RLL Racing has taken a significant step in its preparations for the upcoming race season by signing Indy NXT champion Louis Foster to a multi-year contract. This announcement, made on October 9, sets the stage for Foster’s debut in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in the 2025 season.
This move comes after Foster's impressive performance in the INDY NXT Championship, where he clinched the title by winning eight out of 14 races. His remarkable achievements have firmly established him as one of the top talents in the open-wheel racing sphere. "It’s a lifelong dream to announce that I have signed a multi-year deal with @RLLracing to drive for them in @IndyCar," Foster expressed on social media after the announcement.
Foster, 21, dominated the series, leading in wins, poles, podium finishes, and laps led. His expertise earned him the championship title, edging out Jacob Abel of Abel Motorsports by a striking 122 points. This victory came after the driver clinched his first title in the 2022 Indy Pro 2000 Series.
Despite not revealing a specific car number or sponsorship details in their press release, RLL Racing confirmed that Foster will be driving full-time for the 2025 season. He joins veteran racer Graham Rahal, whose role in the team seems more solidified. However, uncertainty remains regarding the driver of the third RLL car. Currently, Juri Vips remains contracted, but discussions are underway involving Pietro Fittipaldi to potentially return to the No. 30 Honda.
"Sponsorship and funding will be key to our driver lineup for next year," stated co-owner Bobby Rahal, emphasizing the team's focus on a well-rounded financial plan as they build for the future.
Foster is eager to translate his recent success into the INDYCAR realm. "I am really looking forward to working with the team. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing have Indy 500 victories, obviously Bobby has won an Indy 500 and there is a great wealth of knowledge with the team," said Foster.
RLL Racing is currently developing a testing program to prepare Foster for his rookie season, which may include a testing session later this year to help acclimate him to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. "I can’t wait to start my INDYCAR career with the team, and hopefully we can have a long and successful career together," Foster added, indicating his ambition to use his INDY NXT experience to hit the ground running in St. Petersburg.
The excitement surrounding Foster is shared by RLL co-owners Rahal and Mike Lanigan. "We are very pleased that we have been able to come to an agreement with Louis to have him drive for the team for the next several years," Rahal noted. He praised Foster's performance last season and expressed optimism for a long-term relationship with the talented driver.
Lanigan echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are very excited to have Louis Foster drive for us over the next few years. I look forward to watching him grow into a future INDYCAR star. He reminds me of another driver — the late, great Justin Wilson."
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will kick off on March 2, 2025, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. This premier open-wheel series will see Foster compete in a season that includes the prestigious Indianapolis 500 on May 26, culminating in the championship finale on August 31 in Nashville. Racing enthusiasts can catch all live action on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network, as the excitement builds for the season ahead.