on, Myles Rowe got himself into the top 10.

Late drama brings another red flag

At turn 10, Max Taylor saw his session end slightly early as he got wide and took a trip through the gravel and grass. He returned to the pits as the team checked for floor damage.

In turn 1, Jordan Missig had a massive moment as he got wide in turn 1 and got airborne over the grass as he did not compensate for that by slowing down.

Through turn 14, Escotto spun but managed to recover. Whether he was trying to avoid the Mexican as he recovered, Seb Murray also spun, got stuck in the grass and the red flag was thrown.

Just before the late madness, a 1:12.162 from Dennis Hauger put him P1 by 0.3s as he continues to dominate in 2025 so far.