Tag: NTT Indycar Series

2026 IndyCar – A Look to the Future with the Past in New Wrappers

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Changes both real and cosmetic marked the off season as the NTT IndyCar series prepares for the 2026 season opener at St. Petersburg this weekend. Old drivers are in new places, new drivers created new alliances, and a new officiating board kept the old staff intact. Some new regulations just dropped as I began this post. Let’s break it down.

Keep That Scorecard Handy

Of the drivers who switched teams, Will Power in car 26 for Andretti Global is the biggest shock of all. After 18 years with Team Penske, remembering that Power is not in the 12 will take a couple races to sort out.

Meanwhile, David Malukas moves into Power’s old ride. While people will be watching Power, a critical eye will be on Malukas. The new Team Penske driver has yet to win a race, and I’m not sure how long a leash he will have at Team Penske. I think Malukas enters the season in a very warm seat.

Two moves I found puzzling. Rinus VeeKay had a very good season at Dale Coyne in 2025, and I thought something nice was in the making there. But VeeKay informed Coyne late in the season that he was joining Junco Hollinger Racing for 2026. If a driver changes teams, it is ususally to go to a better situation. This move Sees VeeKay staying at the same level.

Dale Coyne finally announced his second driver, and Romain Grosjean returns yto where he began his IndyCar career. Nothing against Romain, but I thought this was a strange hire given some of the other candidates for that car. I hope Romain can serve as a mentor for rookie Dennis Hauge.

A Strong Rookie Class

The Three rookies, Dennis Hauger at Dale Coyne Racing Caio Collet at A. J. Foyt Racing, and Mick Schumacher at Rahal Letterman Racing, bring great credentials to the series. Hauger won the IndyNXT championship last year, and Collet finished second in the junior series. Schumacher is a former F1 driver who shined in F2.

Give Schumacher half a season to

learn how things work, and I think he just might win Rookie of the Year.

A Smaller Grid to Start

The grid for at least the first four races will have just 25 cars, as the team known as Prema is undergoing an ownership change. The new team has tentative plans to debut at Long Beach. It is possible that they enter just one car for the Indianapolis 500 as well.

The Schedule

The 2026 schedule is the best in a long time. I am happy to see the calendar grow to 18 races. I think a 20 race schedule is ideal. St. Pete begins a stretch of four races in five weeks to start the season and six races in five weeks to end the season. There are just two three week breaks, one after Long Beach and one after Nashville.

The new schedule creates a different dynamic to the season, and may make a Palou four in a row championship more challenging.

Four new venues- Phoenix, Arlington, Markham, and Washington, D. C., will add to the challenges for the drivers. While isn’t a new venue, this is the first time IndyCar will race on the new track configuration, added after the series last ran there in 2018.

Predictions

Don’t bet the house on these, but here are my predictions for 2026:

Championship- Alex Palou

Indianapolis 500- Pato O’Ward

Rookie of the Year- Mick Schumacher

First time winners- David Malukas and Marcus Armstrong

Will Power will win at least two races for his new team.

Nine different drivers will win at least one race in 2026.

I will post another article tomorrow discussing the officiating situation and the new tire rules and other procedures tomorrw. Then Iwill head to St. pete on Wednesday.

INDYCAR Officiating Ready for 2026 Season Opener in St. Petersburg 

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From IndyCar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Feb. 23, 2026) – The Independent Officiating Board (IOB) remains focused on establishing and launching INDYCAR Officiating to clearly define operational and governance separation and transparency as preparations continue for the upcoming 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone seasons
.In the last few months, the IOB, with chairman Raj Nair, secretary and treasurer Ray Evernham and FIA appointee Ronan Morgan, has been diligent in the work needed to arrive to this point of the year, which has included the following:
Establishment of the not-for-profit INDYCAR Officiating Inc. corporation

Finalizing the 2026 INDYCAR Officiating budget

Reviewed INDYCAR’s established processes and personnel

Determined a need for additional experienced personnel for the tech team

Determined the need for a separate INDY NXT race director

Reviewed the steward positions and determined to make no changes

“The board has been meticulous and thorough in our review of INDYCAR’s officiating process and procedures,” board chairman Nair said. “While we are pleased with the early achievements, there is plenty of work still to do. Among our major goals is to implement a more detailed transparency reporting structure to teams – related to technical and race infractions – as well as establishing consistency of rule implementation and enforcement. As a collective, we are confident in the results our team will achieve over the season.”

