Finishing out a busy March, Cape Motorsports powered by ECR visited Barber Motorsports Park in central Alabama for the first double-header of the 2026 IndyNXT by Firestone season. Always a favorite among drivers, the ‘Alabama Rollercoaster’ is filled with elevation changes, high speed corners, and lined with whimsical statues on the hillsides.

A single qualifying session determined the grid positions for both races, and Nikita Johnson put in two quick laps to earn a pair of third place starting spots. Matteo Nannini had less luck in the tight qualifying session and earned the 21st and 19th grid positions for the two races.

The first race of the double-header took place Saturday afternoon, with both drivers surviving early scraps to hold position until a full course yellow was displayed halfway through the first lap. Once the race went green on the lap four, Nannini began steadily working his way forward in the #20 machine. He made three passes in two laps by making use of his Push to Pass early, and remained on the lookout for more opportunities.

From third place, Johnson pressured the two drivers in front, then capitalized when they made contact with each other while navigating lapped traffic on lap 27. Max Taylor and Alessandro de Tullio both spun, allowing Johnson to squeeze past a narrow opening and into the lead. The 17-year-old expertly held off the field for the late restart and collected his second victory of the season. Nannini crossed the line in 15th, six positions up from where he started.

With very little time to celebrate the win, the team turned the cars around overnight and prepared for a second race on Sunday morning. Johnson took the fight to Max Taylor right from the green flag, very nearly snatching second place in the opening corners. He settled into third, however, and focused on completing a clean race in the #21 entry.

There were no cautions to bring the field back together, so Johnson ended the day in third position and claimed his second podium of the weekend. The standout rookie regained the points lead on account of his successful pair of results, and now sits 23 points clear of second place.

Nannini started in 19th for Sunday’s race and had an impressive opening lap. He raced wheel to wheel throughout the lap and gained five positions by time the first circuit was complete. The 22-year-old continued to be embroiled in battles for all 30 laps, alternately attacking and defending while having little time to relax. One final pass with four laps remaining brought Nannini up to 13th, tying him for the most improved driver with six positions gained.

The team now has some time until the next event, which is another double-header around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in early May.

Dominic Cape:

Both Nicholas and I dedicate the Barber win to our dear friend, Sandy Shamlin. Sandy was instrumental in our lives and in the growth of Cape Motorsport. He was far more than a friend, he was a steadfast supporter and a true pillar in our journey.

Sandy’s passion for motor racing ran deep, and his impact on the sport, especially at the junior level, is undeniable. He was a legend in every sense of the word.

We loved him dearly, and he will be profoundly missed. His legacy will live on through the sport he cherished and in the countless lives he touched.

Nikita Johnson:

Very happy with the points we got this weekend from two good results. Can’t thank the team enough. The Cape boys did an amazing job with the car. In the end it was all on me to deliver the results and we did just that.

Seriously can’t thank the Cape crew enough. I just love working with them; we work really good together. We’re just going to keep improving and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings.

Matteo Nannini:

Qualifying in this series is incredibly important for the race, and this weekend that hit us even harder because it was one qualifying session for two races. At this track also, starting up front is key because it is very hard to pass.

I am focusing on the positives, though. The pace was there during the races and we moved forward in each one. Just got to work on putting together a complete weekend.