IndyCar Weekly: Contracts, calendars and catching-up
With it now being two months into IndyCar off-season, it's easy to miss some of the news from around the paddock, with IndyCar Weekly providing your latest round-up for all the news in IndyCar and Indy NXT. With several major announcements in the IndyCar driver market, the calendar being announced for 2027 and multiple tests taking place in both IndyCar and Indy NXT, there is a lot of news to catch up on since IndyCar's finale at Laguna Seca.
It marks the first IndyCar Weekly of this off-season, which will actually turn out weekly (instead of every two months).
IndyCar announces European return at Barcelona for 2027 and beyond
The most notable IndyCar news since the season finale came in the form of the 2027 calendar, which was headlined by a new race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as IndyCar prepares for a race in Europe for the first time since 2007.
It also signifies the first time since 2013 that the series will host a race outside of North America, when the series travels to Spain for the first time. It also creates a home race for five-time and defending series champion Álex Palou, who grew up just 20 minutes away from the venue.
The race will take place on Sunday, July 18th next year and will be the first race of a 10-year contract that was signed between the circuit and the series.
“We are pleased to be able to take our ultra-competitive brand of wheel-to-wheel racing to Europe and thrilled that we can showcase IndyCar in Álex Palou’s hometown," said Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles. "We have seen Álex’s remarkable skill and talent for several years and know his fans in Spain have been clamoring to watch him race in person.
“We cannot wait to see IndyCar compete at one of the world’s most recognizable motorsports venues set against the backdrop of a very historic and breathtaking international destination like Barcelona.”
2027 marks an opportunistic window for the series to visit to Barcelona, with next year marking the first year since the circuit's opening that it will not host a Formula One race, after it entered a rotational deal with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
"The arrival of IndyCar is a major milestone and an exciting challenge for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” Chairman of the Board of Fira de Barcelona and Fira Circuit Pau Relat said. “Bringing one of the most prestigious and spectacular championships in global motorsport to our venue strengthens our international positioning, connects us with new audiences and markets, and reinforces our strategy of diversifying the circuit’s activity through world-class events. We are working with a long-term vision to make IndyCar Grand Prix of Barcelona a benchmark event on the international racing calendar for years to come."
Although unconfirmed, the race's start time is expected to take place in the late afternoon to accommodate US audiences.
Nashville and Washington fall off 2027 calendar
Shortly after Barcelona's confirmation, the remaining dates for the 2027 schedule were confirmed, with the absence of Nashville and Washington, D.C. being the major stories, outside of Barcelona's addition.
Nashville drops off the calendar after three years at the Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee and six seasons in the Nashville area. Nashville's departure from the schedule comes after a disappointing 2026 event, where a rain-affected weekend meant that IndyCar could not take advantage of a major TV lead-in from the FIFA World Cup Final.
The promoters remain confident that the Nashville area will return to hosting IndyCar in the near future, with the expectation that the race returns downtown once the city's construction works have been completed.
Washington, D.C. also falls off the calendar, with the Freedom 250 proving a one-and-done event in celebration of America's 250th birthday. Washington's absence from the calendar was more expected than Nashville's, given that Roger Penske and corporate sponsors were fully funding the $35 million event in 2026. Despite efforts from the President and First Lady to bring IndyCar back to the downtown streets of the capital, the financial and logistical burdens of hosting such an event see the race drop off the calendar after one season.
The rest of the calendar sees IndyCar head to Gateway on June 13th before visiting Road America two weeks later. Mid-Ohio returns to its traditional July 4th weekend date, with Barcelona following two weeks after. Portland will host the series on August 1st before the series crosses the border into Markham on August 15th. The Milwaukee Mile willl once again host a double-header on August 28th and 29th with Laguna Seca hosting the finale on September 5th.
It is a calendar that has caused plenty of discussion, and you can find my analysis piece on the schedule linked here.
Lundgaard signs multi-year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing
Chip Ganassi himself had to admit that Christian Lundgaard's signing at his team was "probably one of the not so well-kept secrets around the paddock", but Lundgaard's confirmation at Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) finally came at the end of September, ending a several-month long waiting period for what had felt an inevitable announcement.
