Aug 18, 2026

Grand Prix of Portland

I had my eyes set on a clean and powerful weekend. We put it together and delivered.

Max Taylor, No. 28 Andretti Global car, Portland International Raceway

Race Update

Grand Prix of Portland

August 9, 2026 | Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

Started

Finished

5th career INDY NXT podium finish. Andretti Global double podium with teammate Lochie Hughes in P2. Winner: Alessandro de Tullio, AJ Foyt Racing (led all 35 laps from pole)

The INDY NXT by Firestone series returned to road course action at Portland International Raceway on August 9 for round fourteen of the 2026 season. Racing the No. 28 Susan G. Komen car for Andretti Global, Taylor qualified third in one of the tightest qualifying finishes of the year. AJ Foyt Racing’s Alessandro de Tullio had the fastest qualifying lap followed by Andretti teammate Lochie Hughes with Taylor coming in third, all separated by just three hundredths of a second (0.0341).

De Tullio controlled the race from the drop of the green flag, successfully defending the lead through a tricky and often chaotic Turn 1 and holding position for the entirety of the race. Similarly, Taylor settled into third early and held position through all remaining laps. The late morning race consisted of one lone full course caution, brought out after Carson Etter’s (Chip Ganassi Racing) car developed gearbox issues. On the restart, Taylor skillfully held off championship contender Tymek Kucharczyk (HMD Motorsports).

Andretti teammate Josh Pierson, racing on his home track for the fourth time with INDY NXT, was also running as high as sixth before contact from a competitor at Turn 2 damaged his front wing and forced an unscheduled pit stop. De Tullio went on to take the checkered flag for his second official win of the season followed by Hughes finishing P2, Taylor rounding out the podium at P3, Pierson finishing P8, and the final Andretti teammate, Seb Murray, finishing P13.

The result marked Taylor's fifth career INDY NXT podium and delivered Andretti Global a well-celebrated double podium finish. The official race results shifted the championship picture, with Enzo Fittipaldi (HMD Motorsports) once again reclaiming the lead by one single point over Nikita Johnson (Cape Motorsports). Taylor remains fourth in his championship fight.

“We had a really good pace, but it's hard to pass around here. Ultimately our hold up was yesterday, just barely missing pole and starting on the second row in the race. After that we were hoping to find a window or a mistake that we could capitalize on, but the front runners all kept it clean and drove well. ”

Max

Max's Takeaways

The Podium: A fifth career INDY NXT podium and another double podium finish for Andretti Global. Clean, controlled, and exactly the kind of race the Andretti program is capable of and needed heading into the final stretch.

Qualifying Margin: Third on the grid after missing pole by 0.0341 seconds. The race pace and practice pace were there all weekend. The car was good. We'll review old qualifying laps before heading into the Milwaukee Mile.

Championship Picture: The battle at the front tightened at Portland. Enzo Fittipaldi retook the championship lead by a single point over Nikita Johnson, 476 to 475, with Tymek Kucharczyk closing in on the top by just 18 points. Max holds fourth with 396 points, 80 behind the lead after 14 rounds.

Looking Ahead, Milwaukee: After two weekends off, INDY NXT jumps back into action at the historic Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, August 30, a return to oval racing on one of American motorsport's oldest and shortest oval tracks.

Championship Standings

Pos	Driver	Pts
1	Enzo Fittipaldi, HMD Motorsports	476
2	Nikita Johnson, Cape Motorsports/ECR	475
3	Tymek Kucharczyk, HMD Motorsports	458
4	Max Taylor, Andretti Global	396

80 points behind the lead through 14 rounds.

In The Paddock

A Special Guest at Portland

Julie Winans is a five-year breast cancer survivor whose journey began when she discovered a lump that ultimately led to her diagnosis. That same week, her mother was diagnosed with leukemia, beginning simultaneous cancer journeys made even more difficult by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During treatment, Julie faced serious complications, including sepsis and pneumonia, and had to relearn how to walk and talk before continuing with chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery and radiation. Through the support of family, friends, medical professionals and fellow survivors, she found the raw strength to keep pushing forward.

Five years later, Julie says the experience has changed the way she approaches life. She is more willing to face her fears, try new things and embrace opportunities, which came to fruition this weekend during a two-seater hot lap where Julie put on a firesuit and helmet and took a ride around Portland International Raceway while visiting Max and #TeamTaylor with Algas-SDI.

"I used to be fearful of trying new things or going places, and now I face life in a different manner. I’m braver, I know I’m worth it, and I try to live life to the fullest.” - Julie Winans

"It was an honor and a continued eye opener to spend the week with Julie. She's tough, full of courage and honesty, and a good spirit. People love the pink car, and to be honest however much others love it, I probably love it even more. For me it's a consistent way to advocate for these fighters and spread the word about the importance of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I know several people who have had their own journeys with cancer, and it's something that I do not take lightly. Julie really left an impression on all of us this weekend." – Max Taylor

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To Our Sponsors and Partners

Portland was one of the cleanest weekends we've had all year. Third on the grid, third at the checkered flag, and a double podium with the team. I qualified just barely off the pole, and that's both encouraging and a tough shake. The race pace was there all day. We're really looking to continue to improve on qualifying and keep things clean for the rest of the season, and if we can put it together, this program is winning races before the season ends.

This weekend meant something beyond the result. Racing the No. 28 Susan G. Komen car is never just about where we finish, and it's important to me to find a reason to race with purpose. Meeting Julie this weekend was a reminder that there are humans fighting and defying the odds. Breast cancer survivors are brave and strong, and spreading awareness for companies like Susan G. Komen who help provide support to these fighters is far greater than any race result.

The championship is tightening up front, and there's still time left to make moves and shake some things up. Next up is the Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, August 30, an oval where I want to bring the same pace we found here. Thank you to every sponsor and partner who makes this possible. I don't take a single lap for granted. We are coming.

Max Taylor

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