Formula 1 Invades Phoenix

Not even could ‘Ol Sherriff Joe Arpaio get IndyCar’s to run on Phoenix’s streets nearly two decades ago!

 

Naturally, I was slightly taken aback to discern that 14 years had slipped by since my latest visit to what forever will be Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to Mwah! Even if its just plain ‘Ol Phoenix Raceway now.

 

Hence why it took some effort to find the accompanying No Fenders post, when partaking in a 2X Seater ride in thee Valley of the Sun Wayback’ in Gory 2012, Aye Karumba!

 

The Tomaso Files: Spinin’ Wheelz, 4-lefts really Does Make a Circle!

 

Still remembering vaguely how I purchased a plane ticket to go to Phoenix for the impending Chump Carz’ race in Gory 2007. When Champ Car world Series was slated to race upon the Streets of Downtown Phoenix on December 2nd. In what would have been the first Open Wheel Racing in Phoenix since 1991, before cancelling this event. Although I went to Phoenix anyways, since it was nice to escape Seattle’s winter weather…

 

While it Slays me that its now Gory 37 years ago since I attended my debutante Formula 1 race in Downtown Phoenix. Attending the aptly named Iceberg Grand Prix on June 4th, 1989, when it was a toasty 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Sheisa!

 

Phoenix’s Iceberg

 

Whilst I still lament skipping the next year’s event. Thinking then, there were another four years to go on the race’s contract. Without knowing that 1991 would be the third and final year for F1, and the last time racing on Phoenix’s streets…

 

RETRO: Phoenix’s last Grand Prix - Two-decades ago almost slipped past

 

Thus, is it just Mwah? Who finds it curious that the Red bull Demonstration Showrun travelling Circus makes its way to the streets of Downtown Phoenix 25 years later! And one week after IndyCar returns to the Valley of the Sun for the first time since 2018?

 

Not to mention just a week after the IndyCar-NASCAR Double Header weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Like is Formula 1 trying to steal IndyCar’s thunder? Or rain on FOX’s cross promotional parade, You make the Call!

 

As the Red bull Showrun will feature Nikola Tsolov and Scott Speed behind the wheel of Red Bull and AlphaTauri F1 machinery.

 

The Red Bull Showrun event Free to the public, runs from 1:00 to 4:00PM, this Saturday, March 14th on Jefferson Street. Running between Central Avenue and Fifth street. And will also include high performance Ford vehicles such as the Mustang GT3 and Lightning Supertruck, amongst the Offroad and racing cars participating…

 

Scott Speed should need no introduction, and perhaps even lives in Arizona? Having won Red Bull’s Drivers search program Wayback’ in Bloody 2002. Becoming the first American in Formula 1 since Michael Andretti in 1993. Driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso between 2006-07.

 

Naturally, Nikola Tsolov’s name is totally “Foreign” to Mwah, having never heard of Him before. As the 19yr old Bulgarian racing driver finished runner-up in Formula 3 last year. Along with making His formula 2 debut at season’s end.

 

Tsolov will contest His rookie season driving for Campos Racing and is a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. Making His debut aboard a Formula 1 chassis last June in a Sofia Showrun, driving a Red Bull RB7.

 

Tsolov like many, will be aspiring to join Arvid Lindblad in formula 1. Having found the following video chronicling Lindblad’s maiden F1 outing during the 2024 Houston Showrun.

 

Which presumably gives a pretty good example of what a Showrun entails…

 

F1 Cars do Doughnuts on Streets of Houston 

F1: Introducing Formula 1’s lone 2026 F1 rookie driver

As just how far will this new F1 Hotschue’ progress?

 

Formula 1 Diehards will already know that this year’s F1 Grid features only one new rookie driver, after last year’s Mega’ class of four, i.e.; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, remember Him Y’all? And Isack Hadjar. As Oliver Bearman wasn’t a rookie due to having raced three Grands Prix in 2024. And Franco Colapinto had replaced Logan Sargent at Williams the previous season…

 

Arvid Lindblad

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Virginia Water, Surrey

DOB: August 8, 2007; Age: 18

Car No. 41

 

Once again, another fresh face Formula Uno rookie Pilote I know nothing about. Other than reportedly He’s another Red Bull Junior Driver prodigy. Having read that current Racing Bulls F1 team Boss Alan Bat’ Permane says He’s very similar to Isack Hadjar, i.e.; Calm, cool ‘n collected. Asking many questions and soaking in everything like a sponge, whilst simply getting on with the “Job”.

