I hope everyone had a great holiday. I have had a tumultuous winter as I had a brief hospitalization, and I am preparing to liquidate Winter Headquarters. I’m ready for racing. There is hope in the air and cars on track.

Yesterday the first tire test of 2026 took place at Phoenix as Firestone rechecked the data from the fall test, Will Power turned his first laps for Andretti Global, and Josef Newgarden ran his Team Penske car. I wonder how awkward it was for the former teammates.

It might take me a race or two to have a full grip that Power is not in the 12 car, and that he now pilots the number 26 entry. Power sounded very positive after yesterday’s run.

The grid is still not complete, as Dale Coyne Racing has yet to name the driver of car 19. We know it will not be Jacob Abel, who will be running an LMP2 car in IMSA, nor will Conor Daly have the seat. He announced that he is no longer in the running.

Other Loose Ends

The Independent Officiating Board has met and will soon name the officiating staff for the 2026 season. IndyCar president Doug Boles said in an interview with Marshall Pruett that he would like to have the team in place to work an open test as a dress rehearsal for the season.

We are awaiting word from both Honda and Chevrolet about their status beyond this year. I feel that both will return beyond this year, and I hope another manufacturer joins them.

Prema has reserved spots at upcoming tests but has not said whether they return to the grid. If they do, will the team have a different name? One of my concerns about the charter system is that it would stifle an increase in the number of teams. Prema survived last season without a chance to get Leaders’ Circle money, and they entered each race hoping that another team did not add an entry. It’s t5ough to run all year like that without gigantic funding.

Early, Early Predictions

These are subject to change after open testing:

Caio Collet will win Rookie of the Year. A. J. Foyt Racing has evolved to the point where Collet will be competitive enough to do well, Dennis Hauger will struggle in the Coyne car because of the equipment, and Mick Schumacher needs to learn the circuits.

Pato O’Ward will win the Indianapolis 500. Finally.

Alex Palou will be difficult to beat for the championship again.

Either David Malukas or Marcus Armstrong will win their first IndyCar race in 2026.