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










TAGS: #IndyCar, #PhoenixRaceway, #GoodRanchers250, #JosefNewgarden, #TeamPenske, #DavidMalukas, #OvalKing, #QualifyingResults, #NTTIndyCarSeries, #MotorsportsJournal, #TomStahler, #TheEDJE

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.

... notes from The EDJE

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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

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Phoenix Raceway Pre-Unser Open Test Press Conference Unfolds With Palou And O'Ward

First of the 2026 on-site open test press conference with Pato O'Ward and INDYCAR series Champion Alex Palou at Phoenix Raceway. Drivers share a laugh about events about the tire test held at Sebring a week earlier. Image Credit: NICS ZOOM Call Video (2026)

Phoenix Raceway Pre-Unser Open Test Press Conference Unfolds With Palou And O'Ward

As the sun rose over Phoenix Raceway on a crisp February morning in 2026, and the paddock buzzed with the familiar hum of anticipation that only a season-opener test can generate. Here, in the desert air still carrying a hint of winter chill, two of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES' brightest stars - four-time reigning champion Alex Palou in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and the ever-competitive Pato O'Ward piloting the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet - stepped to the microphones. 

The moderator set the scene plainly: Phoenix was back on the calendar, a throwback oval welcoming most of the field to virgin territory, and the Unser Open Test was the first real chance to shake out the cobwebs before the green flags flew in earnest. Palou, fresh off a season of utter dominance with eight victories in 2025, spoke with the quiet confidence of a man chasing history. A four-peat would place him in rare company, only Sébastien Bourdais having achieved the feat in the modern era. Yet for all the laurels, he admitted the workload ahead felt endless - Sebring the week prior, Phoenix now, and no real pause until May. The Chip Ganassi team had poured hours into preparations over the winter, aiming to replicate or perhaps even eclipse the magic of the previous year. This test, especially on an unfamiliar oval, represented starting from scratch, but Palou welcomed the luxury of multi-day running rarely afforded on ovals outside Indianapolis. Confidence in the car, the ability to attack rather than merely survive the laps - that was the true measure of success he sought.

Pato O'Ward - The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway - Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

O'Ward, entering his seventh full season and armed with nine career wins including two last year, approached the 1-mile tri-oval with the curiosity of a newcomer. Only a handful of veterans - Power, Newgarden, Rossi, Dixon - had turned laps here in anger, and the last INDYCAR visit dated back to 2018. He likened the layout to a blend of Gateway and Iowa, old-school and fast, and hoped the test could coax a proper second lane into life for the race to come. Sebring's times? Dismissed with a laugh; that was tire development and experimentation, not outright speed. What mattered now was building comfort, finding a setup that allowed aggressive running without the car dictating terms. Ovals demand trust - if the machine isn't planted, the delta between control and chaos widens dramatically. 

Both drivers agreed the test's value lay not in headline lap times but in feel and foundation. Palou emphasized subtle adjustments and the freedom to experiment without the pressure of a race weekend's limited laps and identical fuel loads. O'Ward echoed the sentiment: a solid base here could carry forward, even if NASCAR rubber, weather shifts, or race-day dynamics later scrambled the picture. Phoenix before the Indianapolis 500 offered another oval outing early, but neither saw it as direct preparation for the Brickyard - Indy, they noted, remains its own unpredictable beast, defying easy translation from other tracks.

The No. 10 Honda piloted by reining NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion blisters by at around 170 miles per hour on the tight banked turns of Phoenix Raceway. Image Credit: Matt Fravervia NICS (2026)

Conversation drifted to lighter matters: the new FOX commercials drawing praise (Palou singled out Will Power's spot as a standout), the grueling early-season stretch demanding no radical changes to conditioning regimens, and the visual spectacle INDYCARs might provide to crossover NASCAR fans during the shared weekend. Track limits drew a firm line - unlike NASCAR's apron exploits, INDYCAR would enforce boundaries strictly, and Palou, after a track walk, deemed the rough outer edges a recipe for disaster rather than daring passes.

Firestone's tweaked right-front tire, wider for better following and second-lane grip, came under discussion as a welcome evolution for short-oval racing. Palou referenced prior testing by veterans like Dixon and Rossi, crediting it as a step toward multi-groove action. The session underscored a mature approach from both stars: gone were the days of treating every test lap like qualifying. Now, plans guided the process - team strategy over raw bravado - though the inner drive to demonstrate speed never fully receded.

