DeTullio Scores First INDY NXT by Firestone Victory at Barber Motorsports Park

LEEDS, Ala. (March 29, 2026) -- Rookie Alessandro DeTullio was not going to be denied a third time as he scored his first career victory in Race 2 of the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park today.

The win follows two races in which he was knocked out of the lead twice by overly aggressive moves by competitors, one as recently as yesterday in Race 1 here. DeTullio's third straight pole position saw him take the lead on the opening lap and never relinquish it despite constant pressure from runner-up Max Taylor.

“It feels great to finally get it done here in Barber—the third time's a charm," said the 19-year-old. "I want to thank the whole No. 14 crew for a great car. We knew we had the pace since Arlington to win, we just had to get everything right and stay on track, so that's what we did. We kept it clean, we controlled the race, and, yeah, super happy to come away with the win.”

DeTullio took the lead from the pole position and led from wire to wire!

Team owner Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing, was enthusiastic in his praise of the young rookie and the team, saying, "I'm really proud of Alessandro. He drove a really great race today. He's shown the speed all through the beginning of this championship. He says he's got the pace. And this was just a huge breakthrough for him to know he can take it all the way to finish. So really proud of him and happy for him. It was a great team effort by all of the guys on the AJ Foyt Racing with HMD Motorsports team. The guys have really been doing an awesome job."

Henry Malukas, owner of HMD Motorsports, echoed Foyt's thoughts saying, "It's amazing. The kid who could've done it in Texas but got taken out, and to come back with another two poles, proved he can win today. Yesterday was unfortunate, but today, he showed what he can do and he did it."

Speaking of the alliance with AJ Foyt Racing which was announced last fall, Malukas said, "It's amazing our alliance. We connected a year ago and I think this is the best thing ever. We're helping each other and working together. HMD and A.J. Foyt -- it is the best thing ever especially with A.J.'s history, right? So very excited."

DeTullio also expressed his gratitude saying, “Larry was there, Craig (Brooks, AJ Foyt Racing team manager) and Tony (Grau, former HMD employee who joined Foyt Racing over the off-season). They’ve been a big help in this program, and obviously representing a name like that is very special. They’ve been there from the start—they've been supporting me, talking to me, and being involved as much as they can together within the program. So, being a part of the team, of a name like that and having their support is very cool.”

De Tullio (center) poses wih some of his team management (L to R): Craig Brooks, Tony Grau, Henry Malukas and Larry Foyt.

Nicholas Monteiro, who drives the No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing entry, finished 19th. Monteiro commented, "We had a good pace today, but we had some issues with the car. Congratulations to Alessandro for his P1 today.  He almost gave us a P1 yesterday, and I was praying for him to give us one today and win this race. I am looking forward to our race in Indianapolis. We are very fast over there. Let's push!"  

Monteiro is looking forward to the next doubleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.

Rounding out the top five were Taylor, Nikita Johnson, who won yesterday after the contact between De Tullio and Taylor, Enzo Fittipaldi and Tymek Kucharczyk.

The series returns to action in May with a doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on May 8th and 9th with Race 1 being broadcast on FS2 and Race 2 on FS1.