 

Arvid’s father Stefan is Swedish, wile His Mum’ Anita is of Indian decent, along with a grandmother who was one of the oldest practicing GP’s in England. Noting He’d like to work on improving His Swedish and Hindi language skills. While He also has a younger brother named Amil.

 

Arvid’s father gave Him a Scooter’ (Motorcycle) at Age 3 before switching to Go Karts at Age 5, beginning at Daytona Sandown Park.

 

In 2015 at Age 9, Arvid began competitive Karting with His mentor being Oliver Rowlan, before winning the 2020 WSK Super Master Series OKJ Class.

 

That was the first of His multiple Karting championships, joining the Red Bull Junior Driver Academy in 2021.

 

Lindblad made His single seater debut in 2022 in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, driving for Van Amersfoort Racing. In 2023, Lindblad secured His first single seater victory in the UAE F4 championship at the Dubai Autodrome.

 

Next, Arvid contested the Italian F4 championship, driving for Prema Racing. Collecting six wins, but ultimately finishing third overall after His massive points lead evaporated.

 

Another win came in the Euro 4 championship, followed by a stellar weekend at Macau. Securing the F4 pole and winning His qualification race. Punctuated by winning the main race the day after.

 

For 2024, Lindblad remained with Prema Racing, graduating to the Formula 3 championship. His teammates were Gabriele Mini and Dino Beganovic.

 

Lindblad scored a Sprint race win in Bahrain. Then claiming His first Feature race win at Barcelona. Before making further history at Silverston, where He became the first F3 driver to win the “Double”. Taking wins in both the Sprint and Feature races and vaulting to second in the championship.

 

Yet what seems to be a tendency of Lindblad’s, He once again faltered down the stretch, not scoring any mor “needed” points results in the final three rounds, and dropping to fourth overall at season’s end.

 

Yet Arvid “Broke His Duck” by crushing the Competizione in the 2025 Formula Regional Oceania Championship with six poles and six wins. Winning His first title by 56points over Kiwi’ Zack Scoular. Whilst Nikita Johnson, who’d been second much of the season, slid to third overall, 65 points adrift of Lindblad.

 

As Johnson will  contest this year’s Indy NXT championship driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR. Along with a fulltime drive for Rahal Letterman Racing in IMSA GTD Pro, aboard their factory McLaren 720S Evo.

 

Lindblad graduated to Formula 2, joining Campos Racing for the 2025 season. Scoring His first win in the Jeddah Sprint race, after Richard Verschoor was penalized.

 

Barcelona was Arvid’s high water mark of the season. Claiming two pole positions and scoring the feature win at Campos home track.

 

Afterwards, a spate of collisions, a disquification, etc. Lindblad ultimately slid to sixth overall by season’s end. Although claiming His second Sprint race victory in Abu Dhabi, netting three wins overall that year.

 

As Arvid’s wins in Formula 3 and Formula 2 made Him the youngest driver ever to do so in both series…

 

Having been a Red Bull Junior Driver member since 2021, Lindblad drove His very first Formula 1 chassis, a Red Bull RB8 during a demonstration run in Houston in 2024.

 

He completed His first private test in an AlphaTauri AT04 at Imola the following February. A second test in the same chassis followed in June.

 

Lindblad took part in a promotional “gimmick” of racing three Leeds United F.C. “Footballers” on foot in a Red Bull RB7 at Elland Raud, also that June. Before Red Bull requested an early FIA Super License for the 17yr old, a la Kimi Antonelli’s earlySuper License dispensation.

 

Arvid made His Free Practice debut at the British Grand Prix, finishing P14 in the morning’s (Free Practice) FP1 session.

 

 

Presumably Lindblad gained Attenzione by finishing sixth in FP1 in Mexico City as Max Verstappen’s “replacement”. Before a third and final FP outing in the season finale on Yas Isle as Yuki Tsunoda’s replacement.

