Tesla engineer-turned racing driver: Yuven Sundaramoorthy chasing dreams in Indy NXT

India Today

26-04-2025

In the fast-paced world of motorsports, where hard work, precision engineering, and high speed come together, few stories are as inspiring as that of Yuven Sundaramoorthy. The Indian-American driver has steadily built a name for himself in a sport that has rarely seen someone from the Indian diaspora shine.Yuven's career didn't kick off in the familiar karting circuits of Europe or the legendary racetracks of Asia. Instead, it began in the classrooms and labs of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he not only pursued his studies but also carried the spirit of his heritage. Sporting a striking red and white helmet emblazoned with a bold 'W,' he returned to the Milwaukee Mile in 2024 as a hometown hero, eager to show just how far he had come.advertisementThe Indy NXT season in 2024 proved to be a breakthrough for him. Despite early challenges-technical issues that threatened to derail his momentum-Yuven remained focused and grounded. Believing in himself and his team, he turned setbacks into stepping stones, eventually clinching 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," Yuven reveals in an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in
Yuven's career hasn't been without setbacks off the track as well. Financial challenges and sponsor uncertainties, heightened by political turbulence in the U.S., forced him to sit out the 2025 season. He admitted, "That news hit us hard. But racing is expensive, and this happens more often than people realize." Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful and determined, staying in touch with sponsors as he looks forward to returning to the Indy NXT grid in 2026-with even the possibility of participating in a few races later this year.
Yuven Sundaramoorthy (India Today Photo)
advertisementWhat sets Yuven apart is his ability to balance two demanding worlds. While many racers spend their off-season tuning their cars or networking, Yuven also works full-time as a test engineer at Tesla Motors. He finds that his work at Tesla perfectly complements his passion for racing: "I get to drive high-speed Tesla models to test them and provide feedback to the design team. It's where my two worlds-racing and engineering-really come together."This dual identity-racer and engineer-has been a hallmark of his journey. In 2021, Yuven made history as the first Indian-American driver to win an IndyCar-sanctioned race, achieving victories at Barber Motorsports Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Mid-Ohio. With nine podium finishes that season, he secured third place in the championship-a significant achievement that broke new ground and continues to inspire others.Yet, for Yuven, the motivation extends beyond trophies and lap times. "Racing isn't popular in the Indian community," he explains frankly. "I hope my success-and the success of others-can inspire more Indian-origin kids to dream bigger." His success is not just a personal victory, but a beacon for a community often underrepresented in the sport.When it comes to Formula One-the dream of many aspiring racers-Yuven remains realistic. "It's always in the back of your mind," he admits. "But F1 has a different development ladder. We've had conversations with some teams, but right now, it doesn't seem like the most likely path." For now, his heart is set on IndyCar and his unfinished business in the NXT series.advertisementHis journey from a Formula SAE student engineer to an Indy NXT podium finisher in 2024 isn't just about natural talent-it's a story of determination, vision, and staying true to one's purpose.Raised in the U.S. with deep Indian roots and early experiences in China, Yuven credits his multicultural upbringing with providing balance and resilience. "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 have to be forward-looking, always."Yuven Sundaramoorthy's journey is still unfolding, but it's already clear that he's so much more than a fast driver. He's a thoughtful, resilient individual with a deep sense of pride in his heritage and an unwavering commitment to his dreams. From the student garages of Formula SAE to the roaring engines of Indy NXT, Yuven shows that with passion, hard work, and a touch of hometown pride, every finish line is only the beginning of a new chapter.