Lundgaard's move to Ganassi comes after Arrow McLaren's double-swoop for Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist left no space for the Dane at the team, despite finishing third in the championship, becoming the first McLaren driver to beat Pato O'Ward in the championship in doing so.
McLaren's reasoning was perceived to be based on Lundgaard's lack of oval reputability, including at the Indianapolis 500, a race where he has a best finish of just seventh.
However, Dixon's departure from CGR after 25 years at the organisation left a vacant spot at IndyCar's top team and one with big shoes to fill in the No.9 entry. Ganassi stated that he "looked at everybody", but Lundgaard's name "kept landing back as the obvious one", as the team enter a new era without Dixon.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season," said Lundgaard. "The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in IndyCar for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I've worked toward my entire career. I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead. I can't wait to get to work with everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing and compete for wins, championships, and the Indianapolis 500.”
“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing," said Ganassi. "We know he's capable of accomplishing even more in IndyCar, and we're looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team. He's already proven he can win races, and it isn't often a driver of his calibre becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we've done best is identify young talent, help them maximise their potential, and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that.”
Lundgaard completes CGR's three-car line-up alongside Álex Palou and Kyffin Simpson for 2027.
Hauger makes switch to AJ Foyt Racing in 2027
Lundgaard was not the only IndyCar driver on the move in September, as Dennis Hauger was announced to move to AJ Foyt Racing on a multi-year deal.
Hauger, the defending IndyCar Rookie of the Year, makes the switch from Dale Coyne Racing, whom he finished 22nd in the standings with in his rookie campaign. Hauger will replace Santino Ferrucci in the No.14 Chevrolet.
It comes off the back of a difficult 2026 season for Foyt, who earned just five top 10 finishes throughout the entire season, a far cry from the 12 they achieved in 2024. Hauger himself earned two top 10 finishes in his rookie season, with his best result being an eighth-place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) road course.
“Dennis has accomplished a lot for someone who is only 23,” said Larry Foyt. “Every time he’s moved into something new, he’s adapted quickly and he’s won. Coming over here and winning in Indy NXT as a rookie certainly got everyone’s attention, and then we watched how he progressed through his rookie season in IndyCar."
"I’m really excited about it,” said Hauger. “Larry and I have had some very good conversations about the team and where they want to go. I’ve learned a lot in my first two years racing in America, but I still feel like there is a lot more for me to learn and accomplish in IndyCar.
“This team has so much history in this sport, but what intrigues me even more was hearing about the future and what they’re building now. I want to work hard with everyone there and see how far we can take it.”
Although no longer full-time, Ferrucci could remain involved with Foyt's programme in a coaching and mentorship role, supporting both Hauger and his new teammate. Ferrucci is also believed to be in consideration for an Indianapolis 500 drive with the team, should they wish to add a third entry.
Pierson steps up from Indy NXT to complete Foyt line-up
It did not take long for Hauger's 2027 teammate to be confirmed, and although the Norwegian came as a surprise announcement, the same certainly could not be said for his teammate, after Josh Pierson was confirmed at the team on a multi-year deal.
Pierson steps up from Indy NXT after four seasons in the championship, the most recent of which he finished 11th in the standings with Andretti Global, which was highlighted by a victory at Laguna Seca.
The 20-year-old American will drive the No.4 entry and will have a sponsor announced in due course. Pierson replaces Caio Collet at the team, with Collet expected to depart IndyCar after just one season in the series, marking a full driver change at Foyt for 2027.
“Racing in IndyCar has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” Pierson said. “The variety of racing I’ve done has all been in preparation for this incredible opportunity. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way and tremendously appreciative of the commitment of a new partner that will be announced shortly.
“Being a part of AJ Foyt Racing, a team with incredible history, means the world to me. I’m excited about what Larry and the entire team are building for the future. I’m grateful for their confidence in me and look forward to my first IndyCar green flag at St. Pete.”
Pierson's announcement came weeks after he successfully received a competition license from the series after completing driver evaluation at the IMS road course.
It followed a driver licensing scheme introduced in September, allowing those with two Indy NXT victories or a top three position in the championship to progress to IndyCar as "competitively qualified" - which had been nicknamed "the Pierson rule" after rumours of his IndyCar future became rife before the point he had earned an Indy NXT victory.