 

Then in December, Racing Bulls announced Lindblad as Liam Lawson’s new Racing Bulls teammate for 2026, before taking part in the post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young Drivers test session… 

Time to Kickoff the 2026 Formula 1 season

“But it’s a long way to the Top, If You wanna Rock ‘n Roll”

 

VIDEO: It’s A Long Way to the Top

 

Think everyone’s heard Ad Nauseum that this year’s Formula 1 championship sees the most complex set of technical regulation changes, i.e.; chassis and power unit. With a total of two new PU (Power Unit) manufacturers joining the fray. Audi as its own Werks supplier, and Ford in conjunction with Red Bull Power Train. (RBPT) With a total of five PU manufacturers, i.e.; Audi,(1)  Ferrari, (3)  Honda, (1) Mercedes (4)  and Red Bull Ford. (2) With Ferrari customers being Haas and Cadillac; Mercedes being Alpine, McLaren and Williams, and Ford supplying both Red Bull entities. With Aston Martin becoming Honda’s Werks’ team, dropping its Mercedes customer PU; effectively taken up by Alpine.

 

RETRO: A Sad Day for French Motorsports

 

There’s now a total of 11 F1 Constructors, with the addition of Audi, who’s purchase of Sauber is now complete. And the brand new Cadillac entry, as the grid’s 11th team. With Cadillac using customer Ferrari PU’s until 2029, giving us Yanks two U.S. Flagged F1 Constructors this year.

 

Haven’t read the latest gossip over the reported PU roe, with Mercedes and Red Bull Ford being alleged of managing to skirt the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) maximum compression 16:1 ratio regulation, by having their engines combustion chambers “tighten” up under extreme heat to circumvent this regulation and increase compression to 18:1 if I understand this correctly? With cynics suggesting an increase of lap times of 0.4 second per lap.

 

As nothing like a little controversy to get the pre-season started, Eh?

 

On the drivers front, there was very little change overall, with eight of the 10 Formula 1 teams from last year standing pat. As only the two Red bull outfits made driver changes. With Isack Hadjar being elevated to the Big Bulls’, aka Red Bull Racing as Yuki Tsnoda’s replacement. And the series lone rookie Arvid Lindblad joining thee ‘lil Bullz’, nee Racing Bulls as Hadjar’s vacated seat.

 

Veteran F1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Botta return to Formula 1 after a year’s absence as Cadillac’s two drivers. And although Perez is talking Bullish about the team scoring points in its maiden campaign. I’ll expect there to be the usual teething issues of any brand new entity…

 

Cannot say I’m a fan of the Canadian Grand Prix moving to Memorial Day to butt heads with the Indianapolis 500, especially since there’s a three weeks gap between Miami and Montreal. Whilst not sure if any other calendar changes? Other than keeping the usual allotment of six Sprint race weekends, i.e.; Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.

 

While I’ve previously tried briefly chronicling this season’s massive  technical changes in the preceding No Fenders post…

 

F1: Dawning of the Latest era begins 

And now, All the remaining Open Wheel Seats are Filled

Testing-Testing, 1-2. Has Dale Coyne actually named His second driver, Cough-Cough?

 

Yeah Ladies ‘n Germs’, your two left Thumbs Scribe Tomaso is another day late, and definitely many dollars shorter after another enjoyable trek to thee Valley of the Sun! Without even realizing I was visiting during the IndyCar test at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Hence no riveting St Pete IndyCar recaps here Folks…

 

Perhaps its just Mwah, but does anybody ever notice how “Sharp” formula 1 is? And doesn’t waste time making decisions or announcing changes. Which perhaps is partially due to the scope of it being a multi-billions, as in “B” business…

 

Although we know that Dale Coyne will have to name its second, Err “lead” driver by February 8th, since IndyCar holds it’s first Open test on Sebring’s “Short” road course February 9-10, Righto?

 

Although perhaps Valentines Day is the new Halloween for Dale Coyne, Hya!

 

Meanwhile, Wayback’ on December 2nd, Red Bull announced the expected. That F1 rookie sensation Isack Hadjar would be moving up to the Big Bulls, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. And that 18yr old Arvid Lindblad would graduate to the ‘lil Bullz’, aka Racing Bulls as Liam Lawson’s new teammate.

 

While Tsunoda’s confined to the dubious role of test and reserve driver at Red Bull. And Arse-sumedly Racing Bulls? As Tsunoda’s contracted to Red Bull for 2026.

 

On Dec 4th, Haas announced that beginning in 2026, it would be renamed as TGR Haas F1 Team, thanks to an expanded partnership with Toyota. Who Haas already has a technical partnership with.

 

As TGR stands for Toyota Gazoo Racing, who are also title sponsors for Hitech’s Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams, beginning last year.

 

As Mucho Attenzione will be focused upon Hitech TGR’s F2 team this year, since Colton Herta will drive the team’s No. 3 entry. With rising Japanese Star Ritomo Miyata aboard the No. 4 spec Dallara F2 2024 Mecachrome racecar.

