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Malukas Opens Penske Tenure by Leading First Day of Phoenix Open Test

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Note: Timing and scoring is available on the IndyCar app.

From IndyCar:

  AVONDALE, Arizona (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026) – That was quite an entrance from David Malukas.Malukas led the first day of the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on Tuesday, his first official NTT INDYCAR SERIES test session since joining Team Penske after the 2025 season. Malukas was fastest on the 1-mile desert oval with a lap of 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.

SEE: Day 1 Results | Open Test Entry List

“It feels good to be P1, but at the end of the day, we just ran through our test items,” Malukas said. “From that perspective, that’s what truly matters, and everything went very well. We’ve learned so many different things. Everything felt very clear. We got a lot of answers.”
Chicago-area native Malukas, 24, joined Team Penske after four seasons with three teams, including AJ Foyt Racing in 2025. His pace on short ovals shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as two of his three career podium finishes have come on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway oval near St. Louis.
Malukas paced a 1-2 result for Team Penske on the opening day of the two-day test at Phoenix Raceway as the winningest team in INDYCAR SERIES history looks to rebound from a sub-par 2025 season.

Two-time series champion Josef Newgarden was second overall among 25 drivers on track at 172.201 in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet.
2018 series champion Will Power, who Malukas replaced at Team Penske, was third at 171.706 in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda as he begins his tenure at Andretti Global after 16 full-time seasons with the Penske team. Power’s teammate Kyle Kirkwood was fourth at 171.423 in the No. 27 Siemens Honda.
Reigning and four-time series champion Alex Palou rounded out the top five at 171.357 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, which put two drivers in the top 10 of the final standings for the first time last season, also opened 2026 with speed. Marcus Armstrong was sixth at 170.919 in the No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda, followed by Felix Rosenqvist at 170.489 in the team’s No. 60 Honda.

2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion Dennis Hauger was the fastest of the three rookies on track, ending up 17th overall at 169.259 in the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda fielded by Dale Coyne Racing.
Another rookie, Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher, was 23rd at 164.006 in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda. Schumacher, son of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, was turning oval laps for just the second time in his career after his first circle-track test Feb. 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. His 109 laps completed were the third-highest total today, behind ECR teammates Christian Rasmussen (128 laps) and Alexander Rossi (118).
The other rookie, 2025 INDY NXT runner-up Caio Collet, was involved in the only incident of the day. Collet made slight contact in Turn 4 in his No. 4 COMBITRANS AMAZONIA Chevrolet fielded by AJ Foyt Racing. He climbed from the car without help and was unhurt.

Testing will continue Wednesday in the final dress rehearsal for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Cars will be on track from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET.

The 2026 season starts with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg (noon on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network), followed by the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7 at Phoenix. It’s the first INDYCAR SERIES race at Phoenix since 2018. 

Freedom 250: A Slippery Slope

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On Friday a presidential exe3cutive order authorized an IndyCar street race in Washington, D.C., for the weekend of Augst 21-23. The race, named the Freedom 250, will add an 18th race to the 2026 IndyCar calendar. The announcement has created a divide among IndyCar fans, and it has raised many questions.

First, I want to look at three positive aspects of a race in D.C. :

The schedule is now 18 races, closer to the 20 race calendar I have always thought ideal. It does not eliminate an oval race, which would have killed my support for the race completely.

It satisfies the need for an East coast race.

IndyCar should gain massive exposure from the event.

I have always felt that 17 races was too short a schedule. A 20 race schedule means a longer exposure and a possibly shorter off season. One can watch past races for only so long.

Since the last race at Watkins Glen in2019, IndyCar has not raced on the East coast. Richmond was pulled from the schedule because of Covid in 2020, and it never returned to the calendar. I think the series should have at least three races in the east.

The potential television audience could make this race one of the top three audiences of the season. The pr4omotion from FOX will be heavy.

As great as the positives are, many questions remain:

Preparation time- track layout (TBA); logistics; security.

Funding

Focusing on the race.

First time street race blues.

My understanding is that talks were held last August regarding an event in the nation’s capital for the 250th birthday of the United States. I do not, know how far the talks progressed, but apparently, they progressed enough that the race made the calendar. Still, putting together a street race in 6 months seems like a very tall task, especially in a city like Washington. Other street races have had years in the planning before being brought to life.

We still have no idea what the track layout is. I think the teams would want to know this to get a baseline setup. I wonder if there will be time to scan the track for a sim.

Security is another concern. I expect it to be extremely high.

I have a friend who works in DC who told this event will be a logistical nightmare.

Who is paying for this race? Team and supplier budgets have been set for a 17 race season. Sponsors have paid for 17 races, although I think teams will not have a problem getting sponsorship for this event.

Extra tires need to be covered, as well as lodging for team members and drivers (I don’t think their motorhomes will be allowed to park at the White House.)

Will IndyCar reset the engine limitations? A fifth engine? More miles?