Even after his victory at Laguna Seca, Pierson did not meet such requirements and had to be evaluated at IMS after becoming 'evaluation eligible' through his victory in the final round. IndyCar stated that Pierson satisfied the necessary requirements at the evaluation including car control, pace, consistency and communication, allowing him an opportunity in IndyCar.
“I’ve been watching Josh closely for the past several seasons," said Foyt. "Few drivers at his age have his depth of experience, and his maturity and work ethic are remarkable. Over the past year, he impressed us in multiple tests in a Panoz DP01 Champ Car alongside current IndyCar drivers, and again in our Chevy-powered car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. I believe in Josh, and we’re excited to be part of his continued development.”
Pierson becomes the first confirmed rookie in the 2027 field with both seats at Juncos Hollinger Racing and Dale Coyne Racing the only unconfirmed drives for next season.
McLaren confirm car numbers for Dixon and Rosenqvist
McLaren's signings of Dixon and Rosenqvist took place in July, but the team have now confirmed the car numbers that both drivers will be using in 2027 and beyond.
Dixon will replace Nolan Siegel in the No.6 entry, while Rosenqvist will replace Lundgaard in the No.7 - the entry that Rosenqvist drove between 2021 and 2022 when he previously raced for the team. O'Ward will continue in the No.5, as he has done since 2020, while Ryan Hunter-Reay will once again use the No.31 at the Indianapolis 500.
McLaren have also since announced Dixon's sponsor at the Indianapolis 500, as private wealth management firm Edward Jones, who will serve as Dixon's primary partner at the 111th Running of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing'.
Rosenqvist's work at McLaren has already started, but the same cannot be said for Dixon, who is unable to move to his new employers until January 1st, with Ganassi keeping the New Zealander on gardening leave.
Rosenqvist sees Borg-Warner face for first time
It has been a busy off-season for Rosenqvist, who in addition to joining Arrow McLaren, has also started his post-season celebrations for his Indianapolis 500 victory earlier this year.
That included a trip to Tryon, North Carolina and a visit to William Behrends, who has sculpted the face of every Indianapolis 500 winner onto the Borg-Warner Trophy since 1990. Behrends' has spent recent months studying multiple 360-degree photos of Rosenqvist, with his first step being constructing the full-scale clay model that Rosenqvist saw for the first time.
“It’s been quite the experience,” Rosenqvist said. “Such a cool, unique little trip here, getting to meet Will and his family. It’s kind of a rare thing to experience. I never thought I would be sculpted. I think it’s not a thing people really expect to do in their lifetime. "He did a hell of a job with it. To do all the details right was very impressive to see. Even my little imperfections we all have, they’re all there.”
Rosenqvist's imperfections included him recognising his right ear sitting higher than his left on the sculpture.
“I think the details are what make it come alive,” Rosenqvist added. “Because that’s literally what makes you, you. I think the cool thing was because we’ve all seen pictures of ourselves, but to see like a 3D version of yourself and to be able to look around and walk behind him, look out behind the ears and all the kind of things you never could do, it’s a little bit of an eerie experience."
The 34-year-old also has the distinction of being the first driver who will appear on the Borg-Warner Trophy with a full beard.
“I had to kind of play around with the clay and figure out how I was going to do that, but I think we got it,” Behrends said on the surprisingly complicated matter.
The next step for Behrends is to use the life-size clay version to make the smaller version for the trophy which will be made out of oil-based clay. The smaller clay will be made into a mould and cast in a wax before being transferred to a jeweller. Behrends will finalise the process by polishing and buffing the face before it is added onto the trophy.
Rosenqvist's Indianapolis 500 celebrations will continue in December where he'll visit his hometown of Värnamo, Sweden on December 5th for a public celebration of his victory.
McLaren, ECR and Penske confirm renewal with Chevrolet
Three teams confirmed new agreements with Chevrolet in early October, with Arrow McLaren, Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) and Team Penske all committing to the engine manufacturer for years to come. The three outfits have been Chevrolet's three-best performing teams in recent seasons, with the new agreements carrying over into the beginning of the IR-28 era.