FOX Sports promotional commercial (click-image) shows Alex Palou rushing through a grocery store check-out line passing by a magazine stand featuring a magazine cover with Pato O'Ward on the face hinting that O'Ward may be getting more attention and press than the three-time and reining NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion himself. Image Credit: NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Chip Ganassi Racing (2026)

As the press conference wrapped and the first day of the two-day Unser Open Test was engaged, the timing screens told their own story by dusk. David Malukas led a Team Penske 1-2, but Palou slotted solidly fifth overall with a best of 21.0088 seconds at 171.357 mph, clocked on his 48th of 55 laps - a clean, confident marker amid the Honda contingent's strong showing.

O'Ward, meanwhile, ended the day 16th of 25 drivers at 21.2509 seconds and 169.405 mph on his 19th of a busier 98 laps, a cautious tally that spoke to methodical exploration rather than early fireworks. The sense lingered that Phoenix 2026 would test more than setups. For Palou, it was another chapter in a quest for immortality; for O'Ward, a fresh proving ground to harness his talent on ovals that define the series' soul. The cars would roll out again tomorrow, and in the desert heat, the real answers would emerge ... not in words, but in the howl of engines and the lines carved into the blacktop.

... notes from The EDJE








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Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For the second day in the row, the No.75 75 Express AMG of Kenny Habul/Maro Engel/Will Power/Chaz Mostert (1:47.612) set the best time of the day.. Image Credit: Chaz Mostert via FB/META (2026)

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For Will Power, the iconic banking of Daytona International Speedway has long represented unfinished business. The veteran IndyCar star, about to start in his first full campaign with Andretti Global, finally checked a major item off his personal bucket list this week, making his debut appearance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Power, sharing driving duties with team owner Kenny Habul and a strong lineup, described the experience as everything he had anticipated - and more.

"I'm really enjoying it," Power said following a busy day of on-track running and fan engagement. "It's a very big event that I've wanted to do for a long time. So, really happy to be here, and doing it with Kenny Habul. We raced against each other years ago in Australia in Formula Ford and Formula Three, so we've talked about it actually for a while."

The Australian Indy500 Champion driver admitted that previous commitments and scheduling conflicts had repeatedly delayed his sports car debut at the "World Center of Racing." But after gaining valuable experience in an eight-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway late last year, the timing finally aligned perfectly with Habul's program.

"I've always been a bit too late to the game of talking to teams," Power explained. "But I had that experience in Indy, so it was a lot easier to ask Kenny, 'Hey, can I run with you?' And he [Kenny Habul] immediately said, 'Yeah, absolutely'."

Will Power also praised the sprawling facility, noting its sheer scale and rich heritage in both NASCAR and sports car racing, "It's just an amazing facility. The first time I drove in here, it was just crazy how big it is. I feel Indy was big - this has got to be bigger. It's an iconic track with a lot of history."

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 machines carve through traffic on the legendary 3.56-mile road course during practice sessions at the Roar.

Competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will mark Will Power’s second GT3 appearance after taking part in last year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS. Prior to that, his only other sports car experience came in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hours at the wheel of a Porsche 996 GT3-RS. The Australian, who also won the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, has set his sights on a debut victory, which would also mark Mercedes-AMG’s first GTD Pro class win at Daytona since 2023. Image Credit: 75 Express (2025)

Adapting from the open-wheel precision of IndyCar to the closed-cockpit world of GT3 racing has come with its challenges, though Power downplayed the difficulty.

"The first couple laps in Indianapolis felt very strange ... the amount of roll and everything," Power recalled. "But they're not that hard to drive. They're probably very difficult to extract the time out of. You've got ABS and traction control, so it requires a specific driving style."

Will Power was quick to credit the seasoned GT3 competitors around him, calling them "top-level drivers" and valuable teammates from whom to learn.

Power topped at least one GTD Pro practice session during the Roar, a result he greeted with the same satisfaction that has defined his career, even while acknowledging the gamesmanship often at play with Balance of Performance.

"Always," Power said when asked if leading a session felt good. "When you're quick, it's a nice feeling."

The 24-hour endurance format itself has brought a refreshing change of pace.

"It's really nice to get practice without pressure," Power noted. "You've only got 30 minutes, and then you're gonna qualify something. So plenty of time to get comfortable and find the limits at a slow rate. The racing will be a little bit that way as well - it's obviously 24 hours, so it takes a lot of desperation out of it."

The No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 in action, highlighting the car's aggressive stance as Power and his co-drivers prepare for the Rolex 24.

Away from the track, conversation inevitably turned to Power's high-profile switch to Andretti Global for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. He fielded numerous questions from fellow drivers about the team, the car, and the engine, responding with measured optimism.

"Everyone wants to know, 'What's it like, man? How's Andretti? What was the car like? What's the engine like?'" Power said with a grin. "I tell them it's a good team. These guys are gonna be tough. They've got all the ingredients to win a championship. No question. And they're very proactive ... they really want to win."