 

Then two days after season’s end, when the Post Abu Dhabi GP Young Drivers test was being held. (Dec 9th) Der Helmut’, aka Helmut Marco, Red Bull’s longtime special advisor and Junior Driver Impresario tendered His resignation after 20 years with Red Bull. Having been instrumental with bringing Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to Red Bull Racing.

 

Helmet Marco leaves Red Bull

 

Although Der Helmut was also famously known for discarding Red Bull Junior drivers like tepid bathwater, Ja Volt!

 

Slinking back across thoust Gory Puddle. Stateside, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) gave IndyCar rookie Mick Schumacher his first Oval test at Miami’s Homestead 1.5-mile Speedway, on February 4th.

 

“It was a great first day”, as Mick Schumacher completes first Oval laps at Homestead

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

Then as noted, the whole Enchilada gathered in Florida. When IndyCar held its first Open Test on Sebring’s “short” road course layout February 9-10.

 

Then, ten of the  previous year’s eleven IndyCar teams, excluding Prema Racing sent their transporters off to thee Valley of the Sun one week later. When IndyCar held its second Open test at Phoenix International Raceway. (PIR) Yeah, I know its just Phoenix Raceway or whatever now? But old habits die hard, especially having gone Thar over 30yrs ago for a CART IndyCar race, when Jack Vanilla, ergo Jacques Villeneuve tried taking out the Goodyear pedestrian crossover bridge!

 

VIDEO: 1994 Phoenix Hiro Matsushita Jacques Villeneuve Crash

 

Uhm, IndyCar held court on Phoenix’s 1.0-mile “Crooked” (Dog-leg) Oval between February 17-18, with new & improved Flintstone front tyres.

 

Interesting how IndyCar and Formula 1 pre-season testing overlapped, before IndyCar’s St Pete season opener on March 1st. Where ’Ol DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power hop to be celebrating His 45th birthday in style with another trophy!

 

Then Formula 1 heads Down Under to Bloody Melbourne on March 8th for its season’s kickoff Australian Grand Prix. Where everyone whose got Apple TV will be curious over the new fangled F1 machinery…

 

And saying What About Me? MotoGP kicked off its season in Thailand on March 1st at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, another “Tilkie”, ergo Herman Tilke designed race course.

 

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Wasn’t that worth the wait to find out Romain Grosjean is Dale Coyne’s second driver? 

IndyCar Season Preview: The 2026 Honda runners’

Fans still love DJ WillyP’, even if He’s not driving for Team Penske anymore. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

It’s Showtime Ladies ‘n Germs, as finally, we’re live right now in St Pete!

 

Well, and No Tomas Sr. It’s A Deep subject Joke Here Folks, Hya! But It’s time again to throw the Green flag and Go Racing! As the IndyCar’s and their supporting cast Indy NXT take over  the Saint Petersburg’s Airfield this weekend, on the 1.800-mile temporary Street Circuit. Beginning with the first practices session today. (Friday, February 27th)

 

let’s go Racing Vroom-Vroom!

 

2026 Honda Team line-ups

Attempting another hypothetically, HaHa! Short synopsis of the 13 Honda powered Drivers on this year’s IndyCar Grid.

 

Andretti Global (3)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#26 Will Power, Australia

#27 Kyle Kirkwood, USA

#28 Marcus Ericsson, Sweden

 

2025 Wins: 3

Kyle Kirkwood (3)

 

Obviously the “Big” offseason news is the departure of Colton Herta to Europe to race in Formula 2, along with being Cadillac F1 Team’s development driver. Sprinkled in with Moonlighting in IMSA endurance races and a hopeful Indy 500 drive. With the one, the only DJ WillyP’ replacing Herta just days after Colton was confirmed leaving IndyCar.

 

Naturally, Will Power and Arse-sumedly Ron Ruzewski both have chips on their shoulder after their unseemly dismissals from Team Penske. And being a Huge Power Fan, I certainly hope He torches Team Penske this season!

 

Marcus Ericsson had an even rougher season overall during His second year at Andretti, sliding from P15 overall in 2024 to 21st last year. And the affable Swede’ doesn’t need reminding what’s riding on this final contract year.