If this is to be an IndyCar race weekend, I want the focus to be on the race, including the opening ceremonies. I don’t want any delays because a certain government official decides to delay his appearance, nor would I want that certain official to draw attention to himself and away from the event

.Inaugural street races are prone to last minute glitches. The first year at Nashville’ street course greeted fans with unfinished bleachers and a course that needed some last minute corrections. Is there any incentive at a one off event to improve any issues?

While I may not care for the principals involved in running this event, I am happy to see an extra race on the calendar in a region sorely in need of IndyCar events. It’s a risk worth taking for a series that has suffered many setbacks with hyped events in the past.

Content Days Begin with Incomplete Grid, Scheduling Questions

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IndyCar Content days begin at noon today with driver interviews and continue through tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, the complete full time field will, not be present. Dale Coyne has not yet named the driver of his second car, and last night we learned that Prema drivers Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott will miss the sessions as well.

Prema is undergoing an ownership change and will likely not participate in the season opener at St. Pete. This morning Prema’s sporting director, Ryan Briscoe, was announced as a driver coach for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Prema struggled last year, and with no shot at Leaders’ Circle money, it was going to be difficult to continue long term without major sponsorship. One of my concerns about the charter system is being realized- that the system inhibits growth of the series, making it a challenge for a new team to enter the series.

DC Race?

Talk of a possible race in Washington, DC, in August was raised last week. I have several issues with this particular event, although I am not opposed toa race in the Nation’s capital in general,

Adding a race min one of IndyCar’s busiest months would be difficult. There are already four races on three weekends in August. Taking away one of the Milwaukee races doesn’t help since the double header is just one weekend.

Sponsors have paid and budgeted for 17 races. Who pays for the 18th race?

Engine and tire limits also have leases based on 17 races. Do teams get a fifth engine?

If the series wants a race in Washington, iun a region that has been ignored by the series for way too long, fine. But to put an event together in less than six months’ time is probably not a smart decision.

Wait until next year and do it the right way. And don’t replace an oval race for it.

FOX New Commercials

Last year FOX began promoting the upcoming season with ads during the NFL playoffs. The ads featured Josef Ne3wgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Alex Palou. They were witty, fast paced, and clever.

Last week FOX rolled out new ads for the 2026 season featuring the same three drivers. The first two, with Newgarden and O’Ward, lacked a lot of the zip and pizzazz of the initial promos. In my opinion, they ranged from dark to silly.

I hope the next two ads are better, but I’m not optimistic. Maybe so0meday FOX will learn that there are more than three drivers in the series who merit attention.

I will be posting off and on during the next two days.

Phoenix Open Test To Salute Unser Family 

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 INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026) – The incredible legacy of the Unser family at Phoenix Raceway will be honored when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES conducts an Open Test on Feb. 17-18 at the desert oval in advance of the series’ highly anticipated return to the track
.The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway is open to all teams as they prepare for the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7 as part of a buzzworthy weekend alongside NASCAR, providing a joint showcase of North American racing in partnership with FOX Sports. It’s the first INDYCAR SERIES race at the historic, 1.022-mile Phoenix oval since 2018.
Cars will be on track from 2-6 p.m. ET (noon-4 p.m. MT) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with testing scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (9 a.m.-noon MT) and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET (1:30-4:30 p.m. MT) Wednesday, Feb. 18. The Wednesday sessions will be open and free to the public, with an autograph session at 2:45 p.m. ET (12:45 p.m. MT).
“The name Unser is synonymous with Phoenix Raceway,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “We’re honored to salute this family’s incredible accomplishments at their home track for this important Open Test, which sets the stage for INDYCAR’s return to Phoenix in March. As a longtime fan of the sport, I also really appreciate that the logo for this special test features some familiar colors from cars driven by Al and Bobby, which I’m sure will bring back many great memories for our loyal fans.”
Phoenix was the home INDYCAR SERIES track for the Unser family, which lived in and proudly represented Albuquerque, New Mexico. And no name is more linked with success at the desert oval.
Al Unser won a track-record six INDYCAR SERIES races at Phoenix since the track first started hosting series events in 1964. He also won six poles at the track as part of an illustrious career that included three series championships and a record-tying four victories in the Indianapolis 500
.Bobby Unser took the checkered flag four times at Phoenix but powered to a track-record 11 poles at the tricky desert oval. He also won two series titles and three Indianapolis 500s.Two-time series champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. finished runner-up at Phoenix four times.
“I’ll speak for our family and say how pleased we are to be honored in this way by INDYCAR,” Al Unser Jr. said.
“Dad simply loved racing at Phoenix, and no one took it to the edge in qualifying there quite like Uncle Bobby. It was exciting to see the track added to the schedule this year, and the Open Test will be crucial for drivers and teams as they get ready for the race in March. I can’t wait to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES back at Phoenix.””
Live timing and scoring from both days of the Open Test will be provided on INDYCAR.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. Fans unable to attend the test also can follow along on INDYCAR social channels.
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. 

