IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Poster Image Credit: IMSA (2026)

IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Jack Hawksworth of the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 in GTD PRO marked his upcoming 100th IMSA start with Lexus—a milestone that surprised him until recently highlighted by the team's PR efforts. Hawksworth reflected on a decade-long journey with the program, from its early days in 2017 to consistent competitiveness, championships (including the 2023 GTD PRO title with Ben Barnicoat), and race wins. 

He highlighted the 2024 Sebring victory as a standout memory and praised the team's reliability and strength in tough endurance conditions. Despite the RC F GT3's age, Hawksworth emphasized a positive mindset, noting recent progress, a strong lineup including Kyle Kirkwood (fresh off an IndyCar win), and the car's historical suitability for Sebring's mix of high-speed, bumpy, high-degradation sections. He views the track as more representative of the season ahead compared to Daytona's straight-line demands, expressing confidence in contending for the win.

ROXY RETURNS! AO Racing's Roxy To Make Endurance Debut At Sebring - Rexy sidelined due to tooth injuries at Daytona, paving the way for Roxy's endurance debut - Image Credit: AO Racing via Dailysportscar (2026)

BEGIN ZOOM Call Interview - Edmund Jenks, Motorsports Journal & Alessio Picariello, No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (GTD PRO)

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: My question is more of a fan base type one, and I wanted to ask Alessio how he finds the fans and the reaction to driving Rexy or Roxy? With its unique personalized livery, I wanted to get his take on that. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “I mean, it's insane to see how many people are loving this livery, and it's getting more and more every year. So, when I got to experience it first in Daytona last year, I was amazed, and in Sebring, I feel like it's even more. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how it is this year. This year we will use the Roxy livery. So, it's the first time for me driving, I mean, driving a pink car, a pink dino! So yeah, I think, I mean, the concept for sure is nice and it's good for motorsport that it attracts so many people. Every time when we have the autograph session, when you see the queue, it's absolutely crazy. So, it's nice. It's nice for us as drivers to drive such a famous car, let's say.”

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: Also, are they planning to do the, I guess, the change of the teeth in the front every time there's a race win? Like they do with the green Porsche. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “Well, I think it depends on how many times they will use Roxy this year. We don’t get the info as drivers. It’s Roxy this time, and I guess it will have the, the, the, the golden teeth for the 2024 championship. But on race wins, we don't have any this year, so if we win Sebring, I guess Rexy will have a golden tooth for the next round.”

ENDS

Alessio Picariello, defending GTD PRO winner from 2025 with the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) - nicknamed "Roxy" - shared his evolution at Sebring. Initially disliking the bumpy, unique layout and IMSA's endurance demands as a young Silver driver, he grew to appreciate it through WEC runs and prior IMSA experiences, culminating in last year's near-perfect victory. With new teammates Nick Tandy (experienced but "old school") and Harry King (making his Sebring race debut after testing), Picariello noted quick chemistry built in Daytona, shared mindsets, and no major concerns about King's adaptation. He described minor evolutions in the updated Porsche as setup-focused with slight reliability gains, expecting a fun, competitive outing.

Tom Gamble of the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo in GTD highlighted a strong season start, including a near-win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and third at last year's Sebring. He credited the team's reliability, strategy, and ability to stay clean in traffic—key for Sebring's challenging overtaking and elbows-out finales. 

With new teammate Dudu Barrichello joining Zacharie Robichon, Gamble expressed excitement for the warm Florida weather and ambitions to improve on last year's podium, potentially challenging the dominant Winward Mercedes. He appreciated the relief from WEC postponements easing travel, while noting his second IMSA year brings greater familiarity and comfort across tracks.

Philip Ellis, stepping in for Russell Ward (travel issues) in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in GTD, joined alongside Ward and Indy Dontje ... the trio aiming for a Sebring hat-trick after wins in 2024 and 2025. 

