The NTT IndyCar Series’ next stop is the much anticipated return to Phoenix Raceway for the first time since 2018 as part of a NASCAR / IndyCar doubleheader. This is a race I personally have been looking forward to ever since it was announced.
The 1 mile oval has hosted IndyCar previously, first in 1964 won by AJ Foyt as he embarked on the most dominant season in the series’ history. In more recent times the race has fallen off the calendar a few times, only being run eight times since 2000 and three times since the IRL/CART reunion in 2008. The circuit has still been kept up to date hosting the NASCAR cup series twice a year, including the season finale from 2020-25.
With that introduction out of the way let’s get you ready for IndyCar’s return to Phoenix and the first oval race of 2026.
Alex Palou leads the field into the Arizona heat courtesy of his dominant victory in St. Pete from Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin who started from pole and sits in a good position to challenge the defending champion as Penske will undoubtedly be the favourites for this weekend’s action.
Behind them it was Christian Lundgaard for McLaren as he looks to continue his momentum from the 2025 season.
On the flip side, THREE veterans of the IndyCar circuit will hope for a fire to kickstart their season after disastrous starts in St. Pete. Scott Dixon and Will Power both retired, two legends of the sport but rare mistakes and in the kiwi’s case a bad pit stop meant little to show for it.
Meanwhile Josef Newgarden will also be under the microscope as his recovery drive in St.Pete does mask the confidence issues that many have with him following a horrid qualifying session from him. Phoenix will no doubt be the double champion’s best chance to right the ship in what has been speculated to be a contract year.
A TRIP INTO THE UNKNOWN
Luckily for them, only five of the twenty-five drivers entered for this weekend have ever raced an IndyCar at St. Pete; These are the aforementioned trio of Scott Dixon, Will Power and Josef Newgarden plus the likes of 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi and Graham Rahal. Of them just Dixon (2016) and Newgarden (2018) have seen victory lane.
For the other twenty drivers, aside from the open tests this will be a brand new adventure, and while some will nail it, others will falter. This does also help our three rookies though, in particular Mick Schumacher who was collected in a crash on Lap 1 in St. Pete. His inexperience of ovals will be offset a little by the overall inexperience for the entire grid.
NEWGARDEN’S MUST WIN
Josef Newgarden has long since been the king of oval racing, especially short ovals such as Iowa where the “King of corn country” has won six times, with many more he could and probably should have won.
Amidst all the noise surrounding Team Penske and Newgarden’s struggles in recent years, teammate McLaughlin’s performances and this being a contract year for the two time Indy 500 winner, I truly view this as a must win race for the Nashville born driver. It all aligns as he is the best driver at this type of circuit, Team Penske will be heavy favourites, likely going 1-2-3 at some point and he won the last race here for the captain in 2018.
WHO SHOULD WE WATCH FOR?
Scott McLaughlin
A strong start to the season with pole and 2nd place in St. Pete brings confidence for the “thirsty threes”, and with Penske being the odds on favourite for delivering a fast car, I see no reason why McLaughlin won’t be in the mix for victory on Saturday.
Furthermore if he can win over Newgarden, that could be a massive power shift as Scotty tries to lead the team and make a championship challenge
Alex Palou
The man Scotty is chasing himself is flawless, while a 10/10 in most categories, Palou’s oval results aren’t as strong, if there is any time to capitalize and gain points it’s now. Could Palou pull off the improbable though? Winning in Phoenix would cement his positon as the champion in waiting just two races into the new year
Pato O’Ward
The mexican superstar is often the only person who can challenge Team Penske on ovals and he needs a strong result after a mediocre result in St. Pete.
David Malukas
The breakout star finally has his chance in top equipment as “Lil Dave” hopes to become an IndyCar winner, Phoenix will be his first real shot, though all eyes are likely on St. Louis.
HOW CAN WE WATCH?
This weekend’s schedule is condensed due to the nature of our doubleheader weekend.
Friday
Practice 1 – 10am EST
Qualifying – 2:05pm EST
Practice 2 – 5pm EST
Saturday
Race – 3pm EST
In the USA you can catch Practice and Quali through the FOX affiliated networks and the IndyCar Live app, while the race will be broadcast on big FOX.
In Canada, you can watch the race on TSN or TSN+
In Europe, you can check Sky Sports F1, Ziggo Sports (NLD), ViaPlay and Canal+ , depending on the country. The IndyCar Live website is working as well.
written by Carlos Faria // Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
