By: Spencer Neff
January 22, 2026

The first major on-track action before the 2026 season for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES kicks off has been scheduled.

On Wednesday and Thursday, February 17-18, the series will head to Phoenix Raceway for the Unser INDYCAR Open Test. During those days, the 1.022-mile oval in Avondale, Arizona will bee available to all teams.

Per Thursday’s announcement via INDYCAR, “Cars will be on track from 2-6 p.m. ET (noon-4 p.m. MT) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with testing scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (9 a.m.-noon MT) and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET (1:30-4:30 p.m. MT) Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The Wednesday sessions will be open and free to the public, with an autograph session at 2:45 p.m. ET (12:45 p.m. MT).”

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES makes its first visit to Phoenix Raceway since 2018 with the Good Ranchers 250 scheduled for March 7.

It will be a part of a race weekend featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reily Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series.

Live timing and scoring from both days of the Open Test will be provided on INDYCAR.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. Fans unable to attend the test also can follow along on INDYCAR social channels.

“I’ll speak for our family and say how pleased we are to be honored in this way by INDYCAR,” four-time Phoenix runner-up Al Unser Jr. said.

Unser’s father Al won a track-record six times at Phoenix, while his older brother Bobby won four times and earned a record eleven poles.

“Dad simply loved racing at Phoenix, and no one took it to the edge in qualifying there quite like Uncle Bobby. It was exciting to see the track added to the schedule this year, and the Open Test will be crucial for drivers and teams as they get ready for the race in March. I can’t wait to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES back at Phoenix.””

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Header Image By INDYCAR