Ellis recounted the intense Rolex 24 finish, including a close front-straight incident with Nicki Thiim, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges to secure a third Rolex victory. He stressed preparation for the final hours: focusing practice on late-race conditions (cooler temps, dirty track), maintaining car integrity, staying calm under pressure, and leveraging strategy. Sharing data with the sister GTD PRO Mercedes aids setup, while the car's age benefits from BoP, tire focus, and deep team knowledge rather than constant development.

These 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring previews underscore Sebring's demanding nature of bumps, heat, strategy, traffic, and reliability—while highlighting defending strengths, milestone moments, and competitive ambitions across GTD PRO and GTD.

The 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring event features a packed 55-car field across classes, with live streaming on Peacock starting at 10 a.m. ET, plus additional coverage on NBCSN from 5 p.m. ET and the IMSA YouTube channel.

... notes from The EDJE

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Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner ... Ryan Blaney (left) finishes out a Team Penske Desert Double weekend sweep. During qualifications, Blaney shares a humorous reflection with a Dent Wizard crewmate while awaiting his turn to qualify for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 - love how this moment captured a crewmate was caught laughing at a comment Blaney had made - note the Start/Finish line in the background. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2026)

Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Ryan Blaney showcased the kind of perseverance that defines champions, storming back from two loose wheel setbacks to capture the checkered flag in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2026. 

The Team Penske driver turned what could have been a disastrous afternoon into a defining victory, his first of the season and a fitting close to an extraordinary cross-series sweep for the legendary organization. With the IndyCar side having already secured the pole and the win the previous day through Josef Newgarden, Blaney's triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series event completed a rare and celebrated Penske "Desert Double" at the one-mile Arizona oval.

Ryan Blaney (center image), driving his Team Penske Dent Wizard No. 12 Ford Mustang badged NASCAR, takes the GREEN Flag to start the Straight Talk Wireless 500 lined up in P5 at Phoenix Raceway. Image Credit: Getty Images via NASCAR (2026)

The race unfolded as a test of resolve for the No. 12 Ford team. Blaney dominated early, claiming Stage 1 honors with a car he described as "really fast," only to suffer the first loose wheel penalty on pit road that dropped him deep in the field. A second similar issue followed, forcing another trip to the garage area for repairs. Yet the crew, led by crew chief Jonathan Hassler, refused to let frustration derail their focus. They quickly diagnosed the problems, adjusted their approach, and maintained composure, allowing Blaney to methodically claw his way forward through the chaos of a caution-filled event that tied the Phoenix record with 12 yellow flags.

Tire management and strategic adaptability proved crucial amid elevated track temperatures and the added horsepower making rubber wear more punishing. Blaney noted the tires were tough to drive late in long runs, with drivers pushing air pressures low and risking failures that triggered many of the cautions. Hassler's outside-the-box thinking shone on the late restarts, where a two-tire call provided the grip needed for Blaney to seize the lead and pull away from Christopher Bell in the final laps, securing the win by a narrow margin in a hard-fought finish.

Ryan Blaney with Josef Newgarden in the Good Ranchers 250 Victory Circle wearing a Team Penske Rick Mears INDY500 Champion honor t-shirt. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

What elevated the victory beyond a typical comeback story was the broader Team Penske context. IndyCar stars Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas were on site for the organization's 60th anniversary celebration, adding internal pressure to complete the weekend sweep after poles in both series and Newgarden's victory. Blaney admitted feeling that extra motivation, not wanting to be the one who let the perfect weekend slip away. He expressed genuine delight at the camaraderie across disciplines, highlighting how the drivers root for one another and share in each other's successes—a refreshing dynamic in a high-stakes sport.

In the post-race press conference, Blaney's reflections carried a tone of deep appreciation. He praised his pit crew's mentality for not dwelling on mistakes but instead learning and pushing forward, crediting their unbreakable spirit for turning the day around. The win also carried personal significance as his first since becoming a father, though he humorously noted forgetting to FaceTime his wife and son from Victory Lane amid the post-race whirlwind. He looked forward to heading home to share the moment with his family, underscoring how fatherhood has shifted his perspective even in the heat of competition.