 

Kyle “Kirk” Kirkwood had His breakout season in 2025, winning three races, including His first Oval track W’. As Kirkwood vaulted from seventh in 2024 to fourth overall last year, and hopes to challenge Alex Palou this season…

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (3)

#8 Kyffin Simpson, Cayman Islands

#9 Scott Dixon, New Zealand

#10 Alex Palou, Spain

 

2025 Wins: 9

Alex Palou, (8) Scott Dixon (1)

 

What more can be said about reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou’s “Magical” season last year? Claiming three consecutive titles; 2023-2025! Or a total of four over the last five seasons. And the total Beatdown He put upon the entire field!

 

While the timeless Scott Dixon who finished third overall last season with one W’. Currently sits on 59 career wins, only eight shy of tying the legendous’ A.J. Foyt’s record 67 wins. Obviously won’t be happy playing second fiddle to Palou another year!

 

The “Kyf-dog”, ergo Kyffin Simpson in His third year at CGR improved four positions last year, finishing P17 overall, with three Top-5 and six Top-10 finishes. Having finished a dubious P21 overall in 2024.

 

Dale Coyne Racing (2)

#18 Romain Grosjean, France

#19 (R) Dennis Hauger, Norway

(Technical Alliance with Andretti Global)

 

The wily Dale Coyne took His time honoured tradition of being the last to announce His latest driver choices to new heights this year…

 

Coyne enters a new technical alliance with Andretti global this season, making it no surprise that the first driver confirmed at DCR was Dennis Hauger. As the “Nordsky” surpasses the Viking’, aka Anders Krrohn. As Hauger won the 2025 Indy NXT Championship with six wins enroute to IndyCar.

 

Hauger, who turns a precocious 23 years young on Saint Patrick’s Day, spent three seasons in Formula 2, winning five times, i.e.; one Feature and four Sprint races before moving to America last year…

 

We finally learned who Dale’s “second” driver was one day prior to Valentines Day. Although it was the worst kept secret! With Marshall Pruett noting prior that Romain Grosjean had shown up in Indianoplis during IndyCar Content Days, albiet just getting a physical…

 

As Marshall said it would have been funny if Romain had “Crashed” Content Days! Before Grosjean tested at Sebring, before the press release was finally issued on Friday the 13th . Which hopefully won’t be a bad omen for the Phoenix…

 

Meyer Shank Racing (2)

#60 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

#66 Marcus Armstrong, New Zealand

(Technical Alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing)

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ has anointed Felix Rosenqvist with the nickname of Felix-the-Cat. Possibly due to His nine life for remaining an IndyCar driver? As last year, Felix finished an impressive sixth overall, with a best finish of runner-up at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Improving six places over His 2024 finish of P12.

 

Although Felix’s podium finish was probably overshadowed by Santino Ferrucci guzzling a Miller Genuine Draft Beer on His way to joining Rosenqvist on the Road America podium!

 

Marcus Armstrong had a strong debut season with MSR. As the Kiwi’ vaulted from P14 in 2024 to eighth overall last year. Just eight points behind teammate Rosenqvist and Colton Herta who tied for eighth. (372-364)

 

As can this duo continue finishing inside the Top-10 results-wise. And can either win a race for MSR?

 

Meanwhile, ‘Ol Dancin’ Fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves will once again run the team’s third #06 MSR entry at Mother Speedway this May, as the elder statesman at 51 years old.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (3)

#15 Graham Rahal, USA

#45 Louis Foster, UK

#47 (R) Mick Schumacher, Germany

Graham Rahal, enters His 20th IndyCar season Me Thinks? And is the De Facto Team leader. Obviously, snap, Oh Never Mind! Being even  “Hungrier” to finally win again. Now entering His ninth season without a win, Youza! Having finished P19 overall last year.

 

2024 Indy NXT champion Louis Foster won the 2025 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year title. Along with capturing His maiden IndyCar pole at Road America.

 

Lastly, the team has taken a “Flyer” upon signing Mick Schumacher as Sparky’s, nee Devlin DeFrancesco’s replacement this year.

 

As I feel this is great news for the series as a whole, and I expect Mick to show occasional flashes of “Brilliance” this season on the Twisties’, i.e.; street circuits and road courses. Presumably the latter, especially on Mother Speedway’s infield road course.

 

As I’ll be interested to see how the young German who turns 27 on March 22nd, contest the ROY (Rookie Of the Year) battle. Albeit He’s got the steepest learning curve of this year’s three rookies.