The IOB also continues to interview candidates to find the perfect fit for the roles and responsibilities of the managing director of officiating (MDO). As the process of identifying the ideal person continues and until that hire is announced, the board plans to oversee general independent officiating operations.
“One of the clear takeaways as we analyzed INDYCAR officiating and operations has been that INDYCAR already greatly benefits from the knowledgeable and professional personnel in race control and technical inspection,” said board member Evernham.
“With that, combined with the expertise that the board brings, we are going to work with the current team members of each but will add additional resources and support.”

The three members of the IOB will attend and provide oversight for INDYCAR Officiating at the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg and will then share responsibilities over the initial races until the MDO can be secured.

Kyle Novak will continue as the race director and vice president of INDYCAR Officiating. Novak has served as the sport’s race director since the 2018 season and leads race control and circuit safety development. He is responsible for developing and enforcing NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone competition regulations.Also an attorney, Novak serves as one of 36 judges on the FIA Courts and hears cases as a member of the FIA International Tribunal and International Court of Appeal.

On the technical side, the IOB has determined that Kevin “Rocket” Blanch will continue as the INDYCAR Officiating’s technical director. Blanch will oversee the technical inspection process and will provide technical oversight and ensure compliance of aerodynamic and chassis regulations.Blanch joined INDYCAR in 2003 after serving six-plus seasons with Panther Racing, where he served as the team’s crew chief. During his tenure there, the team won two INDYCAR SERIES championships and earned 11 victories and five pole positions.

Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis will continue to lend their expertise as chief stewards for INDYCAR Officiating. Luyendyk, who has seven INDYCAR SERIES race wins – including two Indianapolis 500 victories, and Papis, a three-time INDYCAR SERIES race winner, have served as series stewards since their original appointment in 2016. Both officials are stationed in race control and monitor on-track sessions, review incidents for rule violations and enforce penalties.

Working with Blanch, the IOB has added Nick Allen as a technical inspection manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Allen brings over 20 years of experience as an INDYCAR race team mechanic and chief mechanic.
In the coming weeks, INDYCAR Officiating will add a tech inspection manager for INDY NXT and, working with Novak, a dedicated INDY NXT race director

.“The officiating in INDYCAR is not broken; in fact, racing series around the world could learn from its procedures and operation,” said board member Morgan.
“At this point, our opinion is that independent INDYCAR Officiating should be framed as a sensible evolution when it comes to general process. By providing and overseeing additional support, transparency and added separation between officials and series management, we firmly believe that INDYCAR Officiating is primed to be successfully implemented for the 2026 season.”

Coverage of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, round one of the 18-race 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, begins at noon ET Sunday, March 1 on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Coverage will also be provided by the INDYCAR Radio Network via SiriusXM Channel 2018 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. 

INDYCAR Expands Global Broadcast Presence for 2026  

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  International Expansion Continues to Drive Global Visibility 
of North America’s Premier Open-Wheel Series

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026) – INDYCAR is intensifying its efforts in 2026 to reach global audiences during the 18-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. A strong network of international partners, including new media and broadcast relationships, will bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ star drivers and signature events to audiences in more than 200 countries and territories.
INDYCAR LIVE acts as INDYCAR’s global direct to consumer streaming service, supporting the broadcast partners in their markets and elsewhere, bringing fans full and uninterrupted coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone – every race, every practice and qualifying session as well as in-car camera feeds, highlights, shorts and vodcasts.

“INDYCAR’s growth trajectory is the best in sports and that includes significant expansion of our global availability and new interest from international audiences,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “This season, 14 nations and territories will be represented in our full-time lineup, and, with that, it is crucial that platforms are available to showcase the intense, wheel-to-wheel action of INDYCAR to their countries and our international fanbase. We are delighted to announce this list of new and renewed partners, who will intensely follow what we believe will be a thrilling 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.”

