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IndyCar’s AJ Foyt Racing Hires Toby Sowery As Reserve Driver
TL;DR
AJ Foyt Racing has appointed Toby Sowery as their new Reserve Driver, a role increasingly common in IndyCar to support primary drivers and assist with testing. This move reflects a trend of integrating reserve drivers into the NTT IndyCar Series for mentorship and development purposes.
Toby Sowery, the recently named Reserve Driver for AJ Foyt Racing.
IndyCar Photo
Reserve drivers are usually part of the Formula 1 World Championship as teams lock onto extra drivers to stand by for primary drivers or help out in testing throughout the season.
Recently, reserve drivers have become a part of the NTT IndyCar Series, usually to help guide an inexperienced driver, or to formalize an agreement with a younger driver to learn the inside of racing from outside the cockpit.
Beginning with this weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, AJ Foyt Racing will utilize the Reserve Driver concept as British racing driver Toby Sowery has been appointed the Reserve Driver for AJ Foyt Racing for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season.
AJ Foyt Racing’s Broader Focus On Driver Development
The appointment is part of a broader strategic focus on driver development as AJ Foyt Racing continues to evolve its program both within IndyCar and across feeder racing series. It further strengthens AJ Foyt Racing’s driver structure at a time of increasing competition and technical demand within the NTT IndyCar Series, while positioning Sowery within one of the sport’s most iconic teams as he continues to build towards full-time opportunities.
Larry Foyt (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"My dad, A. J. Foyt, built this team’s name on grit, risk, and winning—and I’m honored he trusts me to carry it forward," said team President Larry Foyt. "We’re not here to protect the legacy—we’re here to reignite it. With Santino (Ferrucci) and very promising rookie Caio Collet leading the charge, this team is pushing forward with purpose.
“Toby Sowery will be pivotal to what we’re building—his versatility, voice, and background will help develop our next generation while opening the door to a new wave of partners and fans.”
Toby Sowery’s Role At AJ Foyt Racing
Sowery joins the team with a proven and versatile racing background, having competed across IndyCar, IMSA and international endurance competition. His achievements include a class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, alongside multiple podium finishes at the highest level.
In his role as Reserve Driver, Sowery will support the team across testing, simulator development and race operations, providing experienced technical feedback while maintaining full race readiness throughout the season.
“I’m really proud to be joining AJ Foyt Racing for 2026," Sowery said. "When I first met Larry last year, it was clear we shared the same core values, integrity, accountability and doing things the right way.
"There’s a clear vision for where the team is going, and that’s something I wanted to be part of. The way A.J. approached his career with his creativity, adaptability and always pushing forward, is something I really respect. I’ll be ready when the opportunity comes.”
Sowery plans to be in southern California the weekend of April 17 - 19 for the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which is the next round of the NTT IndyCar Series. The 90-lap race will be broadcast on FOX Sunday afternoon starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Q&A
Who is Toby Sowery and what is his role with AJ Foyt Racing?
Toby Sowery is the newly appointed Reserve Driver for AJ Foyt Racing, tasked with supporting the team's primary drivers and assisting in testing.
Why are reserve drivers becoming important in IndyCar?
Reserve drivers are becoming important in IndyCar to provide guidance to inexperienced drivers and to formalize agreements with younger drivers for their development in the sport.
How does the role of a reserve driver in IndyCar compare to that in Formula 1?
In both IndyCar and Formula 1, reserve drivers are on standby to support primary drivers, but in IndyCar, they also play a crucial role in mentoring and developing younger talent.
