Friday’s Chris Griffis Memorial Test for the IndyNXT by Firestone became a lot more interesting today when Chip Ganassi Racing announced that five-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou will test the number 11 car (pictured above). Palou has had a very busy off season, testing the IR-28 car at Ims and Sebring, and also driving, although briefly, in Petit Le Mans.
The test is expected to feature 22 drivers and run from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm Eastern time on the IMS road course. Turn 2 spectator mounds will be open. A full entry list will be out stomorrow.
News and Notes
That Didn’t Take Long– A story yesterday said that Ford was evaluating a possible return to IndyCar. I did not put much stock in it, and today Ford stated that they were not moving forward with a 2.4 liter engine which IndyCar uses. It was a fun few minutes thinking about a Ford-Chevy rivalry in American open wheel.
Josh Pierson Cleared to Move Up Josh Pierson passed his evaluation test on the IMS road course on Tuesday, clearing the way for him sign with A.J Foyt Racing’s IndyCar team. Pierson won an IndyNXT race in 2025, which was short of the licensing requirement for IndyCar.
Chevy Renewals- Chevrolet announced extended multiyear agreements with ECR, Arrow McLaren, and Team Penske. While nearly everyone thought these agreements were foregone conclusions, the announcement makes the contracts official. I’m waiting for Honda to do the same thing. If nothing else, it’s good PR.