Blaney's Phoenix victory tied him with racing legends Harry Gant, Geoff Bodine, Neil Bonnett, Kasey Kahne, and Ryan Newman on the all-time Cup wins list, a milestone he greeted with humble admiration for those drivers and their legacies. He spoke fondly of personal connections, from stories of Neil Bonnett shared during his Wood Brothers days to his longstanding fandom of Kasey Kahne. The result not only halted Tyler Reddick's early-season momentum but positioned Blaney firmly in the championship conversation after a performance built on resilience and teamwork.

For Roger Penske, the sweep delivered something new to an already unparalleled resume—an IndyCar-NASCAR double at the same venue—adding another chapter to a storied career during this milestone anniversary year. Blaney's drive embodied the fighting spirit that has long defined Team Penske, turning adversity into triumph and capping a weekend that showcased the organization's depth across racing worlds.

... notes from The EDJE

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Josef Newgarden Captures Strong P2 In Qualifying For The Good Ranchers 250 At Phoenix Raceway

Team Penske's senior driver Josef Newgarden places his No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet Dallara at number two on the grid being edged out by his new teammate David Malukas for the pole - Malukas' first pole in his young career. Image Credit: James Black NICS (2026)

Josef Newgarden Captures Strong P2 In Qualifying For The Good Ranchers 250 At Phoenix Raceway

The desert heat at Phoenix Raceway delivered a fitting backdrop for the NTT IndyCar Series' long-awaited return to this iconic 1-mile oval, and Josef Newgarden wasted no time reminding everyone why he's often called the series' "oval king." In qualifying for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 6, 2026, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time series champion locked down P2 with a solid two-lap average of 174.548 mph in his No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet.

The front row sweep belonged to Team Penske, but it was the surprise story of the session: David Malukas, the young Chicago native now in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, claimed his first career NTT P1 Award (pole position) with an impressive 175.383 mph run. Malukas edged out his veteran teammate Newgarden by nearly a full mile per hour, marking a breakout moment for the driver who joined Penske in the offseason. "I'm just so happy! So many P2’s and finally a pole…what a way to start the season… and our Phoenix race tomorrow," Malukas said post-qualifying, capturing the excitement of a fresh chapter.

CLICK-IMAGE To Launch Post Qualifications Press Conference

Question - Tom Stahler with Josef Newgarden

Tom Stahler - Motorsports Journal: The time of day here in the Phoenix valley, this is the time of day where you really do see a significant shift in temperature. Obviously it played into your hands even starting later in the qualifying session, but a lot of other people I think faltered because the guys earlier had cooler temperatures. How do you feel about the time of day you were qualifying, and what did you do differently?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, we were sort of on the back end of it, right? We were, what, 19th or something to go out.

It depends on where you're at. It's a good question. Indianapolis you always want to be first out when the track is the coldest, and you don't want the temperature to build. I think that's somewhat true here. A colder track is typically a faster track, more grip.

I don't think you had a ton of shift. I think just -- I think in general qualifying was a higher track temperature than we had seen the last multiple sessions we had been here. It's the first time everybody really experienced that.

I think at the very end of qualifying, in particular, you saw a lot of drop-off on that second lap for most people, including myself. Compared to the very beginning, that probably got a little bit worse, where you just weren't as consistent on the second lap time.

Mick, for instance, was the first out. He was super consistent both laps, and then the last guy to go, you just saw that drop-off in the second lap. I think that was the difference today.

But I think for where we were, I think we made the most of it.

ENDS

For Newgarden, starting second aligns perfectly with his history at Phoenix. He remains the defending winner here from 2018—the last time the series visited before this 2026 revival. That victory stands as a benchmark for oval mastery, and his front-row lock today positions him ideally for tomorrow's 250-lap battle on March 7 (3 p.m. ET on FOX). The Nashville native's consistency on ovals has long been a hallmark of his career, boasting 32 wins (the most among active American drivers), and this result underscores Team Penske's strength on the high-banked tri-oval despite challenges elsewhere in the field.

