The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is back at Phoenix Raceway, where 25 drivers are participating in the Unser INDYCAR Open Test, a critical opportunity for teams to prepare for the upcoming season. With the series not having competed at the 1.022-mile Arizona oval since 2018, the drivers are eager to maximize their track time over the two-day event, which includes 11 hours of testing spread across two days.
On Tuesday, the first day of testing, teams took to the track for five hours of valuable practice. Among those with prior experience at Phoenix are Scott Dixon, who has six starts and Will Power, Graham Rahal, Josef Newgarden, and Alexander Rossi, each with three starts. Dixon and Rossi had previously tested at the venue in November, while Newgarden and Power participated in January.
During the opening day, Newgarden set the second fastest time in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, clocking a speed of 172.021 mph. His teammate, David Malukas, topped the charts with a fastest lap of 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Newgarden remarked, “We got a lot of good learnings,” highlighting the importance of these sessions in refining their setups.
Drivers Adapt to New Challenges
Pato O’Ward, who finished 16th fastest in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, expressed that speed was not his primary focus during this test. “This is a new race for me,” O’Ward stated. “Obviously, the ovals require a bit more caution whenever the car isn’t really to your liking. You need something that’s underneath you. If it’s not, the delta from good to bad is big.”
Despite his position, O’Ward’s background in oval racing is strong; he has four victories on ovals and was second in oval points last season. “INDYCAR oval racing is a big part of what the fans love,” he added, emphasizing his eagerness to embrace the unique challenges of the Phoenix track.
Palou’s Phoenix Debut
Alex Palou enters the 2026 INDYCAR SERIES season with a fresh perspective after overcoming previous criticisms regarding his lack of oval victories. Following a successful season where he won the Indianapolis 500 and accrued the most oval points, Palou is looking to build on that momentum. He was fifth fastest during Tuesday’s session, clocking in at 171.357 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Having only limited experience at ovals, Palou recognized the need to adjust quickly. “Normally at ovals, it’s about how you feel with the car, whether you have the confidence to push and attack it and really be on top of it instead of letting the car drive you,” he explained. Palou also noted that the extended testing time at Phoenix provides a unique advantage compared to the one-hour practice sessions typically allowed at other tracks.
A Celebratory Moment for Palou
In a ceremonial moment during the test, Palou was awarded the Championship Driver’s Trophy, commonly known as the “Baby Borg.” This miniature version of the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy commemorates his victory at the Indianapolis 500. The trophy presentation adds a celebratory touch to the testing event as Palou prepares for the new season.
Palou’s next appearance related to the Indianapolis 500 will be on February 24 in Fishers, Indiana, where he will unveil the ticket design for the 110th running of the prestigious race. As excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans are keenly anticipating the first race at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1.
What Lies Ahead
As teams return to the track for the second day of testing, two sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, with cars on track from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m. ET and again from 3:30 p.m. To 6:30 p.m. ET. This open test is not only crucial for driver preparation but also features free admission for fans, including an autograph session with the drivers scheduled for 12:45 p.m. MT.
With the series gearing up for a doubleheader weekend alongside NASCAR from March 6-8, interest in INDYCAR racing is set to surge as the Good Ranchers 250 approaches on March 7, marking a highly anticipated return to Phoenix. As teams continue to fine-tune their setups, the insights gained during this testing period will be instrumental as they head into the competitive season ahead.