Looking ahead, Power expressed strong confidence in the program's potential. "I really believe this team will be the top team in the next three years."

For now, though, the focus remains squarely on Daytona. With the Rolex 24 At Daytona fast approaching, Will Power is savoring every lap in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, thrilled to finally compete on one of motorsport's most storied stages.

[Quotes Resource: IMSA Transcript]

... notes from The EDJE

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Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

Professional driver Joel Miller is once again behind the wheel of a lap of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca record setting effort in a Czinger manufactured hypercar. Image Credit: Czinger Vehicles via Road & Track (2025)

Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

The hypercar world witnesses an ongoing saga of speed and innovation as California's own Czinger Vehicles reclaims the production car lap record at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. On December 9, 2025, the groundbreaking 21C hypercar, powered by its revolutionary 3D-printed architecture and hybrid V8 drivetrain, posted an astonishing lap time of 1:22.30, putting nearly two full seconds between itself and the previous mark set by its Swedish rival.

This latest triumph marks the continuation of a fierce yet respectful battle that has captivated performance enthusiasts since 2024. While the Nürburgring remains a distant arena for many, Laguna Seca's challenging 2.238-mile layout—with its iconic Corkscrew and demanding elevation changes—has emerged as the premier proving ground for boutique hypercar manufacturers like Czinger and Koenigsegg. The Czinger team returned to the Monterey Peninsula for their fourth record attempt, determined to showcase the full potential of their American-engineered masterpiece under ideal conditions.

The record's history reflects relentless pursuit of excellence. Czinger first seized the crown in July 2021 with a prototype 21C timing 1:25.44, holding it for over three years. Koenigsegg struck back in August 2024 with the Jesko's 1:24.86, only for Czinger to respond with improved times in August 2024 and July 2025, dipping to 1:24.39. The Swedes reclaimed it briefly in November 2025 via the Sadair's Spear at 1:24.16. Now, with this decisive 1:22.30, the California-based innovator has raised the bar significantly.

Behind the wheel, again, was accomplished racer Joel Miller, a native Hesperia Californian who has piloted the 21C to previous records. His latest effort overcame earlier setbacks, including an off-track incident in July 2025, demonstrating remarkable precision in the 1250-horsepower machine. Both competitors adhered to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for fairness, and the new time was independently verified by Racelogic, ensuring undisputed legitimacy.

Lukas Czinger, co-founder and CEO, attributed the breakthrough to optimal sunny weather and refined engineering insights. Simulations highlighted gains on the front straight and ascent to the Corkscrew, where maximized electric motor assistance delivered higher exit speeds. He emphasized how the 21C's advanced design and manufacturing technologies translate directly to superior on-track performance, praising his team's unyielding drive for perfection while expressing admiration for the competitive spirit that propels the industry forward.

This substantial margin may deter immediate challenges, yet the mutual respect between these pioneers promises continued evolution in hypercar capabilities.

... notes from The EDJE

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Driven To Race documentary movie poster outside of premiere screening which kicked off the 2010 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Star Mazda Race Series season. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

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Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis

Orientation to a test at IMS Road Course begins in earnest within the Pit Box of Rahal Letterman Lanigan with Mick Schumacher. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis  

By Edmund Jenks ... notes from The EDJE

Mick Schumacher climbed into the No. 75 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as the sun hung low over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, casting long shadows across the reconfigured IMS road course. This was no sentimental pilgrimage, no passion play steeped in the legacy of his father, Michael Schumacher, who conquered this hallowed ground five times in Formula 1. No, this was a grueling, methodical track day - a full-throttle immersion into the raw, unfiltered demands of NTT INDYCAR Dallara machinery. 

For Mick, a driver with 43 Formula 1 starts and a current World Endurance Championship campaign, this test was a calculated exercise in data collection, not an emotional homecoming.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference

Monday, October 13, 2025 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Mick Schumacher - FULL Press Conference Above

Transcript With Edmund Jenks (click to launch video - 38.36 start time):

The EDJE: My interest is you're a professional driver. You don't just go out and just do a track day because it's fun. You're seriously considering INDYCAR. Is there anything about the variants of the types of racing that we have, whether it's -- I know you haven't done ovals, but we have short ovals, large ovals, you know, dedicated road courses, as well as street courses. Are there any races out there that interest you, any tracks that interest you, given that you are looking into this NTT INDYCAR SERIES approach?

MICK SCHUMACHER: There are great tracks out there. I think one of the big points, it is one of those places where you will find more old-school racetracks than new ones, and I think everybody kind of understands what I mean with that. I think that aspect is pretty fun.

Also, street circuits are usually very challenging, and they demand a lot from a racing driver. Yeah, I think there's a good mix from racetracks out there at the INDYCAR SERIES.