Drama wasn't absent: Teammate Will Power suffered a hard crash during his qualifying attempt, adding tension to the Penske camp. Yet Newgarden's smooth, flat-out run kept the Chevrolet momentum rolling. Behind the front row, Graham Rahal slotted into third at 173.993 mph, with Mick Schumacher showing strong form in his first oval qualifying session at 173.667 mph for fourth - another highlight in a day full of surprises.

As the series dusts off this classic venue after an eight-year hiatus, Newgarden's P2 start sets the stage for what could be a dominant Penske performance in the Good Ranchers 250. With his pedigree on ovals and a front-row perch, the question isn't if he'll contend ... it's how far he'll push for another Phoenix triumph. The green flag drops tomorrow, and the "oval king" is ready to reignite the desert.

... notes from The EDJE










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Dennis Hauger Previews Phoenix Oval Debut After Strong IndyCar Start

Norway rookie driver to NTT INDYCAR SERIES Dennis Hauger sports a decorated junior career, winning the 2021 FIA Formula 3 championship. In 2025, he dominated INDY NXT by Firestone with Andretti Global, earning six wins, eight poles and the championship over Caio Collet by 72 points. Hauger is nicknamed the “Norwegian Nightmare.” Image Credit: Joe Skibinski NICS (2026)

Dennis Hauger Previews Phoenix Oval Debut After Strong IndyCar Start

Dennis Hauger, the Norwegian rookie driving the No. 19 Ault Blockchain Honda for Dale Coyne Racing, spoke to the media on March 3, 2026, ahead of the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway—the NTT IndyCar Series’ return to the one-mile desert oval after an eight-year absence. 

Coming off an impressive debut at St. Petersburg, where he qualified third—the best rookie qualifying performance since 2018—and finished 10th, Hauger answered questions with a composed, reflective demeanor that balanced quiet confidence with the realism of someone still absorbing the intensity of his new surroundings.

He described his first IndyCar weekend as a strong if imperfect beginning. Practice setbacks were overcome, soft-tire runs unlocked confidence and delivered that near-pole lap (just four-hundredths off the top spot), and both Coyne cars reached the top six in qualifying—a result that lifted the entire team. In the race itself, he acknowledged missed opportunities but highlighted valuable lessons: the importance of aggressive yet controlled in-laps and out-laps, pushing harder on cold tires during the opening lap, and refining pit strategy amid red flags and shifting undercuts. A surprise pre-race motivational outburst from NFL quarterback Jameis Winston—“Preach,” Hauger recalled with amusement—added an unexpected jolt of energy to the team.

Phoenix marks his first competitive oval outing in an IndyCar, following a test session where he adapted swiftly to the car’s greater weight, power, and downforce compared with his INDY NXT experience. While he cautioned that testing is never definitive, he expressed solid comfort heading into qualifying—his strongest discipline—and emphasized the need to dial in balance quickly. The oval’s relative unfamiliarity to much of the current grid (beyond a handful of veterans like Scott Dixon) might narrow the experience advantage slightly, but Hauger focused on fundamentals: setup precision, execution, and learning the unique demands of oval racing, including more frequent pit stops and close-quarters traffic.

CLICK-Image To Launch ZOOM Call

ZOOM Call Transcript:
EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: It's been kind of an exciting debut, probably the strongest debut since Robert Wickens joined the series back in 2018, and oddly enough, we were racing in Phoenix at the same time. I know it's a bit of a distraction, but this is kind of a duel-sport weekend, and INDYCAR goes first on Saturday. Do you have any interest whatsoever, since you're a driver and probably curious, catching up with any of the people and watching what's going on with NASCAR? 

DENNIS HAUGER: Yeah, definitely. I'm staying on Sunday to watch the race. It's going to be the first time I've watched a NASCAR race live. I think it's awesome that the two paired up together to make an awesome weekend for the fans, for the crowds. I think you've got two different types of racing, just in terms of how we race and how the cars work. At the end of the day, we all just want to have some good sounds, some good racing, and enjoy what we love. I'm definitely going to watch the race on Sunday and see how they get on. Hopefully we'll give some good racing for the fans, as well. It's going to be a fun weekend to watch for sure. 

