Caio Collett is a rookie in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and races for the legendary AJ Foyt Racing team. We caught up with him just prior to qualifying for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach where he filled us in on his background in European racing and how the different classes of cars compare to what he’s raced here in America (including the Indy NXT series). He’s been knocking on finishing in the top-ten with a 12th at Arlington and an 11th place finish at Mid-Ohio. Even better than that, he led nine laps at the Indianapolis 500 this year before ending his day due to contact with the wall. His stock really rose based on his performance there and his name has been often mentioned as a driver with future championship potential.  Enjoy!

By Larry Mason

Interview and Photos Copyright © by Larry Mason unless otherwise noted

Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment – Chris Owens
Caio Collett is serious about making his mark in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. His performance at Indy in qualifying and the race certainly proved that he’s a driver to watch.
Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment – Joe Skibinski
It takes a dedicated team of professionals that work hard behind the scenes to make their driver successful. This post-qualification photo from the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 shows off part of that team that helped Collett make it to the Firestone Fast 12.
Collet heads down pit lane at Long Beach to get service from his pit crew.
Collet makes his way around the long sweeping Turn 10 at Long Beach on the Firestone “Reds” alternate (soft) tires. Note that the curbing is painted red, white and blue in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Here, at a slightly different angle, you can see Collet (now on the Firestone black primary [hard] tires) with some understeer as he’s pushing past the limit of adhesion with the front end of the car (look at the angle of his tires and how much more steering input he’s given).