"Our extension with Chevrolet is key to our overall goal of winning both the IndyCar championship and the Indy 500,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said. “Over the past seven seasons, the team and Chevy have been working closely together through various developments, and the work now ahead of us with the 2028 chassis will be critical in determining our competitiveness. Mark Reuss, Eric Warren, Jim Campbell and everyone across the Chevy and GM organization are committed to executing at the highest level and share our absolute focus on winning. I’m excited for what’s to come with this strengthened relationship."
“Chevrolet has been with ECR since the beginning of our team, and they have been an important part of our team’s growth over our first 15 seasons,” ECR co-owner and CEO Ed Carpenter said. “We’ve had a lot of success with Chevy over the years, and we’re proud to be one of only two teams to have partnered with Chevrolet since its return to IndyCar. Maintaining that continuity is very important to us as we not only approach our 500th race start but also enter the next era of IndyCar competition."
“Chevrolet has been a terrific partner for our IndyCar team, both on and off the track,” Roger Penske said. “While winning on the track is certainly important, Team Penske’s partnership with Chevrolet extends far beyond that. We are excited that this extension will take us well into the future as we work to build on the success we have enjoyed together in IndyCar.”
First names confirmed for 2027 Indy NXT season
While the silly season in IndyCar continues to grab the headlines, the dominos have started to fall in Indy NXT too, with three drivers now confirmed for 2027 campaigns.
Koolen makes switch to Abel Motorsports for 2027
Niels Koolen will embark on a fourth season of Indy NXT in 2027 as he became the first confirmed driver at Abel Motorsports.
Koolen has spent the previous two seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing after running a part-time campaign with HMD Motorsports in 2024. 2026 saw Koolen finish 15th in the championship with a best finish of fourth, earned at World Wide Technology Raceway.
“I’m very happy to join Abel Motorsports for 2027,” Koolen said. “I have spent time with Bill [Abel], John [Brunner] and the people at Abel Motorsports, and I’m looking forward to working with the team."
The 25-year-old Dutchman tested with the team at the recent Chris Griffis Memorial Test, where he logged 75 laps on his way to setting the 19th best time.
“We’re very excited to have Niels join our team here at Abel Motorsports for the 2027 season,” Team Manager John Brunner said. “We have been watching Niels continue to mature and grow behind the wheel and think there are some areas where we can help, so we are looking forward to what we can do together next season.”
The team will be hoping that Koolen can lead a resurgence in 2027, after a difficult 2026 season which saw the team have their worst results since moving to a four-car programme.
Harrison confirmed for first full season with Foyt
It has been a busy month for AJ Foyt Racing who have announced the first of their two Indy NXT drivers alongside Pierson and Hauger on an IndyCar front. That driver is Bart Harrison, who will compete in his first full season of Indy NXT.
Harrison made his Indy NXT debut late this year where he competed in the Portland and Laguna Seca rounds for HMD Motorsports. The Englishman achieved a top 10 on debut at Portland before finishing 12th and 17th in Laguna Seca.
“I’m really excited to join AJ Foyt Racing for my first full season in Indy NXT,” Harrison said. “It’s a team with an incredible history in the IndyCar paddock and to have the opportunity to be part of that is something I’m very grateful for. After getting my first taste of the series this past season, I’m looking forward to building on that experience and continuing to develop as a driver.”
Like Koolen, Harrison also participated with his new team in the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, where the 19-year-old completed 82 laps and set the ninth-fastest time.
“We’re happy to welcome Bart Harrison to our Indy NXT program for 2027,” Team President Larry Foyt said. “Bart did a nice job at the recent Chris Griffis test, and we were impressed with his performance and approach. We see a lot of potential in him and look forward to working together.”
Escorpioni makes step up to Indy NXT with HMD
USF Pro 2000 vice-champion Leonardo Escorpioni has been confirmed as the first rookie for the 2027 season as he makes the step up to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports.
Escorpioni was announced earlier in the year as the team's junior driver as he competed for the USF Pro 2000 championship. Escorpioni finished runner-up in the standings, despite visa issues preventing him from participating in the Markham round.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to race in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports,” Escorpioni said. “After working with the team as its junior driver throughout the 2026 season, I feel I have a strong foundation heading into my debut year.”