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: Now revealing your background in coming to INDYCAR, you're a champion twice, you were no less than 10th in a field of 22 drivers in Formula 2, and then you finish in your first race 10th. It's like, you can't finish worse than 10th. Given your testing at Phoenix, how well do you think you might fare against everybody else? 

DENNIS HAUGER: As I said, it's really hard when you're testing because you're trying different things. You don't know what the others are doing. You're kind of just focused on your own stuff. Putting everything together for the race weekend, everyone is just figuring stuff out during testing and putting it together for the race. That's when you really find out what you've got. As I said, I hope we can be there in a decent spot for qualifying. 

I think we can do something good there. Our race pace seemed pretty decent in testing. But it's going to be completely different when we are running the high line and everything. Just the racing, as well, is just so different when you're with 25 other cars on track fighting for position. It's something I'm just really open-minded with. I know there's a lot of new stuff again this weekend, but for me, again, it's just about trying to maximize what I have at the time, and at that point, that's all I can do. 

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: It's kind of exciting to see you blend in with Dale Coyne and Romain Grosjean. Also great to see him back behind the wheel again. It's like we've got two different kind of rookies coming back in to the field. How has he related to you on driving on ovals since he only became familiar with them when he came to INDYCAR?

DENNIS HAUGER: We haven't talked too much about it. We're all working together to try and be the quickest out there. But it's always good to hear what he has to say about balance. Our driving style is in a very similar window, which makes the feedback also very similar, which is very positive, I think, as a team. That makes it just easier to have both cars going one direction for what we want to do balance-wise. So that's been really good.

Hopefully he has some tips on the side for this weekend, as well, in terms of the racing. That's the main thing for me. Just get more experience with the racing side, being wheel-to-wheel with the others. I feel like qualifying I'm in a pretty good spot. I feel confident there.

It's just about keep progressing, and having him as (audio interruption).

ENDS

Frenchman and former F1 and NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Romain Grosjean - who now lives in Florida - back in the field for another go at a championship here in 2026. Image Credit: Chris Jones: NICS (2026)

His late-announced teammate, Romain Grosjean, has integrated smoothly despite the short preparation window. Their similar driving styles produce aligned feedback, helping both cars progress in the same direction - a dynamic Hauger values even as he aims to outperform his more experienced partner. Grosjean’s oval background offers potential insight, though the two have so far concentrated more on shared setup work than detailed oval tutorials.

Hauger downplayed any notion of heightened external pressure following his strong debut. The P3-to-P10 weekend provided a clear confidence boost without becoming a weight. He expects the season to deliver highs and lows, with consistency as the true target rather than chasing perfection every time out. 

He refuses to fixate on rookie status; the priority is maximum performance on any given weekend, whether the result is a podium or a top-10. Preparation remains his cornerstone: exhaustive study of video, data, and track details to arrive more ready than his competitors. 

Asked to sum up his IndyCar debut in three words, he chose “happy, surreal, and decent.” Decent, because he always hungers for more. Yet for a rookie confronting time-zone confusion, new sponsors, hybrid systems, fueling calculations, and the distinctive rhythm of American open-wheel racing, a 10th-place finish after starting third stands as a credible and promising foundation. 

As the series turns to Phoenix, Hauger’s approach is straightforward: keep grinding, adapt rapidly, chase every available tenth—and trust the results will reflect the effort. The young driver who left Formula 2’s frustrations behind for success in INDY NXT now turns his focus to conquering IndyCar’s ovals. Early signs suggest he is adjusting faster than most anticipated.

