NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
August 29, 2024: Rising star Yuven Sundaramoorthy, a talented Indian American driver, has made history by achieving his first podium finish in the 2024 Firestone INDY NXT Series. Yuven placed third in the 11th race of the season, held at the World Wide Technology Raceway on August 17, 2024. This achievement makes him the first Indian American to reach a podium finish in the prestigious INDY NXT series.
A podium finish refers to finishing a race in one of the top three positions—first, second, or third. The term comes from the awards ceremony where these top three finishers stand on a podium to receive their trophies, with the winner standing on the highest step. It’s considered a significant achievement in motorsports, highlighting outstanding performance.
The INDY NXT Series, a key support series for the INDYCAR Series, is a crucial stepping stone for young drivers looking to compete at the highest levels of open-wheel racing in America. After making guest appearances in 2023, Yuven committed to a full season with ABEL Motorsports in 2024, determined to leave his mark on the competition.
The 2024 season began in March, and race 11 took place on a tricky oval track just outside St. Louis, Missouri. The 1.25-mile course, known for its egg-shaped design and challenging turns, put every driver to the test. Despite starting in 8th position, Yuven’s skillful driving and strategic moves helped him steadily climb up the ranks, securing a well-deserved third place after 75 laps of intense racing.
After the race, Yuven expressed his excitement: “This podium finish is a culmination of years of hard work and support from my team. Becoming the first Indian American to achieve this in the INDY NXT Series is an honor I will always cherish.”
Yuven’s rise to prominence in motorsports has been marked by perseverance and success. He began his racing journey in karting, moving up to formula racing and eventually to the INDY NXT series. Alongside his racing career, he completed a degree in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, showcasing his determination both on and off the track.
With this podium finish, Yuven has gained 35 crucial points and is determined to keep pushing for more wins as the season continues. Keep an eye on this young talent as he aims for even greater success in the world of motorsports.