Partnerships for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season include:
New in 2026 to Brazil is Band Sport (Bandierantes) after an eight-year hiatus from INDYCAR, allowing fans to witness fellow Brazilian Caio Collet in his rookie season.

ESPN continues to provide coverage across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as to Latin America, Brazil and Mexico where fans can support Mexican native Pato O’Ward.Spain will continue to provide premium coverage via Movistar+ and #Vamos, highlighting reigning series champion Alex Palou as he seeks to win his fourth straight and fifth overall title.

Sky Sports will showcase reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Louis Foster in the United Kingdom, and sister channel Sky Sports Italia continues race coverage in Italy.In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Sky Sports will be closely following Mick Schumacher’s Rookie season.
Sky Sport New Zealand will be providing coverage of Kiwis Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Armstrong.

A new relationship with SBS Sport allows INDYCAR to reach new audiences in Korea for the 2026 season.

Viaplay will continue its coverage in the Nordics for fans to follow Danish drivers Christian Rasmussen and Christian Lundgaard, Swedish drivers Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Ericsson and Norwegian rookie Dennis Hauger.

Returning for its second year partnering with INDYCAR is Motorvision, also broadcasting in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

Stan Sport in Australia will allow fans to follow Will Power for his 22nd INDYCAR season.
France will broadcast Romain Grosjean’s return to INDYCAR with Canal+.

Ziggo Sport continues to spotlight INDYCAR in the Netherlands for fans to follow Dutch driver Rinus Veekay.

Additional returning broadcasters of INDYCAR in 2026 include TSN in Canada, RTVS in Slovakia, S Sport in Turkey, Arena 4 in Hungary, Gaora in Japan and Sport TV in Portugal.

INDY NXT by Firestone will have also have coverage across the globe with first-time coverage in Poland with Motowizja, allowing fans to see rookie Tymek Kucharczyk in action. Polish fans will also be able to stream all races at the URL tymekkucharczyk.pl. REV TV will broadcast throughout Canada, while ESPN will showcase INDY NXT races to fans in Latin America and Brazil. Further coverage will be provided on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Italy, Viaplay in the Nordics and Sport TV in Portugal.

WHAT INDYCAR’S DRIVERS ARE SAYING
“Viaplay has done a great job covering the NTT INDYCAR SERIES the past several years, and I’m glad they’ll continue this season. While it’s a North American sport, there’s a growing global audience which only happens if they have access to watch the on-track action.” – Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren
“It’s cool whenever I’m home in New Zealand and I get to see INDYCAR races be rebroadcasted on Sky Sport. I hope that New Zealanders, can follow closely this season. They have two Scotts (Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin) and a Marcus (Armstrong) competing at the pointy end of the field this year. The opportunity to see three New Zealanders lock out a podium is actually very possible this year, so it’s going to be pretty cool to watch and I’m glad that Sky Sport will be there to catch it all for everyone back home to watch.” – Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing
“It is extremely important to have INDYCAR back on free-to-air television, especially on a broadcaster like Band, which has a long and rich history not only with motorsport, but also with INDYCAR itself. This helps elevate the category, expand its global reach, attract even more fans around the world and also promote brands and personal sponsors that enable us to be there doing our job.” – Caio Collet, AJ Foyt Racing
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 1 at noon ET with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The start of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins the same day, also on the streets of St. Petersburg, at 10 a.m. ET. A full list of international broadcast partners is available here. 

Rossi Powers ECR to Top of Speed Charts at Phoenix Open Test 

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From IndyCar:

 AVONDALE, Arizona (Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026) – Alexander Rossi’s last oval victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES came in August 2018 at Pocono Raceway. There’s a strong chance that drought may end in 2026, based on the results of the second and final day of the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on Wednesday. Rossi led both sessions on the 1-mile oval, including the fastest overall lap

.SEE: Morning Session Results | Afternoon Session Results | Overall Test
Results

2016 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Rossi turned his best lap of 174.542 mph in the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet during the afternoon session, which started 90 minutes late due to passing sprinkles. He also led this morning at 174.444.
“We got through everything we wanted, and when you can do that, it’s a good day,” Rossi said. “Christian’s (Rasmussen) car is also strong, so there’s nothing more I could ask for.”

