INDYCAR Returns to Phoenix!
- gridfuelmedia
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
The NTT IndyCar Series continues its season by returning to the Phoenix desert for the first time since 2018. The event is part of a doubleheader weekend alongside NASCAR, bringing open-wheel racing back to the one-mile oval.
Five current drivers on the IndyCar grid have prior race experience at Phoenix Raceway: Will Power, Graham Rahal, Alexander Rossi, Josef Newgarden, and Scott Dixon. Of that group, Newgarden and Dixon are the only drivers with wins at the track. Drivers will complete 250 laps around the flat one-mile oval.
Quick Practice Debrief
Team Penske showed its oval strength early. David Malukas led Practice 1, while teammate Josef Newgarden topped Practice 2. Penske placed all three of its cars inside the top 10 in both sessions, signaling strong pace heading into qualifying.
McLaren’s Pato O’Ward also looked consistent, finishing inside the top three in both practices. The biggest incident of the day involved Felix Rosenqvist, who lost control exiting Turn 2 and destroyed the car in a heavy crash. Rosenqvist was unable to participate in qualifying as a result.
Quick Qualifying Debrief
David Malukas continued his impressive speed on the mile oval, earning his first career IndyCar pole position. Teammate Josef Newgarden will start alongside him on the front row, giving Team Penske a strong starting advantage.
One of the biggest surprises came from rookie Mick Schumacher, the son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. In his first-ever oval appearance, Schumacher qualified fourth, placing himself on the second row.
There was also another incident during qualifying, as Will Power lost control of his car and was unable to post a lap time.
Top 10 Starting Lineup for Saturday’s Race
P1: David Malukas
P2: Josef Newgarden
P3: Graham Rahal
P4: Mick Schumacher
P5: Scott McLaughlin
P6: Alexander Rossi
P7: Pato O’Ward
P8: Rinus VeeKay
P9: Nolan Siegel
P10: Alex Palou
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