The Brazilian has already tested twice for the team, including at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Driver Evaluation Test, where he topped the 11-car field with a 1:14.720 quickest lap. Escorpioni was also present at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, where he finished seventh on the charts with 78 laps completed.
“We’re looking forward to Leonardo’s debut season,” HMD Motorsports Team President Mike Maurini said. “After spending the 2026 season learning the ins and outs of our team, Leo already has a strong understanding of our people and processes. We believe that familiarity will be an advantage as he transitions into Indy NXT, and we see a great deal of potential in him. Our goal is to give him the tools and support he needs to be competitive from the opening round.”
It continues a rapid rise up the IndyCar ladder for Escorpioni, who jumped up from USF2000 to USF Pro 2000 after just a singular round this year, after winning the USF Juniors title in 2025.
Testing, testing, testing
Although competitive action is now at a close for 2026, cars are still on track all across the country, as IndyCar and Indy NXT have both completed several post-season tests since their season finales at Laguna Seca.
IR-28 completes further tests on IMS oval and Sebring
While the majority of the paddock have been able to get away since the season finale, Alexander Rossi and Palou have not had such a luxury as the pair continued their testing of the IR-28, completing further tests at the IMS oval and Sebring International Raceway, completing the car's first oval test and street course simulation.
The Indianapolis test took place soon after the season finale, with Rossi and Palou conducting a day's testing each, the same pair that drove the IR-28 for the first time at the IMS road course in August.
“It does everything that IndyCar machinery should do around here,” Rossi said after the Indianapolis test. “We got through some basic mechanical and aero changes to kind of understand the offsets that they're going to present to us in a couple of years, and there was no surprise. It was really pretty standard.
“I wouldn't say there was anything drastically different from this car to the current car that we have. Some subtle things here and there if you're really nitpicking at it, but, in general, I think it's important to remember that the current-generation Speedway car that we have around here is pretty dialed and it's pretty good.”
The two days of testing were completed trouble-free, with Palou's test ending 15 minutes early due to being ahead of schedule.
“Very fun,” Palou said after his test. “At the beginning, it was super fun because it’s a new car and you’re back at the Speedway. Then you’re like, ‘Can we go faster?’"
“We got a lot more laps than I expected with the weather, and the car felt good. We actually got quite a lot of speed. We improved over two miles an hour throughout the day, and we didn’t really work too much to get it.”
Although unconfirmed, estimations had the cars running at 215mph. Rossi and Palou combined to complete 151 laps.
After the successful Indianapolis test, the duo completed a further test at Sebring, a track used by the series to simulate street courses due to its rough, bumpy nature. Both drivers were chosen by their respective engine manufacturers to complete the tests once again.
Palou completed 43 laps on the shortened version of the Florida circuit, with Kyle Kirkwood and Scott McLaughlin also present in the existing DW-12 chassis, competing a tyre test for Firestone. A landmark moment occurred at the test when Palou overtook Kirkwood, marking the first on-track overtake for the IR-28.
“It wasn’t planned,” Palou said. “We went out, and I saw Kirkwood was doing the tyre test. We spoke during lunch that at some point this afternoon we would go together. We wanted to see how this car does in traffic. It was cool. We were playing a little bit.
“I’m very excited,” Palou added. “I like the look of it. It seems safer. It looks like it’s going to be much better racing because we’re going to be able to follow much closer on road, street and ovals.
“I’m just excited to go racing. I wish it was already ’27. Having said that, it gives us so much time to work on the car, to make sure it’s good. If there’s something that doesn’t really work on ovals or whatever, we can go test it before we actually race it.”
However, Palou's running was ended two hours prematurely after a fuel issue stopped the car on track.
Rossi took over the following day and ran without significant issue, with the Californian completing 134 laps, with a larger emphasis on long runs.
"The messaging we get is run the car as if it’s your race car," said Rossi of the test. "From there, we’ll see what issues, problems, surprises come out of that. I think all the test list items were really accomplished in the first two tests. Just making sure things worked as you would expect.
“This test is more of a practical application of: ‘Does it perform over a two-day test as the current car does? Does it do what it is expected to and kind of what little things could come out of that we need to address before the series produces a bunch of these?’
