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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
INDIANAPOLIS (Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025) — Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary next year takes on special significance for AJ Foyt Racing. The legacy Indy car team has committed to run the No. 14 Chevrolet in patriotic livery all season long in a marketing campaign to raise funds for Homes For Our Troops (hfot.org)
Veterans and their families (including their specially trained pups) pose with Santino Ferrucci prior to the 2025 Indianapolis 500.
Following the resounding success of the Indianapolis 500-centered program that raised millions of dollars for Homes For Our Troops, the campaign has been expanded to the entire 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season with new marketing partners Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. Hendricks Holding Co., Inc. is the parent company of the new partners as well as that of former partner, ABC Supply Co., Inc.
“We are proud to partner with AJ Foyt Racing in support of Homes For Our Troops, a cause that truly reflects our values and the values of the Hendricks family,” said Rob Gerbitz, CEO and President of Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. “We’re honored to help advance HFOT’s mission to build homes for our nation’s deserving veterans.”
Over the past four Indianapolis 500 campaigns, ABC Supply Co.’s $1 million annual matching pledge has helped raise nearly $15 million for Homes For Our Troops.
HM3 Max Rohn received his specially adapted home in 2024. The US Navy Hospital Corpsman was serving with the 2nd Marine Headquarters Group in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an RKG-3 grenade. HM3 Rohn sustained severe damage to both his legs in the blast. In the years since his injury, Max received his bachelor’s degree in international politics from Penn State University and trained in track and field at the Olympic Training Center where he met his wife, Victoria. He competes for Team USA in men’s discus and is a War Fighter Sports ambassador for Move United. (Photo courtesy of Homes For Our Troops)
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Hendricks Commercial Properties for their generous sponsorship and support,” says HFOT President/CEO Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) Tom Landwermeyer. “As we look ahead to the 2026 racing season, we’re excited to build on this collaboration, which will play a vital role in raising awareness and advancing our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for our nation’s severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.”
Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group enter the motorsports arena for the first time but are quite familiar with the host city of INDYCAR’s world-famous Indy 500. Their development of the Bottleworks District encapsulates the companies’ impact on communities where they stimulate growth and create jobs while honoring the history behind each development.
The Bottleworks Hotel is a wonderful example of Hendricks Commercial Properties development of historic districts.
“What an amazing program!” exclaimed Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing. “We couldn’t be prouder to continue our long relationship with the Hendricks family as well as continuing the inspiring experience of working with Homes For Our Troops. I can’t say enough about how much Diane Hendricks and her daughter Konya (Hendricks Schuh) have supported our team and IndyCar over the years. It will be an honor to represent their hospitality and commercial properties brands. Personally, the Bottleworks Hotel is my favorite stay in Indianapolis and this will certainly make my month of May home there more special.”
Santino Ferrucci, who will enter his fourth season driving the No. 14 Chevrolet, commented, “I’m
Santino Ferrucci prior to the 2025 Indy 500. (INDYCAR photo)
incredibly excited that Homes For Our Troops will be on the 14 car for the full season, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. It’s a huge deal, not just for the team and myself, but to drive a car in the American flag livery all year long is an honor and a privilege. We’re committed to raising awareness and money, lots of it, for our severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, who’ve sacrificed so much for this country to protect the freedoms we enjoy.”
The fund-raising initiative started in 2022 with the Indy car team founded by motorsports icon A.J. Foyt. ABC Supply, which first backed AJ Foyt Racing in 2005 and expanded its sponsorship to a two-car team in 2015, curtailed its program during the Covid-pandemic to just the Indianapolis 500. In 2022, the wholesale distributor of exterior building products dedicated its primary sponsorship to Homes For Our Troops. Diane Hendricks, co-founder of ABC Supply and its parent company, Hendricks Holding Co., Inc., spearheaded the marketing campaign that pledged up to $1 million in matching donations during the ten days leading up to the Indy 500.
In its inaugural year, more than $2 million was raised to build specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. The campaign’s tremendous success led to annual May campaigns with the top-fundraising occurring in 2024 with over $5 Million dollars raised, exceeding the $4 Million dollar goal set.
For 2026, Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group have taken charge and committed to a full-season marketing partnership to raise awareness for Homes For Our Troops throughout the NTT INDYCAR Series 17-race season. The companies will also use the program to foster community development inspired by their successful restoration projects in Beloit, Wisconsin, where they are headquartered, and the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis. Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of boutique hotels and restaurants across Idaho, Indiana, California, and Wisconsin.
Many of the Hendricks Commercial Properties’ inspired restoration projects took place in Beloit, Wisconsin. The Ironworks Campus, the company’s headquarters, sits to the right of the Rock River.
The No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet will make its debut in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg during the weekend of Feb. 27 – Mar. 1. The race will be broadcast on FOX with the time still being determined.