... notes from The EDJE

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Tyler Reddick's Historic NASCAR Three-Peat Leads 23XI 1-2 In Points After COTA Masterclass

Tyler Reddick is the 1st NASCAR driver EVER to win the FIRST 3 races of the season ... Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing are changing the game and putting everyone on notice. Image & Caption Credit: NBA FANS Group on FB/META (2026) 

Tyler Reddick's Historic NASCAR Three-Peat Leads 23XI 1-2 In Points After COTA Masterclass

Tyler Reddick's historic surge continued to dominate the narrative three races into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, as the 23XI Racing driver delivered a commanding performance at Circuit of the Americas to become the first driver ever - since the series launched in 1949 - to win the opening trio of events. From a winless 2025 following his 2024 regular-season championship, Reddick has flipped the script with victories across superspeedway, draft-heavy intermediate, and now technical road course layouts. 

Tyler Riddick celebrates his "Three-Peat" win with the NASCAR fans in Texas on the Formula 1 front straight near the Start/Finish line at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA). One can never be replaced as a first-time ever! Image Credit 23XI via FB/META (2026)

Leading 58 of 95 laps at COTA, including the decisive final 20, he outdueled road-course maestro Shane van Gisbergen, who had claimed five straight road wins entering the weekend. "We did not like getting beat like that at road courses," Reddick noted post-race. "It's one race, but it was so important, so fitting that we were able to get three in a row and make history." The streak has elevated 23XI to early title-contender status, with Michael Jordan's "It's time for change" proclamation ringing truer by the lap.

NASCAR.com’s Pat DeCola ranks the top 20 Cup Series drivers - Click-Image - competing for the 2026 championship after Tyler Reddick’s win at Circuit of The Americas — an unprecedented third straight victory to open the season — and before Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell enters as the defending winner. - Image Credit: NASCAR (2026)

Teammate Bubba Wallace has quietly but effectively kept pace in the points hunt, sitting second overall ... just 70 back of Reddick's 186 after finishing 11th at COTA. With no wins through three races but two top-10 finishes (including strong runs at Daytona and Atlanta that netted consistent stage points and solid finishes), Wallace has maximized every opportunity in the new points format. His steady, mistake-free approach - coupled with 23XI's clearly dialed-in equipment - has positioned him as the closest pursuer, turning the team's 1-2 lock in the standings into a genuine powerhouse story rather than a one-man show.

Trackhouse Racing entered the weekend with sky-high expectations ... Ross Chastain starting on the front row, van Gisbergen chasing history, and rookie Connor Zilisch showcasing his road-racing pedigree. Yet the day unraveled into frustration. Van Gisbergen chased hard but faded in the closing laps, admitting, "Just following Tyler, his driving was immaculate and his car was very good, too. I tried but didn't quite have enough." Zilisch flashed promise, climbing into contention multiple times only to suffer incidents, including a late-race spin with Zane Smith that cost him a top-five opportunity. Chastain ran solidly in the top 10 until a wheel departed his Chevrolet, triggering a two-lap penalty and likely a two-race crew suspension. What promised to be a showcase for Trackhouse turned into a day of near-misses and costly mistakes.

In a bizarre twist amid the on-track drama, Alex Bowman stepped out of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet after feeling ill and falling toward the rear. With little hope of a strong finish, the team opted for a mid-race driver change, bringing in Myatt Snider - who had been working as a FOX Sports pit spotter that very day. The part-time Xfinity/O'Reilly series competitor climbed aboard to salvage owner points, marking one of the more unusual in-race swaps in recent memory.

Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, is running his seventh full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. He opened the 2026 season with a bang, breaking a 38-race winless drought to earn his first Daytona 500 and crown-jewel victory. Reddick followed that with wins at EchoPark Speedway and Circuit of The Americas, becoming the first driver, EVER, to win three consecutive races to open the season. Image Credit 23XI via FB/META (2026)

The early points table already shows deep holes for several drivers after just three events. Bowman sits dead last among the 36 full-timers, while five others - Connor Zilisch, Cody Ware, Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, and Bowman - trail by at least 30 points. The margin isn't insurmountable over the remaining 23 races, but any further slip-ups could burn through their playoff mulligans quickly.