“There are more things that are scheduled to come as time comes that will allow this car to race and perform even better, that will only put on a better show for the fans, which is the No. 1 priority for all of us,” Rossi said.
Rossi was also in the car for two further days as he completed straight line aerodynamic testing on a two-mile runway in Naples, Florida.
Four drivers complete IndyCar test at Barber
An interesting mix of drivers completed a three-team test at Barber Motorsports Park on October 26th, with teams using the test to complete several programmes including for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), who completed their first test since they announced their full-time return to the series.
ECR reserve driver Hunter McElrea topped the times with a 1:07.557 in his first IndyCar test since February, as ECR utilised one of their rookie days to field the New Zealander.
Dale Coyne Racing spent the day conducting driver evaluation, as they fielded Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne in the morning, as Dunne drove an IndyCar for the first time, setting a fastest lap of 1:07.674 - one-tenth behind McElrea's effort. Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson took the helm of the No.19 in the afternoon, setting a best lap four tenths slower than Dunne.
Conor Daly was the other driver present at the test for DRR, as they successfully completed their first test since their full-time return to the series was announced in the summer. The team will participate full time in 2027 for the first time since 2012. Daly set the third-quickest time of the day.
Eleven drivers complete Indy NXT evaluation at Indianapolis
Indy NXT's first post-season test took place on September 21st at the IMS road course as teams had an opportunity to evaluate rookie drivers as they look to complete their line-ups for next season.
Abbi Pulling was the most high-profile name present at the test as she got her first taste of Indy NXT machinery with Andretti Global - which she spoke to DIVEBOMB exclusively about in the following days. Formula 3 drivers Bruno del Pino, Alex Powell and Jose Garfias also tested, driving for HMD, Andretti and Cape Motorsports respectively.
GB3 points leader Nikita Bedrin drove for Cape while Super Formula reserve driver Souta Arao was the sole entrant for Chip Ganassi Racing. HMD's line-up was completed by Escorpioni and brothers Patricio and Rodrigo González, who currently race in GB3. USF Pro 2000 drivers G3 Argyros and Teddy Musella got their first Indy NXT experience with Andretti and Foyt respectively.
After a weather-affected morning, Escorpioni topped the timing sheets ahead of Powell, del Pino and Bedrin.
Unexpected rookie tops Indy NXT Chris Griffis Memorial Test
It is not an unfamiliar sight to see Palou on top of the timing charts, but it was strange to see the Spaniard atop an Indy NXT field as he set the fastest time at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the IMS road course.
The Indy NXT "rookie" was stepping in at Chip Ganassi Racing for Carson Etter, who recently underwent surgery on his shoulder after it was aggravated in Detroit earlier this year. Ganassi utilised Palou's experience for the day to help develop their Indy NXT programme after a difficult 2026 campaign across their four cars.
Palou's fastest lap stood at a 1:14.5050, three tenths clear of HMD's Tymek Kucharczyk and Andretti's Max Taylor - the highest-placed drivers in the 2026 strandings who participated in the test. Max Garcia, who was in HMD equipment for the first time finished fourth, with Jack Beeton fifth, the Australian driving for Andretti after spending 2026 with HMD.
The test saw several notable names outside of Palou participate, including F2 race winner Martinius Stenshorne - who trialled Indy NXT machinery for the first time with Andretti, completing the most laps of any driver with 90. Ex-F2 driver Cem Bölükbaşı also conducted his first Indy NXT test, driving for Abel Motorsports. Sophia Flörsch was also present with Abel, almost two years on from her one-off Indy NXT appearance in St. Petersburg in 2025. Jacob Abel continued his involvement in his father's team after returning to the series in the final three rounds of 2026.
