David Malukas Leads Pack in Phoenix Speeds as IndyCar Open Testing Begins

Establishing a second groove, shaking general rust off among goals of two-day session

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Team Penske's David Malukas set the fastest lap of 172.605 mph on the opening day of the NTT IndyCar Series' two-day open test at Phoenix Raceway. Rookie Caio Collet of A.J. Foyt Racing made slight contact with the wall but was uninjured. The test session is preparing drivers for the upcoming Good Ranchers 250 race on March 7.

Why it matters

Phoenix Raceway is returning to the IndyCar schedule after last hosting a race in 2018. The open test is crucial for drivers to get familiar with the unique mile-long oval, which features a dog-leg configuration that presents additional challenges. Establishing a second racing groove will be key to providing an exciting race for fans.

The details

David Malukas of Team Penske set the fastest lap of the day at 172.605 mph, edging out teammate Josef Newgarden (172.021 mph) and Andretti Global's Will Power (171.706 mph). Rookie Caio Collet of A.J. Foyt Racing made slight contact with the wall in the final hour but was uninjured. Only four current IndyCar drivers have previous experience racing at Phoenix, so the rest of the field was eager to get up to speed on the unique circuit.

  • The two-day open test session began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The Good Ranchers 250 race at Phoenix Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

David Malukas

A driver for Team Penske who set the fastest lap of the day at 172.605 mph during the open test session.

Josef Newgarden

A driver for Team Penske who set the second-fastest lap of the day at 172.021 mph.

Will Power

A driver for Andretti Global who set the third-fastest lap of the day at 171.706 mph.

Caio Collet

A rookie driver for A.J. Foyt Racing who made slight contact with the wall during the final hour of the test session but was uninjured.

Alex Palou

The reigning and four-time IndyCar series champion, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love it—very, very nice. It can take a lot of grip. It's definitely already one of my favorite tracks.”

— David Malukas, Driver of the No 12 Verizon Dallara Chevrolet

“It's exciting, although it's a new track. So we're starting from zero. But at least tomorrow we'll be able to do a lot of changes. You always want to go fast, even if you are not trying to go, like, quick. You just want to feel fast.”

— Alex Palou, Reigning and four-time IndyCar series champion

“The ovals, you would think, would be more of a caution whenever the car isn't really to your liking. You obviously need something that is under you to be able to just be running out there. Like what Alex said, you have to be comfortable. You have to be happy with what you have, and this will be a huge opportunity to see the car in every aspect rather than just a performance run and then kind of guessing what the car is going to be like in the first stint.”

— Pato O'Ward, Driver for Arrow McLaren

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This open test session at Phoenix Raceway is crucial for drivers to get familiar with the unique circuit and work on establishing a second racing groove, which will be key to providing an exciting race for fans when the IndyCar series returns to the track next month.