Niels Koolen is a versatile Dutch racing driver, born on 25 May 2001 in Vorden, Netherlands. The son of Dakar veteran and businessman Kees Koolen, Niels began his journey in motorsport relatively late, starting in competitive karting at the age of 14. Despite the late start, he quickly found his footing in the international karting scene, competing across Europe and the United States. His early years were defined by a steep learning curve and a natural transition from motocross to asphalt, where he eventually secured top-five finishes in the Dutch IAME X30 Senior championships.

In 2022, Koolen made the leap to single-seater racing at the age of 21, debuting in the Spanish and Italian Formula 4 Championships. His entry into car racing was marked by an intense period of adaptation, leading him to compete in the Formula Regional Middle East and European (FRECA) championships in 2023 with Van Amersfoort Racing. These formative years in the European junior categories provided the technical foundation necessary for his move across the Atlantic, as he began to catch the eye of major teams looking for adaptable talent.

The 2024 season proved to be a transformative year for Koolen as he expanded his horizons into multiple top-tier categories. He made his debut in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship with HMD Motorsports, while simultaneously gaining elite experience in Europe by competing in select rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with AIX Racing and the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2 class. This multidisciplinary approach highlighted his versatility and physical endurance, as he balanced the high-downforce demands of European machinery with the unique challenges of American road and street circuits.

In 2025, Koolen took a major step forward by joining Chip Ganassi Racing for a full-time campaign in INDY NXT. His progression was evident as he secured several top-ten results, including a career-best 5th place finish at Iowa Speedway, ultimately finishing 8th in the championship standings. Now in 2026, Niels continues his partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing, driving the No. 10 car. As one of the series’ most improved drivers, he has solidified his position as a serious contender in the IndyCar feeder system, representing the growing Dutch presence in American open-wheel racing.