 

Yet the team seems determined to make its third wheel, Err entry more than just a “number” on the grid, a la last season with Sparky…

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2026 Bowtie Boyz’

Finally, we’re going racing again Hurrah!

 

Otay Kiddoes, another stupendous Off-season has finally ended! Being over a Gory Half year since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last August 31^st.

 

As I’ve dropped Prema Racing, since they’ve missed pre-season testing, and will not compete at St Pete. And if they do return, they’ll presumably be under new ownership, and a new name…

 

2026 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 (R) Caio Collet, Brazil

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now that ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as departed Foyt for “Greener” pastures.

 

As Brazilian Caio Collet, set to turn 24 years old on April 3rd , will partner thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci this season.

 

Collet graduates from Indy NXT, where He finished “Vice Champion”, Err runner-up to series champion Dennis Hauger with three wins. And His No. 4 entry sounds like it’ll have one of the best looking liveries this season.

 

Santino fell dramatically off the boil last year. Sliding backwards from ninth overall in 2024 to 16th overall in 2025.

 

Hence, like every year, “we” Hope for marked improvement from the Foyt team, as surely Santino will have a better season? And rookie Collet will need some time to “gel” to His new environment…

 

Arrow McLaren (3)

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 2

Pato O’Ward (2)

 

While my current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had an impressive season, once again being the team’s only winner. Yet presumably He scored more Top-5 and Top-10 finishes this year.

 

As Pato improved from fifth overall in 2024, to a career best “vice Champion”, Err runner-up last year. Even though scoring one less win.

 

New recruit Christian Lundgaard came charging out of the gate with a trio of podium finishes in the season’s first four races, putting O’Ward on ‘notice”. Yet Pato said this is my team, with the Dane finishing fifth overall, three places behind O’Ward. Having finished 11th at Rahal Letterman Lanigan in 2024.

 

Obviously this is a make or break year for Nolan Siegel, after finishing a lowly P22 overall last year. As what more can I say than team Boss Tony Kanaan saying publicly Nolan needs to finish 10th or better this year or else…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that new team leader Alexander Rossi’s first season with ECR wasn’t sterling, finishing P15 overall. A decline of five places in 2024 at Arrow McLaren.

 

Christian Rasmussen finished 13th overall in His first full season Gig’, which obviously paid off for ECR. With the Dane scoring His maiden IndyCar W’ in a fantastic win on the Milwaukee Mile. Doing something rare, i.e.; passing Alex Palou for victory!

 

Fast Eddie’, ergo team Boss Ed Carpenter will once again run an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team continues to improve overall with Ted Gelov’s partnership and additional staffing.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#76 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

#77 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seemingly “muddles” along. Once again with a revised driver lineup , seeing two former Juncos Racing drivers in the fold.

 

Sting Ray Robb returns for His sophomore season at JHR, having finished 25th overall in 2025. While Rinus VeeKay moves over from Dale Coyne Racing, where He finished P14 overall. With the Dutchman apparently hoping to use JHR as a springboard for bigger ‘n better things in 2027…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 David Malukas, USA

 

2025 Wins: 2

Josef Newgarden, (1) Will Power (1)

 

Think I don’t need to try rehashing everything that occurred at Team Penske last year, Righto? With the departed will Power being the team’s highest overall finisher in ninth. Followed by ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) P10 and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden 12th overall.

 

As the team went from eight wins in 2024 to a measly two last year…

 

Scott McLauglin went winless for the first time since His rookie season, and finished one point behind DJ WillyP’; (Power) 357-356. While Newgarden seems to be on a down “Glide-scope” perhaps?

 

With the “Big” news being the arrival of David Malukas as Will Power’s successor. Where it will be just plain weird “seeing’ Malukas in the No. 12 this year!

 

Ironically, Malukas split His Team Penske teammates at foyt last year. Finishing P11, two points ahead of Newgarden. (318-316)

 

And as my second favourite IndyCar driver, I’m curious how He’ll fare at the “mothership?” As Arse-sumedly most others are…

 

(R = Rookie) 

2026 IndyCar Season Finally set to Start!

Can it really be time again, already?

 

Shiver Me Timbers! As IndyCar’s set to shake off another stupendous Winter’s Slumber and go racing once again. As racecars flock to Saint Petersburg’s temporary street circuit it Friday morning, Hurrah!

 

As guessing that Dale Coyne finally had to divulge His second driver by Valentines Day, Eh? Being Dale’s new “Thanksgiving”, Hya! As Y’all remember Dale saying that Turkey-Lurkey Day was the new Halloween last year, Righto?

