(PHOENIX, AZ) – Today, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES roared back to life at Phoenix Raceway as teams completed their first official day of testing, shaking off the off season dust and setting the tone for the year ahead.
Under clear desert skies and cool February air, it was David Malukas, in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet for Team Penske who stole the spotlight, topping the charts at 172.605 mph reminding the paddock why he’s one of the most intriguing young talents in the field.
Results: Day 1 Results | Open Test Entry List
“It feels good to be P1, but at the end of the day, we just ran through our test items,” Malukas said. “From that perspective, that’s what truly matters, and everything went very well. We’ve learned so many different things. Everything felt very clear. We got a lot of answers.”
Malukas wasted no time asserting himself. His quickest lap of the day came during the afternoon session, where track temperatures stabilized and grip improved. The speed was more than just a headline—it was a signal that his team’s off season development work is paying off.
• Fastest overall lap of the day
• Consistent pace across long runs
• Strong feedback on balance and tire wear
For a driver entering a pivotal season, leading the opening test is the kind of confidence boost that can shape early momentum.
Teams Focus on Baselines and Chemistry
While the leader board naturally drew attention, most teams approached the day with methodical intent. Engineers focused on:
• Establishing baseline setups
• Evaluating tire degradation over extended stints
• Testing new aerodynamic configurations
• Integrating new drivers and crew members
Phoenix’s unique 1-mile oval—tight, fast, and unforgiving—offered a perfect proving ground. Drivers praised the track’s grip level and the chance to re acclimate to oval racing after months away.
Veterans Steady, Rookies Learning Quickly
Behind Malukas, several veterans like new team-mate 2-time series champion Josef Newgarden was 2nd overall among the 25 drivers on track at 172.201 mph in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet. Behind Malukas and Newgarden was the 2018 series champion Will Power, who Malukas replaced at Team Penske, was 3rd at 171.706 mph in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda as he starts his tenure at Andretti Global after 16 full-time seasons with the Penske team. Power’s teammate Kyle Kirkwood was 4th at 171.423 mph in the No. 27 Siemens Honda and lets not forget the Reigning and 4-time series champion Alex Palou, who rounded out the top 5 at 171.357 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Very competitive times on track today, while teams kept their programs conservative. Meanwhile, rookies used the day to adapt to the physicality and precision required on short ovals. Engineers noted that the learning curve was steep but encouraging.
What Malukas’ Pace Means
Topping the charts on day one doesn’t guarantee season-long dominance, but it does highlight a few key takeaways:
• His team unloaded with a strong baseline setup
• Malukas is comfortable and confident early
• The car responded well to adjustments throughout the day
In a series where momentum matters, this is exactly the kind of start that can shape a driver’s trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Testing continues tomorrow, with teams expected to shift toward race-simulation work and multi-car drafting. While day one belonged to Malukas, the field is far from settled. Phoenix has a way of revealing strengths—and exposing weaknesses—and the next sessions will offer a clearer picture of who’s truly ready for the season ahead.
For now, though, David Malukas walks away as the fastest man in the desert, and that’s a headline worth savoring.
Up Next: Testing Day #2, Wednesday as cars will be on track from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. ET and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET.
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