March 2025
Photography // Laura Arick and submitted
Carmel Monthly is excited to feature INDY NXT driver Jack William Miller on its cover. As a rising star in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship, Miller is continuing his family’s legacy in motorsports while making a name for himself. The son of Dr. Jack Miller, famously known as “The Racing Dentist” and a three-time Indianapolis 500 starter (1997-99), Miller has been immersed in racing since the age of three. With over 300 karting events under his belt, multiple race wins and championship titles across various disciplines, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Rising Through the Ranks
From the start, Miller knew racing was the path he wanted to pursue. His passion for racing ignited at an early age.
“Well, I started karts when I was three years old,” Miller shared. “As soon as I could, I’d move up to the next series. That was kind of always my dad’s philosophy.”
Transitioning to open-wheel racing in F4 US in 2017-18, Miller steadily climbed the ranks of the USF ladder system. His dedication and skill have now brought him to his second season in INDY NXT, where he will drive the No. 40 Patterson Dental Dallara car as part of Abel Motorsports’ expanded roster.
Racing in Indiana, a state deeply embedded in motorsports history, has provided Miller with a unique advantage. Reflecting on his early years in the sport, Miller acknowledges the immense support he has received from his family and community.
“Just having everyone around you, very supportive of you — it really helps,” Miller said. “The teachers were great, always helping me out with school. You kind of feel like it’s a whole city behind you, really, because a lot of people here are in some way, shape or form a race fan.”
Learning From Legends
Growing up, Miller was inspired not only by his father but also by other accomplished racers. Miller’s journey has been shaped by his experience with Miller Vinatieri Motorsports, the team co-owned by his father and former Indianapolis Colt and Super Bowl-winning kicker Adam Vinatieri.
“I’m lucky to have a lot of help from a lot of ex-drivers because they knew my dad, and they’re always willing to jump in,” Miller expressed. “My dad and Adam [Vinatieri] have been friends for years. When my dad talked to him about starting a team, Adam wanted to be a part of it. It was great to have someone like him, one of the greatest in his sport, be involved in mine.”
Reflecting on the lessons learned from Vinatieri, Miller says, “Just his knowledge on how sports work. Obviously, they’re two different sports, but at the end of the day, it’s still a competition. You learn a lot from someone who has won that much and has always been in the spotlight. He’s taught me how to handle the media and all that stuff.”
Joining Abel Motorsports
Miller is looking to take the next step in his career with Abel Motorsports.
“Their team manager, John Brunner, had worked on my dad’s car way back in the day,” Miller said. “When the opportunity came up this year to join [Abel Motorsports], we jumped right on it.”
As he continues to develop as a driver, Miller has been working on refining his skills.
“Moving up to INDY NXT, you’re going from ‘little cars’ up to full-sized cars,” Miller explained. “It’s taken time to get used to because they have so much power and downforce. It’s almost a bigger step up to INDY NXT than it is from INDY NXT to INDYCAR. Most people will tell you that they’re almost harder to drive than an INDYCAR.”
Mastering the Art of Racing
When asked about the differences between ovals and road courses, Miller explained, “I love ovals. Obviously, you have the 500, and that’s the crown jewel. Ovals are very high-speed and smooth, and you have to work on the car to be perfect. Whereas on a road course, you can be a little bit different every lap — you can turn in a little bit earlier or later and get away with more. But on an oval, if you make a mistake, you’re in the wall.”
Balancing Racing and Education
Beyond racing, Miller is also focused on his education. A sophomore at IU Indianapolis, he is majoring in biology and aspires to follow in his parents’ footsteps by attending dental school.
“I think I would definitely work with my parents,” Miller shared. “I’m obviously very close with them, so that would be awesome. My mom is a dentist as well. It’s been great to learn from them.”
Life Outside the Track
Despite his busy schedule, Miller finds time for his hobbies, which include supporting the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, fishing, cycling and snowmobiling. His deep appreciation for motorsports extends beyond INDY NXT, as he has always been a fan of Formula One.
“Growing up, I was always a Fernando Alonso fan, and my dad and I have just always been Ferrari fans,” Miller said. “When you’re young, you’re very impressionable, so seeing Alonso in a red Ferrari stuck with me.”
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
With each lap, Miller is inching closer to his dream, showcasing not just skill and determination but also the strong family and community support that has propelled him forward. His story is one of passion, persistence and a deep-rooted love for motorsports, and it’s one that racing fans will undoubtedly continue to follow.
As he continues his journey in INDY NXT, his eyes remain fixed on the ultimate prize — the Indianapolis 500 — a race that has defined his aspirations since childhood.
“I’ve just always had a really big soft spot for the 500,” Miller expressed. “Everything revolves around that one race. That’s what I’m working for, and I won’t stop until I’m there.”
