PHOENIX – After an eight-year absence, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is preparing for its return to Phoenix Raceway, and teams are using a two-day open test this week to reacclimate to the one-mile oval. The Unser INDYCAR Open Test, running February 17-18, isn’t just about speed; it’s a crucial opportunity for 25 drivers to understand a track that has undergone significant changes since the series last raced there in 2018. The test also serves as a tribute to the Unser family’s storied legacy at the Arizona track, a name synonymous with success in IndyCar racing.
The return to Phoenix is part of a larger initiative to showcase North American racing, with a joint event alongside NASCAR, and is being broadcast by FOX Sports. The Solid Ranchers 250 race is scheduled for March 7, marking a significant moment for the track and the series. But before the competition begins, drivers are focused on maximizing the 11 hours of track time available, adapting to the updated track configuration and the evolution of the cars themselves. Understanding the nuances of Phoenix Raceway is paramount, especially for those with limited or no prior experience on the oval.
Adjusting to a Familiar, Yet Different, Track
For some drivers, Phoenix Raceway holds fond memories. Six drivers enter the test with previous experience at the track: Scott Dixon, with six starts, and Will Power, Graham Rahal, Josef Newgarden, and Alexander Rossi, each with three starts. Dixon and Rossi participated in testing at Phoenix in November, while Newgarden and Power tested in January, giving them a head start in understanding the current track conditions. While, even for these veterans, the track isn’t quite the same. The series has evolved, and so has the racing surface.
David Malukas of Team Penske set the fastest lap time on Tuesday, clocking in at 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. Teammate Josef Newgarden was close behind, recording a speed of 172.021 mph. Newgarden emphasized the value of the testing, stating, “We got a lot of good learnings,” according to INDYCAR.com. But speed isn’t the sole focus for everyone.
New Challenges for Experienced Drivers
Pato O’Ward, despite being a seasoned oval racer with four career victories on those tracks, approached the test with a focus on understanding the car’s behavior. He finished 16th fastest on Tuesday, but explained that performance wasn’t the primary goal. “This is a new race for me,” O’Ward said. “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.” He stressed the importance of comfort and confidence, stating that the test provided a valuable opportunity to assess the car’s performance in all aspects, rather than simply chasing a fast lap.
O’Ward’s experience on ovals – he scored the second-most oval points across six races last season – underscores his ability to adapt to the unique demands of these tracks. He added, “INDYCAR oval racing is a big part of what the fans love,” and expressed his enthusiasm for adding Phoenix to the schedule.
Palou’s Oval Evolution Continues
Reigning series champion Alex Palou, who received the “Baby Borg” trophy at a ceremony Tuesday at Phoenix Raceway, is also using the test to further refine his oval racing skills. While Palou previously faced criticism for a lack of oval victories, he dramatically changed that narrative last season, winning the Indianapolis 500 and a race at Iowa Speedway. He also secured runner-up finishes at Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway, accumulating the most oval points of any driver.
Phoenix, however, represents new territory for the Spaniard. Palou acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new oval, noting that his previous successes came after a period of adjustment at other tracks. He emphasized the importance of feeling confident in the car, stating, “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 was fifth fastest on Tuesday, with a lap time of 171.357 mph.
Broadcast and Sponsorship Updates
As the series prepares for the 2026 season, FOX Sports has finalized its broadcast team, with Will Buxton returning as play-by-play announcer, alongside analysts James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell. Jamie Little will join the team for the Phoenix and Indianapolis 500 races. Team Penske announced an expanded partnership with Clarience Technologies, who will be the primary sponsor for Scott McLaughlin’s No. 3 Chevrolet at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and the Milwaukee Mile doubleheader.
Testing continues Wednesday, with two sessions scheduled from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m. ET and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET. Wednesday’s sessions will be open to the public, with an autograph session planned from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. MT. Fans in the Phoenix area will have the opportunity to witness the final preparations before the series officially returns to the track for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 7.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ return to Phoenix Raceway marks a new chapter for the sport, and the ongoing testing is crucial for drivers to adapt to the track and prepare for a competitive race. The series will next move to St. Petersburg, Florida, for the Firestone Grand Prix on March 1, kicking off the 2026 season. Fans can follow all the action on FOX Sports and INDYCAR.com.
What are your predictions for the upcoming race at Phoenix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