Next up: Phoenix Raceway, the series' first sub-1.5-mile venue of the year, sharing the weekend with INDYCAR. Reddick owns two top fives in 12 prior starts there, and with Michael Jordan confirming on the broadcast, "I’ll be at Phoenix," the 23XI contingent arrives carrying momentum and the weight of chasing the unprecedented four-peat. The season is young, but the storylines are already writing themselves in bold.

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Unser IndyCar Open Test Wraps-Up With Rossi Leading The Charge At Phoenix

Unser Open Test on Day 2 has Sting Ray Robb No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet leading Andretti Global Honda drivers Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 and Will Power No. 26 through the T2 complex at the East end of the track. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

Unser IndyCar Open Test Wraps-Up With Rossi Leading The Charge At Phoenix

The Unser INDYCAR Open Test concluded on February 18, 2026, at Phoenix Raceway, delivering two days of valuable track time as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES prepares for its return to the historic 1-mile oval after an eight-year absence.

Alexander Rossi dominated the second and final day, sweeping both sessions in the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Java House Chevrolet and setting the outright fastest lap of the test at 174.542 mph during the rain-interrupted afternoon run.

Ed Carpenter Racing's Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen share some pit time after setting a strong Day 2 mark at the top of the speed charts - they unloaded Wednesday the strongest and continued to keep Chevrolet at the top of the overall charts as Rossi ended the two days fastest over all. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

Rossi, the 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner whose last oval victory came at Pocono in 2018, expressed satisfaction with the program's progress, highlighting strong setups from teammate Christian Rasmussen and a solid baseline for the upcoming Good Ranchers 250 on March 7.

Ed Carpenter Racing placed two cars in the top four overall, with Rasmussen securing fourth at 173.924 mph, reinforcing the team's oval competitiveness heading into the early-season swing.

Unser Open Test - Combined Overall Results

Josef Newgarden claimed second on the combined charts for Team Penske with a 174.362 mph effort in the No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet, while reigning four-time champion Alex Palou rounded out the top three at 174.220 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

David Malukas continued his impressive start with Team Penske, posting 173.759 mph to land fifth overall and showing strong form after leading day one.

Only two teams were able to have a full-team-showing in the Top 10 positions - Ed Carpenter Racing and Andretti Global - Not Team Penske, Not Chip Ganassi Racing, Not Arrow McLaren, Not Meyer Shank Racing.

Rookie Mick Schumacher made notable strides in his oval education, topping the rookie category with 171.096 mph in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda and jumping more than 7 mph from his day-one best.

The test saw one incident when Marcus Ericsson spun and contacted the SAFER barrier in Turn 4 during the afternoon session, but the 2022 Indy 500 winner emerged unhurt from his No. 28 Andretti Global Honda.

A total of 4,853 laps were completed by the 25 drivers across both days, with Will Power turning the most at 259 laps as he integrates into Andretti Global following his long tenure at Team Penske.

Felix Rosenqvist, finishing seventh in the final session for Meyer Shank Racing, described the track as fun yet challenging, with low grip, wind sensitivity, and distinct corner characteristics that demand consistent setups amid variable conditions.

Rosenqvist noted significant tire degradation potential, up to two seconds from new to old rubber, and predicted multi-line racing could emerge later in the race as strategies diverge and rubber builds in the upper groove.

Nolan Siegel enjoyed his first Phoenix experience in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, calling the track unique with contrasting ends and praising the test for allowing experimentation and data-sharing across the team's three cars.

Siegel expressed high confidence in Arrow McLaren's short-oval pace, crediting off-season developments and the rare extended running for building momentum ahead of the March 1 season opener at St. Petersburg and the quick return to Phoenix.

Drivers emphasized the track's flow, the commitment required in Turns 3 and 4, and the excitement of blending INDYCAR with NASCAR fans during the shared weekend, while acknowledging uncertainties around weather, the new wider right-front Firestone tire, and the second lane's development in race conditions.

