Imagine stepping into a beast of a machine, heavier, faster, and more demanding than anything you’ve ever driven—and realizing your entire future hinges on taming it. That’s exactly what Lochie Hughes faced during his eye-opening first IndyCar test with Andretti Global’s No. 98 Dallara DW12-Honda. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Hughes has proven himself a scrappy and talented driver in Indy NXT, the leap to IndyCar isn’t just about skill—it’s about raw physical transformation. Can a 23-year-old, no matter how strong, bulk up enough to wrestle 5,000 pounds of downforce without power steering? That’s the question Hughes is now grappling with.
The Australian standout, fresh off a third-place finish in the Indy NXT standings and a pair of rookie wins, spent Monday battling the DW12 for the first time. It wasn’t just about speed; it was about endurance. The car’s sheer weight and power demand a level of strength that even two-time champion Josef Newgarden has had to build through relentless gym sessions. Hughes, despite his tenacity, felt the strain. ‘Towards the end, I was struggling,’ he admitted to RACER after completing roughly 100 laps. ‘Even when I understood the car the best, I was hanging on a little bit.’
And this is the part most people miss: driving an IndyCar isn’t just about finding lap time—it’s about managing a machine that doesn’t want to turn as easily as its lighter NXT counterpart. Hughes noted, ‘It’s a bit different… especially with all this weight.’ Yet, despite the challenges, he remained positive, calling it a ‘good day’ where he ‘learned a lot’ and kept the car intact. The team, too, gained valuable data, but the real takeaway? Hughes needs to pack on muscle—and fast.
Having clinched the USF Pro 2000 title in 2024 and entering his sophomore NXT season as a championship favorite, Hughes is no stranger to success. During Monday’s test, he was fifth fastest overall and second among IndyCar testing debutants, trailing only Mick Schumacher. But the physical demands of IndyCar are a different beast entirely. ‘I definitely need to put on some muscle,’ Hughes acknowledged. ‘That’s the assignment moving forward.’
Here’s the bold claim: Hughes is unwavering in his goal to become an IndyCar driver by 2027. ‘There’s no doubt in my mind,’ he declared. ‘It’s just about going and winning NXT next year. That’s job number one.’ But is his confidence justified? Can he transform his body in time to handle the DW12’s brutal demands? That’s the million-dollar question—and one that’s sure to spark debate among racing fans.
What do you think? Is Hughes underestimating the physical leap to IndyCar, or does his determination and talent make him a sure bet for success? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
