PHOENIX, AZ – Alexander Rossi and Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) are sending a clear signal to the NTT IndyCar Series paddock: they are a force to be reckoned with in 2026. Rossi topped the speed charts in both sessions of the Unser IndyCar Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on Wednesday, setting the fastest overall lap of 174.542 mph in the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet. The strong performance comes as the series prepares for its return to the one-mile oval for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 7th, marking the first IndyCar race at Phoenix since 2018.
The test, which saw all 25 confirmed 2026 entrants participate, provided valuable track time as teams adjusted to the unique challenges of the Phoenix Raceway surface and prepared for the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1st. Rossi’s consistent speed throughout both days – 174.444 mph in the morning session – underscores ECR’s apparent gains in setup, and performance. This is particularly significant as Rossi seeks to end a drought since his last oval victory at Pocono Raceway in August 2018. Morning Session Results | Afternoon Session Results | Overall Test Results
“We got through everything we wanted, and when you can do that, it’s a good day,” Rossi stated after the afternoon session. “Christian’s (Rasmussen) car is also strong, so there’s nothing more I could ask for.” The synergy between Rossi and his teammate, Christian Rasmussen, is clearly a positive sign for ECR, with Rasmussen consistently placing among the top contenders.
ECR Dominates the Top of the Timesheets
The Ed Carpenter Racing team demonstrated impressive depth, securing two of the top four positions overall. Rasmussen finished fourth with a lap of 173.924 mph, solidifying ECR’s position as a team to watch in the upcoming season. This performance builds on Rasmussen’s success at the 2025 Milwaukee Mile, where he secured a victory. The team’s ability to quickly adapt to the Phoenix oval and extract maximum performance from their Chevrolet-powered cars is a testament to their engineering prowess.
Josef Newgarden, driving the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, finished second overall with a best lap of 174.362 mph, set during the morning session. Newgarden, a two-time series champion, continued his consistent form, having also been second fastest on the opening day of testing, Tuesday, with a lap of 172.201 mph behind teammate David Malukas. Reigning and four-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou rounded out the top three, posting a lap of 174.220 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Rookie Gains and Oval Experience
The test also provided valuable experience for drivers new to oval racing, particularly Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher. Driving the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda, Schumacher showed significant improvement over the two days, ending up as the fastest rookie with a lap of 171.096 mph. He improved his speed by more than 7 mph from Tuesday’s session, where he recorded a lap of 164.006 mph, demonstrating a rapid learning curve. This progress is encouraging for the team and for Schumacher as he transitions to IndyCar.
David Malukas, in his early days with Team Penske, continued to showcase his oval racing prowess, finishing fifth overall with a lap of 173.759 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. His performance suggests he will be a strong contender throughout the season, particularly on oval tracks.
Testing Incident and Extensive Laps
The test wasn’t without incident. Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner, experienced a minor spin in Turn 4 while driving the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda fielded by Andretti Global. He made contact with the SAFER Barrier with the rear of the car but was thankfully unhurt. The incident occurred approximately 49 minutes into the afternoon session.
Series veteran Will Power proved to be the most diligent driver in terms of track time, completing a remarkable 259 laps over the two days – exceeding the race distance scheduled for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 7th. Power, now with Andretti Global after 16 seasons with Team Penske, used the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new team and refine the car’s setup. This extensive testing is crucial for gathering data and optimizing performance for the upcoming race.
Phoenix Raceway’s Return to the IndyCar Schedule
The return of IndyCar to Phoenix Raceway marks a significant moment for the series and for racing fans in the region. The Good Ranchers 250 will be the first IndyCar race at Phoenix since 2018, and the test served as a crucial preparation step for both teams and drivers. The one-mile oval presents a unique set of challenges, requiring precise car control and strategic tire management. The track’s configuration and abrasive surface demand a different approach compared to other ovals on the IndyCar calendar.
The Phoenix Raceway test provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. With Alexander Rossi and Ed Carpenter Racing setting the pace, and several other top contenders demonstrating strong performance, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable season. The return to Phoenix promises to deliver thrilling racing action and a renewed sense of excitement for IndyCar fans.
The next major event on the IndyCar calendar is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1st. This street circuit race will provide a different test for the teams and drivers, requiring a focus on agility and precision. Fans can find more information about the event, including ticket details and schedules, on the official IndyCar website: https://www.indycar.com/. Stay tuned for further updates and race coverage as the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season unfolds.