The test is usually a strong indicator of which teams drivers may sign to the following season - albeit maybe not in the case of Palou! The full testing line-ups were as follows:
Abel Motorsports: Cem Bölükbaşı, Sophia Flörsch, Jacob Abel, Niels Koolen
AJ Foyt Racing: Bart Harrison, Seb Murray, Matteo Nannini, Jack Jeffers
Andretti Global: G3 Argyros, Martinius Stenshorne, Max Taylor, Jack Beeton
Cape Motorsports: Jose Garfias, Bryce Aron
Chip Ganassi Racing: Álex Palou, Alexander Koreiba, Frankie Mossman, Alessandro de Tullio
HMD Motorsports: Leonardo Escorpioni, Max Garcia, Tymek Kucharczyk, Teddy Musella
IndyCar confirms extension of IOB members
A year after the inauguration of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB), IndyCar have confirmed extensions for members Ray Evernham, Raj Nair and Ronan Morgan for the 2027 IndyCar and Indy NXT seasons.
All team owners unanimously agreed to keep both Evernham and Nair in their roles while the FIA re-appointed Morgan into his position.
The IOB completed its first season in 2026 of officiating the series, after IndyCar introduced the non-for-profit IndyCar Officiating to govern the series after multiple controversies surrounding Team Penske in 2024 and 2025 led to the independence of officiating from series officials.
Scot Elkins will also continue in his role as the Managing Director of Officiating, after his selection in April 2026. Elkins reports directly to the IOB, independently from IndyCar officials.
“It was gratifying to see how well IndyCar Officiating was integrated into the 2026 IndyCar season, and I believe continuity of the IOB is important as it builds on the success from its first season," said IndyCar president Doug Boles. "IndyCar remains committed to clear independence in the application of our rulebook and the IOB is instrumental in that effort. Additionally, creating consistency in the rule enforcement and penalty guidelines is important to our teams, drivers and our fans, and I appreciate the IOB board’s leadership and Scot’s work in this area."
"We moved quickly but meticulously this year in instituting a more transparent process, enhanced by a formal three-steward model, technical penalty guidelines and post-event reports, which we believe has been beneficial for all of IndyCar," said Elkins. "With that foundation, several improvements land for the 2027 season: a rulebook review with IndyCar, a clarified formal review and appeal process, and additional tools for race control. Alongside that, we are modernizing technical inspection, including scanning technology, with the aim of having it proven and in place before the IR-28 starts racing in 2028. Our entire IndyCar Officiating team is buoyed by the support of the paddock and looks forward to getting started next season.”
“The FIA is proud to continue our role on the IndyCar Independent Officiating Board and to strengthen our partnership with IndyCar and the wider motorsport community across the United States," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "This collaboration goes far beyond officiating – it is about sharing knowledge and expertise across safety, sporting integrity and governance, while learning from one another to deliver a stronger championship. I have been delighted to see this relationship grow over the past year and congratulate IndyCar, its teams, drivers and officials on a historic 2026 season. We look forward to building on this momentum together in 2027.”
In further stewarding news, long-term driver steward Max Papis is set to retire from his role ahead of the 2027 season.
IndyCar drivers continue to compete in the off-season
It is not quite IndyCar Weekly without seeing how the field have fared in other motorsports since the IndyCar season concluded.
As is usually the case, several drivers were present at the IMSA season finale at Road Atlanta for the prestigious Petit Le Mans. Palou and Dixon were the IndyCar headliners, as they competed for Meyer Shank Racing, as was the case in Daytona and Sebring.
Dixon finished sixth in the No.60 GTP alongside a pair of ex-IndyCar drivers in Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun. Palou did not see in the finish in his No.93 entry alongside Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly after the Spaniard was involved in a mid-race collision with another ex-IndyCar driver in Kevin Magnussen before Yelloly crashed at Turn 5 on an outlap.
Kirkwood finished 10th in the GTD Pro class alongside ex-IndyCar driver Jack Hawksworth in the No.14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Car in Lexus' final GT3 race.
In #ExIndyCarDriverWatch, Toby Sowery was the only driver to taste victory, winning in the LMP2 class for CrowdStrike Racing alongside George Kurtz and Alex Quinn.
Colton Herta finished third in the GTP class in the No.40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing entry while Jacob Abel finished in the same position in the LMP2 class in the No.18 Era Motorsport entry. Tristan Vautier finished one position behind with John Farano and Sebastián Álvarez in the No.8 Tower Motorsports entry, with Pietro Fittipaldi a further position behind in the No.73 Pratt Miller entry. McElrea finished three laps down from the lead in the No.2 United Autosports entry - which had lost ground after colliding with its sister car.
