Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the five biggest moments of 2023 in INDY NXT by Firestone in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 27-31.

While Christian Rasmussen sprinted away from the INDY NXT by Firestone pack over the second half of the 2023 season and as a result will graduate up to an NTT INDYCAR SERIES role with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2024, what’s left behind will surely make the upcoming INDY NXT by Firestone season one to watch.

Yes, the top two finishers in the point standings have moved on, but the 2024 season could be the rare instance with what’s coming back could make the season more memorable.

That’s because the 2023 rookie class is rich in talent and had a successful maiden campaign. Three drivers found victory lane over the course of the 14-race season, combining for six wins. Notable returnees are Nolan Siegel, Louis Foster (shown above), Reece Gold and Jamie Chadwick. All are back with their respective teams.

Both Chadwick and Foster return to Andretti Global. Foster scored two victories to go with two runner-up results and two more third place finishes.

Siegel, who drives for HMD Motorsports, had five top-two finishes including a pair of wins at Detroit and Road America.

Gold, who will return to HMD Motorsports, also won in Detroit and was on the podium in the second Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course weekend in August.

All four drivers are worthy of championship conversation.

This past year, Siegel and Foster finished third and fourth in the standings, respectively, but were separated by only five points. The past two series champions were in their sophomore seasons.