In the exhilarating world of motorsport, where precision engineering and sheer speed collide, few stories are as inspiring as that of Yuven Sundaramoorthy. The Indian-American driver has steadily carved a name for himself in a sport where the Indian diaspora has seldom had a prominent presence.
Yuven’s journey did not begin on the traditional karting circuits of Europe or the iconic tracks of Asia. Instead, it started in the classrooms and laboratories of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, while pursuing his studies, he carried with him a sense of heritage and determination.
With a striking red and white helmet proudly bearing a bold 'W,' Yuven returned to the Milwaukee Mile in 2024 as a local hero, eager to showcase how far he had travelled.
The 2024 Indy NXT season proved a turning point in his career. Despite facing early technical setbacks that threatened to derail his progress, Yuven remained resolute.
Trusting in his team and believing in himself, he turned obstacles into stepping stones, ultimately securing two podiums, four top-five finishes, and eight top-10 finishes in his final nine races. "It’s always sweeter when you’ve had to overcome obstacles to achieve success," he shared in an exclusive conversation with the media.
Off the track, Yuven’s journey has not been without its trials. Financial hurdles and sponsor uncertainties, amplified by political instability in the United States, forced him to sit out the 2025 season.
"That news hit us hard," he admitted. "But racing is expensive, and this happens more often than people realise." Despite the challenges, Yuven remains determined, maintaining contact with potential sponsors and eyeing a return to the Indy NXT grid in 2026, with the hope of competing in select races later this year.
What sets Yuven apart is his remarkable ability to balance two demanding worlds. While many racers spend their off-seasons fine-tuning cars or networking, Yuven works full-time as a test engineer at Tesla Motors. His role, testing high-speed Tesla models and providing critical feedback to design teams, perfectly complements his racing passion. "It’s where my two worlds—racing and engineering—really come together," he explained.
This dual identity of racer and engineer has shaped his journey. In 2021, Yuven made history as the first Indian-American driver to win an IndyCar-sanctioned race, securing victories at Barber Motorsports Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Mid-Ohio. With nine podiums that season, he finished third overall in the championship, breaking new ground and inspiring countless others along the way.
For Yuven, however, the motivation stretches far beyond trophies and statistics. "Racing isn’t very popular in the Indian community," he said frankly. "I hope my success—and the success of others—can inspire more Indian-origin youngsters to dream bigger." His achievements stand not just as personal milestones but also as a beacon of hope for an underrepresented community.
Regarding Formula One—the ultimate aspiration for many racers—Yuven remains pragmatic. "It’s always in the back of your mind," he admitted. "We’ve had conversations with some teams, but right now, it doesn’t seem like the most likely path." His heart, for now, is set firmly on IndyCar and completing the journey he began in the NXT series.
Yuven’s progression from a Formula SAE student engineer to an Indy NXT podium finisher in 2024 is not merely a tale of natural talent, but one of relentless determination, vision, and staying true to his roots.
Raised in the United States with strong Indian heritage and early experiences in China, Yuven credits his multicultural upbringing with providing both resilience and perspective.
"Racing is tough—physically, mentally, and financially. My background has given me both calm and intensity. It’s made me an optimist. In this sport, you must always look ahead."
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