Franck Perera finished fourth in GTD Pro in the No.9 Pfaff Motorsports car, with Sébastian Bourdais in sixth in the No.74 DragonSpeed. Callum Ilott was seventh in class in the No.120 Wright Motorsports entry in GTD while Benjamin Pedersen was the last of those running in that class.
We may have already spoken about Palou driving the IR-28, a GTP and the Indy NXT car this off-season, but the Spaniard's driving was not done there as he also suited up for Lone Star Racing in the 8 Hours of Indianapolis in a GT car.
Unfortunately for Palou, that venture did not last very long after his team retired on the opening lap due to a crash in Turn 12. Marcus Ericsson was also present, as he raced alongside his brother Hampus, in the No.99 Random Vandals Racing entry, where they finished 13th. In #ExIndyCarDriverWatch, Braun finished just ahead of Ericsson in 12th.
That is not the end of IndyCar drivers racing elsewhere this off-season though as Christian Rasmussen has been confirmed to switch asphalt for dirt as he'll compete in the Turkey Night Grand Prix on November 28th at Ventura Raceway.
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock passes away
Gordon Johncock, the winner of the 1973 and 1982 Indianapolis 500s, passed away on September 28th, aged 90 in his home in South Branch, Michigan.
Johncock won the 1976 USAC Championship Car title and claimed 25 wins and 76 podiums in his 262 races, which spanned over 28 years. Johncock is most remembered for his Indianapolis 500 victories, in both of which he drove for Patrick Racing.
The 1982 race saw a battle in the finals laps between Johncock and Rick Mears - in which Johncock won out by 0.16 seconds, which at the time, was the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. It stands as the seventh closest finish of all-time.
It was a feel-good story after Johncock could not celebrate his victory wholeheartedly in the 1973 race, which is seen as one of the darkest 'Month of May's' in history, with delays due to weather alongside multiple fatal accidents. The race ended after just 133 laps, and Johncock cancelled his victory celebration after a horrifying accident for his teammate Swede Savage.
Johncock was a member of both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, which he was inducted to in 1997 and 1999 respectively.
“Gordon Johncock was known for his hard-charging, no-nonsense style of racing, and he left a lasting legacy on both Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar," said IndyCar and IMS President Doug Boles. "While his 1973 Indianapolis 500 victory was overshadowed by tragedy, that race was an inflection point for safety, leading to a vital shift in track engineering and regulations.
"Gordon was unable to truly celebrate his first win, so that made his second win in 1982, following a thrilling duel with Rick Mears, all the more memorable. His victory is one of the iconic moments in the history of the Speedway. Remembered as much for his quiet life away from racing, Gordon left a lasting impact on the world of motorsports. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Jack Harvey reveals cancer diagnosis
FOX Sports broadcaster and driver Jack Harvey shared news of his cancer diagnosis in October, but confirmed his ambitions to return to the broadcast in St. Petersburg and compete in next year's Indianapolis 500.
"My entire career has been about fighting for what's next," Harvey wrote on a message on his social media accounts. "The next opportunity. The next chance to prove myself. The next time I could get back in the car and show what I'm capable of.
“There have been moments when the path forward was obvious, and plenty when it wasn’t. I’ve had to earn opportunities, fight to keep them, and learn how to keep moving when things didn’t go the way I planned.
“But through all of it, I’ve never stopped believing that there was something worth fighting for.
“Life has delivered a new fight to my doorstep. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer.
“My goals for 2027 have not changed. I plan to be on the grid in St. Pete and strapping back into a race car this May in preparation for the Indianapolis 500.
“I am receiving excellent care and support from the team around me, my family, friends, DRR, FOX, IndyCar, and many more.
“I’ve never backed away from a challenge in my life and this circumstance is no different. So… Let's fight."
Harvey has worked as a pit reporter for FOX on IndyCar broadcasts and an analyst on Indy NXT broadcasts since his full-time IndyCar career came to an end in 2024. The last two seasons have seen Harvey compete in the Indianapolis 500 for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing alongside his broadcasting duties for the rest of the year.
We wish Jack all the best in his fight.
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