AVONDALE, Ariz. — What a historic weekend it was as the NTT IndyCar Series made its return to the one-mile desert oval at Phoenix Raceway. This was a long-awaited reunion with IndyCar for the fans in Arizona as it brought thousands of spectators to the valley. This was their first event at Phoenix Raceway since 2018, bringing open-wheel racing back to one of the sport’s most historic short ovals.
The race began with intense early battles for track position as the drivers adjusted to the demanding layout of the track. Several drivers traded the lead throughout the opening stages, including championship leader Alex Palou as he entered the weekend with momentum after opening the season with a victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The reigning Indy champion continues to set the standard in the series, and Phoenix will mark a milestone moment in his career as he makes his 100th start in the championship.
Penske driver, Josef Newgarden, showed his talents and strategic driving as he provided valuable momentum early on in the championship season. With this win, he adds another chapter to an already impressive career that includes multiple championships and victories on both road courses and oval tracks. Even for one night in the desert, the spotlight belongs to Newgarden, who has proven why he is one of the most formidable competitors in IndyCar racing.
Drivers described the track as deceptively difficult. It has tight corners, limited banking, and a unique dogleg that requires precise throttle control and patience as they navigate in slower traffic.
By the closing laps, Newgarden surged to the front in the 250-lap race. Newgarden steadily worked his way forward as the race progressed. After securing track position during a pivotal round of pit stops, he moved into contention and began challenging for the lead. He stated after the race;
“This track demands everything from the driver and the team. We had an incredible car today and the crew made all the right calls on pit road.”
Several cautions and pit strategies reshuffled the running order throughout the event, but Newgarden’s pace was difficult to match. Once he took the lead in the final portion of the race, he was almost 2 seconds ahead of second place winner Kyle Kirkwood.
Veterans such as Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden bring extensive oval experience to the field and have both found success at Phoenix in the past. Their ability to navigate traffic and manage tire degradation could prove critical over the course of the 250-lap event.
Fan favorite Pato O’Ward also enters the race looking to make an early statement in the championship chase, while several younger drivers hope to capitalize on the unpredictable nature of short-oval racing.
Saturday’s race is part of a major motorsports weekend in the Valley. The IndyCar event shares the spotlight with NASCAR competition, creating a rare crossover weekend that brings two of North America’s premier racing series to the same venue.
For fans, the return of IndyCar to Phoenix reconnects the sport with a track steeped in history. Legends such as A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti and Rick Mears all conquered the desert oval during their careers, helping build Phoenix’s reputation as one of the most demanding short tracks on the IndyCar calendar.
Now, a new generation of drivers will attempt to add their name to that legacy.
The NTT IndyCar Series now heads to Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, Texas for the next stop on the 2026 schedule.