2026 Rolex 24 Schedule

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Thursday, January 22, 2026

8:45 AM to-9:45 AM ET

Practice 2 – Michelin Pilot Challenge

10:05 AM to 11:35 AM ET

Practice 1 – WeatherTech Championship

11:55 AM to 12:15 PM ET

Qualifying – Mazda MX-5 Cup

1:15 PM to 1:50 PM ET

Qualifying – Michelin Pilot Challenge

2:10 PM to 3:25 PM ET

WeatherTech Championship Qualifying

You Tube, IMSA tv, Peacock

5:15 PM to 6:00 PM ET

Race 1 of 2 – Mazda MX-5 Cup

6:15 PM to 7:45 PM ET

Practice 2 – WeatherTech Championship

Friday, January 23, 2026

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM ET

Race 2 of 2 – Mazda MX-5 Cup

11:05 AM to 12:20 PM ET

Practice 3 – WeatherTech Championship

1:45 PM to 5:45 PM ET

BMW M Endurance Challenge At Daytona

Saturday, January 24, 2026— Race Day!

1:40 PM to 11:59 PM ET

Rolex 24 At Daytona

Full race on Peacock, YouTube, and IMSAtv

!:30-2:30 ON nbc

Sunday, January 25, 2026

12:00 AM to 1:40 PM ET

Full race on Peacock, YouTube, and IMSAtv

Noon -2 on NBC

Rolex 24 At Daytona

Coca-Cola Consolidated Announces Multiyear Partnership with IMS, Indy 500 Red Carpet 

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From IMS:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026) – Coca-Cola Consolidated, the nation’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, today announced a multiyear partnership designating Coca-Cola as the official soft beverage and water sponsor of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through the partnership, Coca-Cola Consolidated will serve as the official partner of the Indy 500 Red Carpet and will participate in multiple community activations, including Indy 500 Porch Parties and Bike to the 500.
“Coca-Cola Consolidated has been our neighbor and a part of the community for generations,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Sharing a Coke with fellow race fans will once again be a Race Day tradition.”
“As Indianapolis’ local Coca-Cola bottler and the official beverage provider for IMS, we are thrilled to partner as the official soft beverage and water sponsor,” said Heather Hucks, vice president of consumer connections at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “There’s just something special about watching a race with a Coca-Cola in your hand, and we’re excited to be part of creating lasting memories alongside race fans, while taking important steps to positively impact the Indianapolis community.”
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Coca-Cola Consolidated serves more than 13,700 businesses in Indiana and has more than 1,300 teammates working in nine facilities across the state, helping bring economic opportunity to the local community. For over 124 years, Coca-Cola Consolidated has been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities it serves.
Tickets for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com.

Museum Community Day

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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum announced Monday, January 19, as a free community day from 10 am-4 om Eastern Time.

The not from IMS Museum:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is offering free admission to all visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 19). All galleries and activities within the Museum are included in admission, though track tours are an additional fee. Free tickets can be reserved online ahead of time here or as a walk-up ticket.

Gallery talks will be held throughout the day by our knowledgeable gallery leads.

Gallery Talk Schedule:
11 a.m.- Driver Mauri Rose and his Domination at the Speedway (Location: Lower Level Winners Gallery)

12 p.m.- The Mormon Wasp and its Strategic Efforts to Winning the First Indy 500 (Location: Main Level Winners Gallery)

1 p.m.-  The Beast Engine and Why the Push-Rod Engine Worked (Location: Penske Gallery)

2:30 p.m.- The Life and Legacy of Indy 500 Winner Bill Vuckovich (Location: Main Level Winners Gallery)

Arow McLaren Signs Hunter-Reay for Fourth Indianapolis 500 Entry

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2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will join Arrow McLaren Racing the 110th running of the 500. Hunter-Reay will drive car number 31.

The signing is a great one for the team, adding experience and expertise to a group just on the verge of Indy success that just a little extra boost.

The news release frorm Arrow McLaren:

“I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership”- Ryan Hunter-Reay

Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2012 INDYCAR SERIES Champion, will join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, completing the team’s four-car lineup for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  

Ryan joins the team with a wealth of experience and a proven championship pedigree, having made 395 INDYCAR SERIES starts over 21 seasons, earning 18 victories and 47 podium finishes. His storied open-wheel career is highlighted by success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he will attempt to qualify for his 18th Indy 500 in May. The veteran will be one of five active drivers competing who boast an INDYCAR SERIES Championship and an Indy 500 victory alongside Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou and Will Power.

Arrow McLaren continues its tradition of running an additional distinguished driver in the iconic 500-mile race. In past years, two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso (2017, 2020), two-time Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya (2021, 2022), 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan (2023) and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson (2024, 2025) have all raced in papaya in the Indy 500 as one-off entries for the team. Ryan will join Arrow McLaren’s full-time lineup of Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard at the IMS during the Month of May in 2026.