Photo credit: Travis Hinkle | Penske Entertainment

Reigning Indy NXT rookie of the year and HMD Motorsports driver Caio Collet put together a weekend on the Streets of St. Petersburg which begun his sophomore campaign with a third place finish on Sunday morning.

Collet spoke to the idea of how consistent finishes are necessary to be able to put together an eventual run for an Indy NXT title, a run with Collet sees himself very much having a chance to go for in 2025.

“We need to be in the top three all year to fight for the championship,” Collet said. “So, in a way, one of our goals we did achieve.”

Collet fought hard throughout the race but lacked the pace to catch either of the two Andretti drivers who sat in front of him: race winner Dennis Hauger and second-place finisher Lochie Hughes. Starting behind the two in third place, Collet was unable to make up any positions throughout as the two teammates kept a consistent pace throughout the 45-lap race.

Collet said that his focus now is being able to take the steps to match the two rookie teammates.

“We we’re a step behind the whole weekend, especially behind Andretti, as a team,” Collet said. “But we just need to keep working hard to match them next race.”

The podium is Collet’s first that he has achieved on the Streets of St. Petersburg. His last result during his rookie campaign at the track he finished in seventh place.

Next, he’ll have a few test days in the lead-up to the long break before the start of May, when Indy NXT will take part in their next race weekend in Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park.