Rowe Breaks Through For First INDY NXT Win
Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment
By Dennis Krause
It was a win many were anticipating and in his 23rd INDY NXT SERIES by Firestone start, it all came good for Myles Rowe. Driving for Abel Motorsports/Force Indy, Rowe passed championship leader Dennis Hauger with 14-laps remaining on the 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway to claim his first series win.
“Yeah, it was naturally very good. You know, I'm very glad that we were able to do this because we had to do a few things to the car in the shop over a quick turnaround to get here in under a week.
“Just glad I could reward the team with a win today and get a little bit more momentum to finish the season really well.”
According to Rowe, a switch this season to Abel Motorsports from HMD Motorsports has given him the ability to be up front more consistently
“Obviously the switch of teams was a big help. I think the whole package that we have has really given me the assistance to fight up front a lot more consistently. I'm very happy with that decision we made.
"Yeah, I think just that and just obviously confidence just rising and everything has played a part. Support system has only been getting better. I'm really glad we could do that with Abel Motorsports. I love that team so much. They mean so much to me in my heart, just like (Wisconsin-based) Pabst Racing was (in USF2000 and USF Pro 2000). Just thrilled to be doing that.”
Photo by Aaron Skillman/Penske Entertainment
Not only was Rowe’s break-through win popular, but it was significant, as well. The 25-year-old Georgia native, who now resides in Brooklyn, New York, is the first Black driver to win in the series.
“Yes, it's huge, for sure. It means a lot to me, and I just want more, honestly. It's great that this is the first, but you know, I'm really looking for multiple and multiple wins, then to carry that onto INDYCAR. I don't like to get stuck too much in the past, and at this point my head has already gone to Laguna.”
Five years ago, Rowe was the centerpiece of INDYCAR’s Force Indy diversity initiative started and supported by series owner Roger Penske and youth coach and mentor Rod Reid.
“Yes, super valuable for me, for the program, everyone coming through it, like some of the mechanics, engineers. It's just helped us all grow. And they have treated us very well, the different things we've gone.
“Has been huge towards our development, towards what we've kind of done to affect the community in a positive way. And I think, yeah, naturally Roger's commitment to the program has shown, you know, huge rewards for the whole industry.
“Naturally, with Force Indy being a big part of the Abel Motorsports program and a big part of me as a driver in my development through the ladder system, with the goal of being in the Indy 500, it's huge to finally get this win in the INDY NXT Series, the series right before INDYCAR.
“We definitely want more. I definitely want more myself. Definitely to capitalize on this and then see that there's more hope to come. It's huge for the program.”
As the celebration was happening at Iowa Speedway’s victory circle, NXG Youth Motorsports was setting up in a parking lot at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a karting event. Using go-karts as an experiential tool for driving, S.T.E.M. education - and life, NXG (Nexgeneracers) mission is to prepare youth, especially those from under-represented communities, to be conscientious drivers on the road and in their lives.
Photo by Paul Hurley/Penske Entertainment
Looking back to when he was doing similar events, Rowe reflected on what his win might mean to those kids currently in the NXG program.
“I'm super proud to be able to represent and be winning now and be up front. I think it's super crucial to be able to see somebody that looks like you doing well, someone to look up to, especially when you are younger and things are a lot bigger and seem a lot more unfeasible possibly. Especially motorsports-related when you might not have the money or the possibility of even getting anywhere close.
“So to all the kids out there and specifically NXG related as well, I was one of those kids before sort of a thing. It took a lot. Obviously, a lot of things had to fall into the right place. But you know, with that passion and 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 believed anything was possible, and it's good to know that those possibilities are unfolding.
“I just hope that other kids will continue to believe that as that will shape our world in the future to come.”
Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment
For Rowe, his Iowa win was a boost to his confidence, not that he really needed that.
“Yeah, for sure, I've always thought my confidence has been pretty stable, but no doubt, this isn't going to hurt it. Yeah, I'm obviously just looking for more. Racing drivers, we're never satisfied. I just want more of this, so that's what I'll be doing and chasing.”
Victory lane at Iowa Speedway was crowded with well-wishers wanting to congratulate Rowe after his win on Saturday.
“Yeah, it's thrilling. Yeah, I have such a good support system. I wouldn't ask for it any other way from my family to my friends and to the team. Then even in the series it just has no end, which is something that I'm just super grateful for and that I use as energy every time I'm at the track. When I feel like I win, I feel like a lot of other people win, which is something great to be a part of.”
Among family and friends to congratulate Rowe was INDYCAR team owner Dale Coyne.
“Yeah, it was great. I'm glad he made the time to come out and see me. It means a lot that INDYCAR is watching us as a whole because, you know, that's the next and for most of us the final step to being pros in this motorsports industry.
“To see him out there, you know, supporting means a lot, and I just love that they're looking at us, and it's not just talk, but it's actually serious, and they really care about what's happening in the ladder below because it's so hard sometimes, depending on what situation you're in. It's really good to see the team owners out there and supporting us.”
Currently fourth in the INDY NXT standings, Rowe’s ultimate goal to get to INDYCAR is closer than ever. Whether that happens next year, or not, the 2023 USF Pro 2000 champion doesn’t know.
“I just know that I'm going to go to Laguna and try to win that race. That's all I know right now, and that's all I care about right now.”
Dennis Krause has spent decades covering all forms of motorsports, including over 40 Indianapolis 500s, with stints at WIBA Radio, PIT PASS - Radio’s Premier Motorsports Magazine and Motorsports Minute. Follow him on X @DennisKrause500 or motorsportsminute.bluesky.social or motorsportsminute on Threads or MotorsportsMinute+ on Facebook.