All 25 drivers expected to compete at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1 tested both days at Phoenix, which returns to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the first time since 2018 with the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7

.“We have a good baseline, and it feels like we are on top of it,” Rossi said of ECR’s Phoenix setups.

Two-time series champion Josef Newgarden ended up second overall at 174.362 in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet with his best lap this morning. Newgarden was second fastest Tuesday on the opening day of the test at 172.201 behind new teammate David Malukas, as 24 drivers posted faster laps today than Tuesday.

Reigning and four-time series champion Alex Palou was third overall at 174.220 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. ECR landed both of its drivers in the top four overall, as 2025 Milwaukee Mile winner Christian Rasmussen followed Palou at 173.924, good for second in the afternoon session behind teammate Rossi.

Malukas continued his strong oval form in his early days with Team Penske, rounding out the top five overall at 173.759 in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher continued to make steps in his oval racing education by ending up the fastest rookie over both days. He turned a top lap of 171.096 mph in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda today to lead the three rookies in the field and end up 18th overall. Schumacher gained more than 7 mph today, as his top lap Tuesday was 164.006.

There was just one incident today. 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson was unhurt 49 minutes into the afternoon session when his No. 28 Delaware Life Honda fielded by Andretti Global did a quarter-spin in Turn 4 and hit the SAFER Barrier with the rear of the car.
Over two days of testing, 25 drivers turned 4,853 laps. Series veteran
Will Power was the workhorse, turning a test-high 259 laps – more than the race distance March 7 – as he settles into Andretti Global after 16 full-time seasons with Team Penske.

Spring Training Schedule at Phoenix

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All Times Eastern. Phoenix is on Mountain Time, two hours behind Eastern

Tuesday, February 17

2 pm-3 pm Rookies

3 pm-7 pm All drivers

Wednesday, February 18

11 am -2 am All drivers

3:30 pm-7″30 pm All drivers

The track is free and open to fans

During the break is an autograph session for the first 300 fans in Desert Diamond Casino Infield Experience in the Phoenix Raceway midway.

Sorry, there is no live streaming of this event.

From yesterday:

IndyCar’s Engine Deal- A Win for the Series

IndyCar’s Engine Deal- A Win for the Series

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Last week’s renewed cont5racts with Honda and Chevrolet allowed everyone involved to breathe a sigh of relief. rumors had been swirling since 2023 about Honda leaving the series when their contract end at the end of 2026. Chevy hinted that they may not want to be the sole supplier. The sticking point for HOnda was return on investment.

Honda gave out cryptic hints as late as August of last year. In a press availability during the Milwaukee weekend, David Salters responded to questions about Honda’s future in the sport with a vague “We love IndyCar.”

Chevy said that they love having competition, implying that they wouldn’t love racing alone.

In the end, all was resolved Beginning in 2028, the OEMs will provide new 2.4-liter V 6 engines with a hybrid component. To attempt to provide some return on the companies’ investment, IndyCar will grant each engine manufacturer a charter to field one car apiece. Honda and Chevy may field the cars separately, or they may affiliate with an existing two car team.

I really like this deal. It is innovative, and the contract gives Honda and Chevy a larger stake in the series. I am relieved that Honda is staying, and that Chevy will have the competition that they want.

I do, however, have some questions. There was talk of reducing the grid to around 25 cars. Is that talk now off the table since there will be 27 cars guaranteed spots in 2028? This deal leaves no room for new teams or cars outside of the Indianapolis 500. What happens to teams like Prema or their 2026 iteration? Will Dreyer & Reinbold want to continue as an Indy only team, just as they were on the cusp of expanding their program?

Exclusivity looks like a growing trend in motorsport, and I’m not5 sure that it’s necessarily a good thing. Established want to protect their investment. I get that, but I don’t think there is much chance a new team bumping a charter team from a race should the rules allow it.

Eventually new teams will need to come into the series. IndyCar needs to provide a mechanism for that. I don’t see any current team willing to sell a charter just yet.

