German racing sensation Sophia Floersch is heading to the United States to compete in the 2025 Indy NXT by Firestone Series, marking a significant shift in her career, and she revealed she got advice from Robert Wickens on it.
The 24-year-old, known for her diverse experience in FIA Formula 3, DTM, FIA World Endurance Championship, and European Le Mans Series, will join HMD Motorsports, an elite team based in Indiana.
Representing Germany on the American stage
Pit Debrief and other media outlets spoke to Sophia Floersch about the significance of representing Germany in the United States and whether she feels any added responsibility ahead of Indy NXT bow.
Candidly, she said, “Yeah, I mean, in the end, I think Germany and German motorsport fans are really enthusiastic, and they love following pure racing.
“And if there’s a lot of things happening in the races, they love it just because of the car industry and everything and Nürburgring and so on in our country. In the end, you know, I’m super excited to be racing Indy NXT.
“I also think that, obviously with the following I have, there are many fans going to come over and watch it, maybe also come to races and so on because they’re all super excited. Also because actually Sky is, they are broadcasting IndyCar for the past couple of years, and they are now also really interested in Indy NXT. They want to do stories with me and so on. So just because they also feel like that fans are actually really interested in it. So yeah, I’m excited.
Gaining fans in the United States
“You know, in the end, I’m also super happy if I gain some more American fans because I just know from being in Nashville that they can be crazy as well and super emotional and super hyped about the sport. And in the end, you know, we’re all here also for a little bit for the fans. We’re racing for them and we want to make them proud and show them, make them a good weekend, let’s say. So yeah, we’ll see.
“In the end, Germany is also, on the other hand, a really small country compared to America. So yeah, just going to make them all aware that racing here is great.”
Seeking advice
Making the switch from European racing to the American scene is a big step. Sophia Floersch discussed the guidance she sought before making the move — one person she sought advice from was Robert Wickens. The Canadian previously completed in the DTM championship and IndyCar series before his life-changing crash at Pocono in 2018.
“Well, it’s quite funny because, obviously, over the past years, many European drivers actually came over to the US to race. So, I don’t know, Christian Lundgaard, Pietro Fittipaldi, Marcus Armstrong, all those guys I’ve been racing with in karting already or over the last couple of years. So, in general, you’re always kind of trying to soak in every single information you get.
“It’s quite funny, when I was here in Nashville last year, I met Robert Wickens in the paddock. I know him from DTM times back in the days.
“And he was like, ‘come here to America. It’s the best thing you can do. It’s the best racing — it’s pure racing. The people are really treating you nice, and you’ll love the sport again’.
“I think that’s just something which I remembered over the last couple of weeks when we also decided to do this stuff. And then, yeah, well, just the atmosphere and trusting those people.
The interest from HMD
“And then also, obviously, HMD was really coming towards us contract-wise, really pushing for me to come here. They were super open to make it happen and to have a good relationship from the beginning onwards. So yeah, I’m really thankful for the trust.
“And we’ll hopefully have a successful 2025 together.”
A new opportunity awaits
Floersch’s move to Indy NXT marks an exciting new chapter in her career, as she embraces the competitive American racing scene. With the support of HMD Motorsports and a growing fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic, she is set to make a significant impact.
As she prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how she adapts to this new challenge and whether she can continue an upward trajectory in motorsport.
