By: Spencer Neff
February 17, 2026
Team Penske’s new driver led the way as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES completed the first of two on-track days for the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway. Malukas posted a best lap of 172.605 mph (20.8569 seconds) on the 1.022-mile oval in Avondale, Arizona.
Malukas’ teammate Josef Newgarden, the most recent winner at Phoenix (2018), was .0708 of a second back, giving Penske a 1-2 finish. Will Power of Andretti Global was best among the Hondas in third, slotting directly behind former teammate Newgarden.
Completing the five best drivers on the lap chart were Power’s current teammate Kyle Kirkwood and 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.
2025 INDY NXT by Firestone Champion Dennis Hauger of. Dale Coyne Racing was best among three drivers vying for Rookie of the Year honors in 2026. He was 17th of 25 cars during Tuesday’s on-track running.
Fellow rookies Mick Schumacher of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Caio Collett of A.J. Foyt Racing were 23rd and 25th during the full-field session.
Collett (162.474 mph-22.1574 seconds) was fastest during the hour-long session allotted to rookies. Including that group, 20 of 25 drivers testing have not contested an NTT INDYCAR SERIES event at Phoenix Raceway.
The 2025 Indy NXT by Firestone runner-up also had the lone major incident of the session. Just over an hour before the checkered flag was flown on the day, Collett made contact with the outside wall in Turn 4. He was checked and released from the IndyCar Medical Center shortly after the accident.
Up Next
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. EDT, the track will be open to all 25 cars participating in the Unser INDYCAR Open Test.
Tomorrow’s session is open to the public and the first 300 guests will be given access to the 2:45-3:15 autograph session the field will participate in.
IndyCar1909.com will be on-site and credentialed for Wednesday’s test as well. Stick with us and our social media channels for all the latest on the Unser INDYCAR Open Test and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Header Image By Matt Fraver/INDYCAR
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