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About Homes For Our Troops(HFOT)
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, blindness, severe burns, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services supporting Veterans. For more information, visit www.hfotusa.org.
About Hendricks Commercial Properties
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) invests in, develops and manages mixed-use destinations and industrial properties throughout the United States. HCP maintains and creates work environments and lifestyles that people truly enjoy being a part of on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.hendricksgroup.net.
About Geronimo Hospitality Group
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of award-winning, upscale boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. Committed to providing memorable guest experiences through its genuine service and original brands, Geronimo properties are distinguished as destinations of choice for locals and travelers in the cities where they operate. For more information, visit www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com.
About ABC Supply
ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. Since its founding in 1982, ABC Supply’s sole focus has been serving professional contractors and “making it easy” for them to do their jobs by offering the products, support and services they need — including myABCsupply, which allows them to place material orders and manage their account details from anywhere.
ABC Supply is a 19-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner and is committed to hiring military veterans. The company also received the 2025 NAW Distributors Award, recognizing its industry leadership, community engagement and commitment to innovation.
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, ABC Supply has over 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. More information is available at www.abcsupply.com. Contractors can find resources for growing and improving their businesses on ABC Supply’s blog and the company’s LinkedIn page.
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 6, 2026) — Caio Collet, this year’s INDY NXT by Firestone Vice-Champion, has signed to drive for AJ Foyt Racing in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series. Combitrans Amazonia will sponsor the No. 4 Chevrolet for the 17-race season.
“I’m very happy to join AJ Foyt Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series and thankful to Larry for trusting my skills and giving me this fantastic opportunity,” said the 23-year-old Brazilian. “It is a dream come true after years of hard work in developing series since my early go-karting experiences. I’m thankful to all teams and sponsors that helped me through my career, especially Marcelo Camargo from Combitrans Amazonia, that joined our INDY NXT campaign this season and will be with us next year. INDYCAR is huge in Brazil and I’m looking forward to bringing its flag back to a full-time seat in the 2026 season,” said Collet.
Pictured is an initial design for the No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet.
Combitrans Amazonia is a Brazilian logistics corporation that provides road cargo transportation, excluding hazardous materials, and moving services, conducted on an intercity, interstate and international basis.
“Caio Collet’s dream is our dream,” explained Marcelo Camargo, owner and president of Combitrans Amazonia. “Brazil deserves the excitement of a full-time INDYCAR driver. We are thrilled to be part of this project with AJ Foyt Racing and carrying the Brazilian flag among so many global brands in the NTT INDYCAR Series!”
Caio Collet tested the AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet at Mid-Ohio last month. Pictured left to right are: Larry Foyt, Caio Collet, Combitrans Amazonia President/Owner Marcelo Camargo and Collet’s manager Gastao Filho.
Collet is entering the NTT INDYCAR Series after stellar showings driving for HMD Motorsports in the INDY NXT by Firestone division. This past season, he scored three victories, three pole positions, 12 top-five finishes (including 10 podiums) and 13 top-10 finishes in 14 starts.
“Caio is a welcome addition to AJ Foyt Racing. He has shown great potential in INDY NXT by Firestone and in the junior formulas in Europe,” said Team President Larry Foyt. “I was impressed with how he adapted to our car at the recent Mid-Ohio test and I’m very excited to see what he can do in INDYCAR. There’s no doubt that he will be a strong contender in the battle for Rookie of the Year.”
In his rookie year in the series, he finished third in the standings and earned the Rookie of the Year award. He triumphed at Mid-Ohio after winning the pole position, claimed 11 top-10 finishes, nine top-fives and six podiums.
The São Paulo, Brazil native arrived in American motorsports via the European ladder series. He raced in the French F4 Championship where he became the series champion before moving on to Formula Renault Eurocup (2019-2020), Toyota Racing Series (2020) and FIA Formula 3 (2021-2023). These accomplishments helped Collet become the reserve and simulator driver for the Nissan Formula E Team in 2024.
Combitrans Amazonia offers a highly competitive and viable alternative to the great difficulties faced by the companies of the Manaus Free Trade Zone in the distribution of their products. Its intermodal model, which involves land and river transportation, optimizes complex processes and takes operational intelligence to the entire logistics chain.
Pictured is a Swimming Warehouse pioneered by Combitrans.
The company was a pioneer in the development of a new concept of river transport. The SW (Swimming Warehouse) rafts have established Combitrans Amazonia as a vanguard owing to its great capacity for investment in innovation. It enables sustainable, efficient delivery with low logistics costs, and uses its capacity to integrate and map all of Brazil. Currently, Combitrans Amazonia operates ports in Manaus/AM and Belém/PA, with support points in the main states of Brazil, which allows for nationwide service. Its administrative headquarters is located in Orlândia/SP, with a commercial office in São Paulo/SP.
The NTT INDYCAR Series kicks off its season in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, March 1st. All 17 races will be televised by FOX.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 