Myles Rowe gets first Indy NXT win at Iowa Speedway and makes series history

Myles Rowe made history in addition to his personal victory this weekend at the Iowa Speedway. The driver for Abel Motorsports with Force Indy finished the Newton oval with his first win for Indy NXT after starting the race in fourth, also making him the first Black driver to win series.

The first place finish came after an impressive pass around Dennis Hauger at turn three with only 10 laps left to go. Rowe, 25, maintained the lead to the finish line, ending the race with a celebratory dose of fizzing champagne at Victory Lane and hugs and handshakes from family, teammates and fellow racers.

It was Rowe’s fourth podium of the season. Clutching the win felt good, he said.

“I’m very glad that we were able to do this because we had to do a few things with the car in the shop over a quick turnaround to get here in under a week, so I’m just glad I could reward the team with a win today and get on a little bit more momentum to finish this season really well,” Rowe said.

Hauger finished the race in second place with Salvadore De Alba securing third. During an interview with the press after the race, Hauger smiled and shook his head. He knew the question before it was even going to be asked. A lot of people here are talking about the pass on turn three. What did you see from your angle?

He put it plainly.

“I got passed,” Hauger said. “I got a bit stuck there. Went to defend on the inside and got a bit stuck … It got to be pretty narrow. He had better pace than us, to be honest, and was able to stay really close the whole race. And once we started dropping off a bit in the second half of the race he was just able to get runs.”

Rowe expected the 75-lap race would be decided in the last half. He credited the pass to his patience and his focus on taking care of his tires. Having a strong start after the two cautions was also key to getting through the traffic. Rowe found his opening in the high line and made his move.

“I’m very happy with that pass and the patience that I had beforehand to protect the tires and everything,” Rowe said.

For Hauger’s second oval overall, it was still a good day. Oval racing, he added, is a different style of racing, but it is still about making progress every race. Hauger said he feels like his team is doing a great job. They were close. With two more ovals left in the season, Hauger wants to keep the momentum going.

“I think we can have a good end to this season,” Hauger said.

De Alba is happy with his podium of the year. He had confidence in his car and knew he had to be aggressive and assertive.

“It paid off,” he said.

Speaking on the milestone as the first Black driver to win Indy NXT, Rowe is proud to be winning and being up front for younger fans and future racers to see.

“I was one of those kids before … But with that passion, desire, here I am and continuing. I’m just glad I can be a face to show that. Because I was one of those kids who didn’t think it was possible,” Rowe said. “It’s good to know that those possibilities are unfolding. I just hope other kids are able to believe that and will shape our world in the future to come.”

After securing his first Indy NXT win, Rowe indicated he’s hungry for more.

“Racing drivers, we’re never satisfied,” he said.