 

As who is that masked “second” driver. Although He seems slightly familiar. Donning His Crash-bucket for two days of testing on Sebring’s “Short” course…

 

Here’s some of the typical story lines for this season. As guessing everyone knows about the calendar changes. With the additions of Phoenix, Arlington and Toronto’s relocated Street race. And that Iowa’s been dropped from this year’s schedule. Along with Nashville moving to July and the season finale returning to Laguna Seca…

 

IndyCar announces 17 race 2026 Schedule

 

Obviously that was prior to Don Collosus issuing another Executive Order for the Freedom 250. Where I hear a $1.0 million “Gratuity” will lands Yuhs a VIP Front row seat for the Washington D.C. Street race taking place on August 23rd as Round 18 of this year’s IndyCar schedule.

 

IndyCar to race on Streets of Washington D.C.

 

Meanwhile, 24 drivers, including Dale’s second, Hya! Will be trying to stop the Alex Palou Freight train. As can the affable Spaniard win a fourth consecutive title this year? Which would give Him five IndyCar Championship crowns in total. Surpassing Mario Andretti for third most overall, Aye Karumba!

 

While can DJ WillyP’, ergo William Steven Power ring-in His 45th birthday with a supremely satisfying win Sunday? Upon making His debut for Andretti Global in the No. 26, which is just plain weird!

 

While have to say I’m more intrigued over the Rookie Of the year (ROY) battle for the moment. Since Mick Schumacher’s signing at Rahal is great for the sport. With Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet, who finished 1-2 last year in Indy NXT. Arse-sumedly trying to take the “Mick” outta, Oh Never Mind!

 

Y’all know that bad pun’s Ah-Comin’ sometime this season. Which probably ranks right up Thar with Marshall Pruett’s Prema-nitions’ regarding Prema Racing, cymbal crash please!

 

As Schumacher Jnr has no Oval track racing experience vs. Hauger and Collet’s limited Oval experience, albeit All three will be Newby’s at Mother Speedway…

 

Speaking ‘O Prema Racing. We still didn’t know their situation as of Super Bowl Sunday. When the Seattle Seahawks sought to seek revenge upon those pesky New Patriots after that devastating loss in Super bowl XLIV. As Arse-sumedly Seattle will let Kenneth Walker III run the ball from the One-yard line on Third and Goal, Righto?

 

Yep, Walker ran roughshod over the Patriots by cobbling up some 150 yards rushing, being named the Super bowl MVP, Yeah Baby! With Seattle’s “Dark Side” Defense totally dominating Super bowl LX, with Seattle cruising to a 29-13 victory! After holding New England scoreless 19-0 until the third quarter…

 

Uhm, back to racing, as don’t expect Prema to show up at St Pete. And it sounds like according to Marshall Pruett, the Prema Racing name is gone in IndyCar. With the hopes of a new owner purchasing the team, and the new entity showing up later this season…

 

Also guessing Yuhs know about El Capitano’ , nee Roger Penske adding $11 million to the Leaders Circle pot beginning this year, and running thru 2028. As this increases the individual Leaders Circle payout from $1.145m to $1.645m for the Top 22 of the 25 Charter entrants. With teams reportedly budgeting approximately a cool million per new Dallara IR28 chassis in 2028.

 

Whilst we’ve also got the new “independent” Officiating Board, led by Ray Evernham and Company, which I’ve got no news upon or how it differs from last year’s Race Officiating. So as the media Pundits like saying; Watch this Space!

 

Whilst speaking of Penske, and I’m personally happy for one of my favourite drivers ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin getting Tim Cindric as His new race strategist. Which is a great move for Penske’s No. 3 entry.

 

And that doesn’t even cover the rest of Team Penske’s major Engineering reorganization, or Ed Carpenter Racing’s for that matter. Along with whatever else I’ve missed the memo upon, Eh? Like is Todd Alt sponsoring two IndyCar team this year? As it surely “looks” that way. Now that the worst kept secret of the No. 18’s driver identity has finally been divulged…

 

While I know everyone’s made improvements over the excruciating Offseason. But the team I’m most impressed with is Rahal Letterman Lanigan’s renewed efforts, which I hope definitely moves up the pecking order this season. As I’d really like to see the team improve dramatically for once.

 

And like ‘Ol Bob Varsha used to say? Turn Up the Volume!