Malukas & Rossi Set Fastest Times at Phoenix IndyCar Test 2026

Phoenix, Arizona – February 19, 2026 – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES concluded a two-day open test at Phoenix Raceway today, with Alexander Rossi of Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) setting the fastest overall lap time. The test, the first at the track since 2018, served as a crucial preparation for the Good Ranchers 250 scheduled for March 7th, marking the return of IndyCar racing to the Arizona circuit.

Rossi, driving the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet, recorded a lap speed of 174.542 mph, completing the 1-mile oval in 20.6254 seconds during the afternoon session. He also led the morning session with a speed of 174.444 mph. This performance signals a potential end to Rossi’s oval victory drought, which dates back to August 2018 at Pocono Raceway.

“We got through everything we wanted, and when you can do that, it’s a good day,” Rossi stated. “Christian’s (Rasmussen) car is also strong, so there’s nothing more I could ask for.” The strong showing from both ECR drivers suggests a competitive edge for the team as the season approaches.

Josef Newgarden, driving the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, finished second overall with a lap time of 20.6467 seconds, translating to a speed of 174.362 mph. Newgarden was also the fastest driver on the opening day of the test, Tuesday, February 18th, with a speed of 172.201 mph, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the two days.

Reigning and four-time series champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing rounded out the top three, achieving a speed of 174.220 mph in the No. 10 DHL Honda. Christian Rasmussen, also driving for ECR, secured the fourth fastest time, further highlighting the team’s strong performance.

The test saw all 25 drivers expected to compete in the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1st participate. The return to Phoenix marks a significant change for the series, offering a different challenge for drivers and teams compared to the street and road courses that typically begin the season.

The test wasn’t without incident. Marcus Ericsson of Andretti Global experienced a quarter-spin at Turn 4, making contact with the barrier from the rear. Fortunately, Ericsson was uninjured. The incident underscores the challenges presented by the short oval and the importance of precise car control.

Rookie drivers also gained valuable experience during the test. Mick Schumacher, in his first IndyCar test at Phoenix, finished 18th overall. His performance was notably faster than fellow rookies Caio Collet and Dennis Hauger, who finished 21st and 22nd respectively. Schumacher completed 109 laps, the third-highest total of the day, demonstrating his commitment to learning the nuances of oval racing.

Will Power, a veteran of the series, completed the most laps over the two days with 259, exceeding the anticipated race distance for the upcoming event. This extensive running provides valuable data for Power and Team Penske as they refine their setups for the Good Ranchers 250.

The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway provided a comprehensive assessment of car performance and driver readiness ahead of the March 7th race. The results indicate a highly competitive field, with Ed Carpenter Racing and Team Penske appearing particularly strong. The return of IndyCar to Phoenix promises an exciting addition to the 2026 season, offering a unique challenge for drivers and a thrilling spectacle for fans.