INDYCAR Kicks Off Preseason Testing at Phoenix

The Unser INDYCAR Preseason Open Test marks the return of the series to the track after a long offseason.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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INDYCAR is back on the track for its annual preseason open test at Phoenix Raceway. The two-day test, which runs February 17-18, 2026, marks the first on-track action for the series since the conclusion of the 2025 season. The test provides teams and drivers an opportunity to shake down their new cars and get up to speed ahead of the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

The Unser INDYCAR Preseason Open Test at Phoenix is a critical event for the series, as it allows teams to evaluate their new cars and setups in a competitive environment before the start of the season. This test serves as an important precursor to the season-opening race, giving teams and drivers valuable track time to work out any issues and fine-tune their performance.

The details

The two-day test features all full-time INDYCAR teams and drivers, providing them with an opportunity to log valuable laps at the 1-mile oval in Phoenix. Teams will be focused on evaluating new car components, testing different setups, and getting their drivers up to speed ahead of the 2026 season opener.

  • The Unser INDYCAR Preseason Open Test takes place on February 17-18, 2026.
  • The test marks the first on-track action for INDYCAR since the conclusion of the 2025 season.

The players

INDYCAR

The premier open-wheel racing series in North America, featuring the top drivers and teams competing on a variety of oval, road, and street course circuits.

Phoenix Raceway

A 1-mile oval racetrack located in Avondale, Arizona, which has hosted INDYCAR events since the series' inception.

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What’s next

The results and data gathered from the Unser INDYCAR Preseason Open Test will be crucial in helping teams and drivers prepare for the season-opening race, which is scheduled for March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The Unser INDYCAR Preseason Open Test at Phoenix marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 INDYCAR season, providing teams and drivers with their first opportunity to get back on track and fine-tune their cars and setups ahead of the highly anticipated start of the new campaign.