I don't want to talk too much about ovals. That's why I didn't kind of go there. Yeah, as I said earlier in this meeting, I am considering at some point maybe doing an oval just to see what it's about, whether that's going to be a short, mid, or long oval, I don't know. I didn't know there were those three different lengths to it.

But, yeah, I think, again, the series is a great series. It's a spec series, but still, there is some development you can do from team to team. So, yeah, racing seems fun. We'll see what opportunities it might have for me.

The EDJE: Finally, outside of the Indy 500, are there any specific races that you may have watched on television, and you go, Boy, I could myself in a car on that track? Are there any tracks that call to you?

MICK SCHUMACHER: I don't know how to really answer that, because I did watch a couple of tracks, but it's hard to really kind of feel that way if you haven't driven it.

I definitely am interested in seeing some other tracks out there. Today was good to be here to see this track. It was definitely a fun one. Racing, I'm sure, is a great pleasure here.

But, yeah, there's no real knowledge of mine that would say, okay, that one track is one that I would like to race on, for now.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

ENDS

Yard Of Bricks crossed as Mick Schumacher plys the same pavements seven-time Formula One World Champion, and father, Michael Schumacher won the United States Grand Prix five times on between 2000-07.Image Credit: Chris Jones via NICS (2025)

Schumacher’s day was a marathon of precision and adaptation. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan crew had a meticulously crafted run plan, and Mick executed it with the focus of a seasoned professional. Lap after lap, he wrestled with the nuances of the INDYCAR beast - its heavier steering, its aggressive tire behavior, its Aeroscreen-induced heat. “It feels very much like an F2 car,” he noted, drawing parallels to his championship-winning days, though the INDYCAR’s raw edge demanded a bolder approach. The Firestone tires, reminiscent of his F3 Hankook days, allowed him to push hard without the delicate conservation required in other series. This was no leisurely drive; it was a relentless pursuit of feedback and performance.

The preparation for this test was as intense as the day itself. Schumacher spent days embedded with the RLL team, poring over details in the workshop and logging hours in the Honda simulator. This wasn’t about soaking in the mystique of Indianapolis but about mastering the car’s quirks before he even turned a wheel. The simulator offered a taste of the INDYCAR’s handling, stripping away surprises and letting Mick focus on extracting data. “It was really important to see how a race weekend would run out,” he said, emphasizing the structured approach that defined the day. Every moment was about building a foundation, not chasing glory.

InstaGram image posted by Mick Schumacher showing the unique Aeroscreen entry into the cockpit of a
Dallara NTT INDYCAR platform. Image Credit: Mick Schumacher (2025)

The track itself was unforgiving, an old-school layout that punished mistakes with a trip into the grass. Schumacher relished the challenge, finding the circuit’s demands a fitting test for his skills. Comparisons to his Formula 1 experience were inevitable, but he dismissed nostalgia in favor of pragmatism. “I was focused on driving, doing my plan,” he said, shrugging off questions about his father’s legacy. The INDYCAR’s rough-and-tumble nature - less clinical than F1, with its spec-series ethos - required a different mindset. Mick adapted, noting the car’s looser rear end and the tactile connection provided by its heavier steering. This was a workout, not a reverie.

Challenges abounded, from decoding the team’s lingo - “stickers” for new tires left him briefly puzzled - to adjusting to the Aeroscreen’s stifling airflow. Yet Schumacher took it in stride, his focus unwavering. The physicality of the car, often hyped as a beast by other drivers, proved less daunting than expected. “I didn’t think it was that heavy,” he admitted, finding the steering’s feedback a source of connection rather than strain. The test wasn’t about heroics; it was about understanding the machine and its limits, a task Mick attacked with clinical efficiency.

For all the sweat and focus, the day wasn’t without its sparks of enjoyment. Schumacher’s love for open-wheel racing shone through, a nod to his father’s adage about Schumachers being fastest when they can see their wheels. The INDYCAR’s single-seater DNA appealed to him, its 17-race calendar a tantalizing prospect for a driver who thrives on competition. Yet he remained guarded about his future, weighing INDYCAR against other options for 2026. “It’s about me trying to figure out what I want to do,” he said, his decision-making process as deliberate as his laps. An oval test looms as a potential next step, but for now, Mick is content to analyze and reflect.

In the end, this was no romantic ode to racing’s past but a hard-fought day of work. Schumacher’s test was a masterclass in discipline, a driver fully immersed in the task at hand. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with its storied history, served as a backdrop, not a shrine. For Mick, the allure of INDYCAR lies in its driver-centric ethos, where talent behind the wheel still reigns supreme. As he packed up after a long debrief, the data gathered and lessons learned were the true trophies of the day - a strenuous track day, executed with purpose.

... notes from The EDJE

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