The test provided crucial preparation for a venue steeped in INDYCAR history, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling oval battle when the series returns in hotter March weather for the Good Ranchers 250.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #UnserOpenTest, #PhoenixRaceway, #INDYCAR2026, #AlexanderRossi, #EdCarpenterRacing, #GoodRanchers250, #MickSchumacher, #FelixRosenqvist, #NolanSiegel, #TeamPenske, #ChipGanassiRacing, #MotorsportsJournal

Rookies Find Their Feet At Phoenix: Day One Unser Open Test Wrap

Conor Daly & Jessie Punch interview Cail Collet, No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet - Image Credit: NICS Video (2026)

Rookies Find Their Feet At Phoenix: Day One Unser Open Test Wrap

Day one of testing at Phoenix Raceway wrapped with the full 2026 IndyCar grid laid bare, rookies included, under the Arizona sun that shifts and plays tricks just like the wind does on these short ovals.

Conor Daly, riding shotgun in the broadcast booth with Jessie Punch, framed it plainly: a classic rookie day. Laps piled high, experience chased hard, no one rewriting the record books ... and that's exactly the point. This Unser Open Test isn't about fireworks; it's about stacking knowledge brick by brick before the real battles ignite.

The three newcomers - Mick Schumacher, Dennis Hauger, Cail Collet - each carved their own path through the session. 

Dennis Hauger, fresh off a dominant Indy NXT campaign, looked every bit the expected pace-setter among the rookies, marveling at the grip monster these high-downforce cars become on sticker tires. "Oh, there's some grip here," he said, the kind of understated awe that comes when a driver realizes the machine can take more than intuition first allows. He kept building, noted a few gremlins to sort, and eyed tomorrow for more baseline work in a field so tight that 17th was only a tenth or so off top-eight territory.

Cail Collet, settling into the AJ Foyt fold alongside the oval-savvy Santino Ferrucci, admitted to the inevitable greenhorn moment: a push too far on fresh rubber, misjudging the extra bite, clipping the apron in turn three or four and spinning into the wall. Lesson delivered the hard way, but he took it in stride - praising Ferrucci's openness with tips (even if ignoring the one about tire pressures and sun glare in turns three-four cost him dearly). Focus tomorrow: traffic runs, dirty air, placing the car right behind others. The steps from quali trim to race long-runs loom large, and he's hungry to log the data, watch the videos, shadow the veterans.

TAP Image To Launch Video Presentation

Mick Schumacher, ever analytical and quick to push back on the "rookie" label - he's raced too long, claimed too many starts elsewhere to wear it comfortably - treated the day as championship business from the jump. He stacked laps, more than most, dialing in the peculiarities of Phoenix: the flat-ish banking that tilts the car outward unexpectedly, the hooked feel in turn three, the wind gusts that shove or suck the aero balance corner to corner. The biggest adjustment? Learning to relax in the seat with a pad for consistency over long stints ... counter to years of tensing up to feel the car precisely. Firestone tires feel worlds apart from Pirelli or Michelin; mastering their window is the immediate homework. Teammate Graham Rahal's counsel rang true: every oval tells its own story, and Phoenix whispered its secrets in differences from Homestead or Sebring.

Beyond the new blood, the timesheet told familiar tales with fresh twists. Team Penske's machines hummed fast as anticipated, but Josef Newgarden, short-oval royalty, found himself shaded by new teammate David Malukas at day's end, while old wingman Will Power lurked close in the Andretti entry. McLaren's squad stayed quiet, potential still holstered; Graham Rahal Hall's push to 11th hinted at progress on a program that has historically wrestled these bullrings.

The field? Razor-close. Top 20 within half a second. Margins microscopic. Rust shaken off, new Firestones waiting for day two.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #IndyCar, #PhoenixRaceway, #UnserOpenTest, #RookieDay, #DennisHauger, #Kyle, #MickSchumacher, #TeamPenske, #ShortOvalGrip, #IndyCarTesting, @IndyCarOnFOX