Overall, the new engine agreements are one of the best deals IndyCar has ever made, but as with anything there are unintended consequences. I hope IndyCar can come up with a plan to avoid the possible pitfalls with this arrangement. Meanwhile, Iam excited for 2028.

Coyne Tabs Grosjean to Complete the Grid

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From Dale Coyne Racing:

Romain Grosjean Named First Global Brand Ambassador for Bitcoin MAX; Returns to Dale Coyne Racing For 2026

Romain Grosjean - INDYCAR Sebring Test - Day 1 - By_ Chris Owens_Ref Image Without Waterma

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – February 13, 2026 – Dale Coyne Racing today announced a new partnership with global financial brands OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The agreement strengthens the team’s expanding partner portfolio while ushering in the return of several key elements from its past. The partnership coincides with the global launch of OnlyBulls, a next-generation finance super app, and Bitcoin MAX, a Swiss-based Bitcoin trust launching next month. Bitcoin MAX is structured to enable holders to spend the value of their crypto more easily and leverage bitcoins potential.

Romain Grosjean has been named the first Global Brand Ambassador for Bitcoin MAX and will return to Dale Coyne Racing to drive the No. 18 Honda in 2026. The season marks a homecoming for Grosjean, who delivered his strongest INDYCAR campaign with the team in 2021, earning his first series pole and a podium finish at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

A veteran of Formula One (2009–2020) and INDYCAR competition from 2021–2024, Grosjean most recently competed in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

“I cannot tell you how excited we are to welcome Romain Grosjean both to the race team and to Bitcoin MAX as the first global brand ambassador,” said Milton ‘Todd’ Ault. “Romain is the perfect global representative for the brand. His story and professionalism embody what we stand for.”

The 2026 season also highlights the continued presence of the iconic No. 19 entry, a number closely tied to the team’s identity and famously driven by team owner Dale Coyne during his driving career, now being driven by INDY NXT Champion, Dennis Hauger for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Veteran engineer Bill Pappas also returns to the organization. Pappas was instrumental in delivering Dale Coyne Racing’s first INDYCAR victory and first oval win alongside Justin Wilson, milestones that helped establish the team as a consistent competitor in the series.

OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX join existing partners askROI, Bitnile.com, Ault Blockchain, and Seismic Media Partners as part of the 2026 program. Grosjean’s entry will also feature support from neuro.IO and DNSFilter.

Previously announced rookie Dennis Hauger will pilot the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda in 2026 with primary sponsorship from AULT Blockchain. Additional partners on the No. 19 include NAMMO, Valpak, RentalGroup, Blåkläder, Team Verksted, HTB Racing, and Refuel.

Team owner Dale Coyne added, “Pairing an exceptional rookie in Dennis with a proven veteran like Romain gives us a strong competitive foundation. Bringing back key pieces of our history while building new global partnerships positions us well for 2026.”

The partnership provides OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX with a global platform to engage INDYCAR’s international audience while supporting Dale Coyne Racing’s continued pursuit of performance and innovation.

INDYCAR Announces Historic, Multiyear Commitment from Chevrolet, Honda

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Editor’s note: Huge news from IndyCar, Chevy, and Honda

 Manufacturer Charters To Accompany Boosted Investment Across NTT INDYCAR SERIES

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026) – INDYCAR today announced a multiyear commitment from Chevrolet and Honda to continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Each OEM agreement will commence in 2027 and run for multiple years, reflecting the upward trajectory of the sport and new investments in its growth.The new commitment from Chevrolet and Honda represents a significant financial investment in North America’s premier open-wheel series. It is also an endorsement of the momentum and continued growth of the series.
Both manufacturers will also be heavily involved in the development of the engine and competition rules to be implemented with the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES car, which is expected to begin competition in 2028.

“This is a monumental day for INDYCAR, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said.
“Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.”
“Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, successful relationship with INDYCAR as an engine manufacturer, and this extension paves the way for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to continue to grow and for us to further maximize technology transfer from race to road,” General Motors President Mark Reuss said.
“The addition of a charter allows Chevrolet to join with other stakeholders to continue to make the series even stronger. INDYCAR produces consistently exciting racing on road and street courses as well as ovals, and we look forward to building on our INDYCAR legacy and put on a great show for our loyal Chevrolet fans.”

