After switching race teams this offseason but retaining the same loyal backing he's had for the past four years, Myles Rowe made history last weekend by becoming the first Black driver to win an INDY NXT by Firestone race.

Rowe drove his No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy entry to victory lane at Iowa Speedway, claiming his maiden win in his 23rd career start.

“I have such a good support system,” Rowe said. “I wouldn't ask for it any other way, from my family to my friends to the team. Even within the series, the support just never ends. I’m super grateful for that, and I use it as energy every time I’m at the track. When I win, I feel like a lot of other people win too. That’s something really special to be a part of.”

Rowe emphasized the importance of representation in motorsports.

“I think it’s crucial to see someone who looks like you doing well, someone to look up to, especially when you’re young and everything feels so big and out of reach,” he said. “That’s even more true in motorsports, where the costs can keep people out before they even get started.

“A lot of things had to fall into place, but with enough passion and desire, here I am. I’m just glad I can be a face that represents what's possible. I was one of those kids who believed in the impossible and now I’m watching it unfold. I hope other kids will believe in that too -- that belief is what will shape the world to come.”

Rowe’s journey began in karting, eventually leading to the Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series in 2017 and 2018. But a lack of funding forced him to step away from racing in 2019. The 2020 pandemic made finding sponsorship even more difficult. At that point, Rowe turned to photography while attending New York City’s Pace University, fearing that his racing days were over.

Then, in July 2020, Penske Entertainment launched the Race for Equality & Change initiative aimed at creating opportunities for minorities and women in motorsports. From that initiative, Force Indy was born. In 2021, Rod Reid, founder of NXG Youth Motorsports, offered Rowe a shot in the USF2000 Championship.

Rowe seized the opportunity, becoming the first Black driver to win in the series with a victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

In 2022, he stayed in USF2000 with Pabst Racing while Force Indy moved up to INDY NXT. That season, Rowe scored five wins and finished just six points behind champion Michael d’Orlando.

Row advanced to USF Pro 2000 in 2023 while still with Pabst and continued support from Force Indy. Another five-win season earned him the championship title, making him the first Black driver to win a North American open-wheel championship.

That title came with a scholarship to compete in INDY NXT, where Force Indy partnered with HMD Motorsports. Rowe struggled through the season and finished 11th in the standings.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Rowe made the move to Abel Motorsports, a decision that's already paying dividends.

In addition to his historic Iowa victory, Rowe has recorded seven top-five finishes in nine starts and currently sits fourth in the championship standings.

“Switching teams was definitely a big help,” he said. “The whole package we have now has allowed me to fight at the front more consistently. I’m very happy with the decision we made.

“My support system has only gotten stronger. I’m really proud to be doing this with Abel Motorsports. I love that team. They mean so much to me, just like Pabst Racing did. I’m thrilled to be part of this.”

Despite having a week to celebrate before the next race: a doubleheader at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on July 26–27. Rowe isn’t resting on his laurels. The Georgia native is already focused on building momentum.

“I’m obviously just looking for more,” he said. “Racing drivers, we’re never satisfied. I want more of this, and I want to carry it into INDYCAR.

“This win is great, but I’m already thinking about Laguna.”