“To our esteemed Honda fans, customers and associates, we are thrilled to announce our ongoing participation in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters said.
“With a deep respect for the history and competitive spirit of INDYCAR racing, we are proud to continue our involvement after more than 30 years. This long-standing commitment strengthens our ability to allow us to further develop our people and technology at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America.

“The partnership between INDYCAR and FOX continues to grow, bringing outstanding race coverage and elevating the experience for fans everywhere. The future of INDYCAR looks incredibly bright, and we at Honda are honored to play a critical role in its continued success.”

This multiyear announcement extends Chevrolet’s current participation in the INDYCAR SERIES. Chevrolet is a nine-time champion since its return to the sport 14 seasons ago in 2012. Including the 1988-93 and 2002 titles, Chevrolet has won 16 total INDYCAR SERIES manufacturer championships.
Honda began INDYCAR SERIES competition in 1994 and has been a continuous and key fixture on INDYCAR grids as an engine supplier for over 30 years – including six seasons as the sole engine supplier. The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season marked its 11th manufacturers’ title in multiple manufacturer competition and the fifth in the last eight years.
In addition to commitments made in engine development, engine supply and promotion of the series, each manufacturer will be entitled to own a charter to be utilized beginning with the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a new and exciting opportunity to build on their incredible legacies across INDYCAR SERIES racing, while continuing their strong relationships with our current roster of teams and helping deliver an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028,” Boles said.
The INDYCAR charter system was originally announced in September 2024. Charters were extended to teams based on full-time entries from the 2022-23 seasons, with a maximum of three awarded per team.
NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams with three charters are not eligible to utilize a fourth charter via an OEM.
Complete details of the powertrain parameters to be utilized with the new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with hybrid technology and introduced with the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES car will be announced at a later date.
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Coverage of the race begins at noon ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Audio coverage will be available via the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM Channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

Sebring Test and Other Notes

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Photo: Mick Schumacher testing at Sebring. All photos by Chris Jones, Penske Entertainment

Some personal news:

Winter headquarters is no more, and I will be staying in Indianapolis most of the year from now on. While I enjoyed my winters in Florida, the cost of living there got to be hard on the budget.

The two day IndyCar test at Sebring International Raceway The previous two days didn’t tell us a lot about what to expect for the season, but it was fun seeing cars on track. Thanks to my friends who sent photos and videos of a session I would have attended.

Start Getting Used to It

I am happy for the visuals of Will Power5 in the 26 and David Malukas in the 12. I bet I will still mix them up at St. Pete.

Here is Will Power in his new home:

The car has more yellow than it idi in 2025 when Colton Herta drove it, so that helps me remember there is a new driver in the cockpit.

David Malukas is now Power’s former ride:

The predominant red and the yellow band across the top of the aeroscreen says, “New driver.”

For the record, Alex Palou led session 1 Monday morning. Marcus Armstrong led sessions 2 and the first group on Tuesday morning. Kyle Kirkwood led the final session Tuesday afternoon.

All teams had the opportunity to work with the 2026 tire compound. Marcus Armstrong didn’t see a lot of difference from last season’s tire.

Is He or Isn’t He?

Romain Grosjean, long believed to be the mysterious TBA, drove car 19 for Dale Coyne Racing during the test. We are still waiting for a formal announcement that Grosjean will drive the number 19 entry for the season. I guess we will know February 27.

St. Pete Homecomings

The support races at the season opener in St. Pete will likely have more people paying attention to them this year.

Last week four time IndyCar champion and three time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Fr5anchitti announced that he will drive in the NASCAR truck race Saturday afternoon..

This morning, another four time IndyCar champion, Sebastien Bourdais, was announced as a driver in the MX-5 cup events.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a great event, and adding these former IndyCar stars to the support races takes the program up several notches.

I will be back in a couple of days with The Pit Window’s highly anticipated (dreaded?) season preview.