IndyCar Weekly: Done deals, development programmes and Daytona
- Dan Jones
- 9 hours ago
- 14 min read
There never quite seems to be a quiet week in IndyCar. We might be approaching 80 days since the season concluded at Nashville, but last week's news saw significant contract renewals, key signings in both the IndyCar and Indy NXT fields and several drivers out on track testing various different machinery. IndyCar weekly provides your round-up of the action from the last seven days.
Hunter-Reay signs with McLaren for Indy 500
The field of 33 for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is one step closer to being finalised this week, after the confirmation that Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive in a fourth Arrow McLaren entry for the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'
The 44-year-old will drive the No.31 car, a nod to the car number that the American used in his maiden Champ Car season in 2002. It will mark a monumental return to the '500' for Hunter-Reay who almost stole the headlines last year after surging into victory contention midway through the race. However, pitting one lap late proved to be a costly error as Hunter-Reay's fuel tank ran dry and one of the great Indianapolis 500 stories was not to be.
It continues McLaren's run of signing high-profile drivers for an additional entry at the race, with previous names including Fernando Alonso, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Kanaan and Kyle Larson.
“This is an incredible opportunity in so many ways. I’d like to express my gratitude to Zak, Tony and the rest of the Arrow McLaren management team for pursuing this partnership and making it a reality," said Hunter-Reay. " It is an honour to represent and drive for one of the most iconic teams in motorsports history, an organization that spares no effort or resource in the pursuit of being at the pinnacle of the sport and of course, winning the Indy 500. After coming so agonisingly close to a shot at the win in last year’s 500, I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership.”
The 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner will join forces with Arrow McLaren after spending the last three years at Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, the only team who run an Indy-only effort. The team have already confirmed Jack Harvey as one of their drivers in 2026, with Conor Daly expected to line-up alongside the Briton.
'Captain America' will also re-unite with Arrow McLaren Team Principal Kanaan, some 15 years after the pair were teammates at Andretti Autosport. As Kanaan joked with Hunter-Reay in a mid-week press conference: "‘Would you ever imagine that I would have a possibility to actually be your boss?’"
“Ryan is a great addition to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and just who we want in that fourth car this coming May alongside Pato, Nolan and Christian," said Kanaan. "He’s an Indy 500 champion - and if you look at our history at McLaren - that's the reason we field a fourth car, to have one more contender in the mix. He is a proven winner, and we know he will have a strong chance to win this historic event. Ryan is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, and we're very excited to get started with him and have him part of our team into next May.”
Kanaan also stated that Hunter-Reay's deal is a multi-year agreement, dependent on what Hunter-Reay's feelings are heading into 2027.
It brings the field of 33 up to a confirmed 29 entries. Hélio Castroneves has unofficially stated he will return, with Ed Carpenter and Conor Daly also likely to feature next May. Bigger question marks remain on if Takuma Sato will return at RLL and the future of the fourth Andretti entry, after Marco Andretti's retirement this off-season.
Foster signs new multi-year deal with RLL
As was the case in last year's IndyCar Weekly, this week saw a new multi-year extension for one of the rising stars of the series. Coming off the back of winning IndyCar Rookie of the Year, Louis Foster has agreed to a new multi-year deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), expected to keep the Briton at the team until 2028.
Foster already had a contract through 2026 but has re-committed to RLL on a further multi-year contract, with the 22-year-old likely now seen as the long-term future of the team. Foster's rookie season saw several encouraging moments, most notably achieving a maiden pole position at Road America.
“I’m really happy to extend my contract with RLL,” Foster said. “Having that consistency and sense of security means a lot – it’s great knowing who I’ll be working with over the next few years. We’ve built a strong, trusting group here, and that familiarity helps us understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we can keep improving together. I truly believe that consistency will pay off in the long run. I’m excited to get back to work with the team and help push us forward in a positive direction. Huge thanks to Bobby , Mike and Dave for their faith in me."
As part of Foster's new deal, his primary sponsor for 2025, Droplight has also signed a multi-year agreement to sponsor Foster's No.45 entry.
Foster's extension continues a succession of major moves at the team in the last 12 months. Ex-IndyCar President Jay Frye signed with the team in April, whilst the team brought in Brian Barnhart as Senior Vice-President of Operations and Kyle Sagan as Pitstop Manager last week.
“I was very pleased with the job that Louis did this season; he exceeded our expectations,” RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “I knew he would be competitive, but I certainly didn’t expect the pace and consistency he showed almost from the start. Given his talent and potential, it made perfect sense for us to extend his contract. I’m confident Louis will be running up front on a regular basis in the coming years. We’re excited to continue this next chapter with him.”
Although Foster's deal takes him through 2028, where he is expected to continue alongside Graham Rahal, the future of the No.30 entry remains unclear - even as soon as 2026. Devlin DeFrancesco was signed on a multi-year deal but is believed to not be returning to the team in 2026. Mick Schumacher tested for the team at Indianapolis in October but no driver is confirmed in that entry currently for next season.
Indy NXT field completes test at Barber
It may have been snowing in Indianapolis this week, but off-season testing continues throughout IndyCar and Indy NXT, with 23 drivers completing a private test in Indy NXT machinery at Barber Motorsports Park on a cold day in Alabama.
Like was the case two weeks ago at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, it was Andretti Global on top of the timing sheets. Sophomore driver, Max Taylor led teammate Josh Pierson by a 0.6561 second margin with fellow Andretti drivers Lochie Hughes and Sebastian Murray in fourth and 10th respectively.
"It was a really, really good day of learning out here with the Andretti boys," said Taylor. "It was a really good session, really good lap, but these guys work so hard and I can thank it all to them. So yeah, good end to the day and we'll keep it going."
Taylor enters his first full season of Indy NXT after appearing in six races with HMD Motorsports last season, where he achieved a best finish of fourth at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Enzo Fittipaldi was the top non-Andretti driver in third as he continues preparation for his rookie season in 2026. Chip Ganassi Racing's Bryce Aron was in fifth ahead of Abel Motorsports' Myles Rowe in sixth. Alessandro de Tullio and Juan Manuel Correa finished seventh and eighth for AJ Foyt Racing and HMD Motorsports respectively.
Former Formula 3 Champion, Victor Martins, raised some eyebrows when he made an appearance with HMD Motorsport at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, and Martins raised further eyebrows at Barber as he joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for a second Indy NXT test.
Martins could follow in the footsteps of Dennis Hauger, who won the F3 championship the year prior to Martins, who joined Indy NXT from F2 heading into 2025 where the Norwegian won the championship and has since progressed to IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing. Hauger will be next week's guest on the DIVEBOMB IndyCar Podcast to discuss his step up to IndyCar.
Carson Etter was the other rookie driver at the test who's plans for 2026 remain unconfirmed, with the American testing for HMD Motorsports - who still have two seats available for 2026.
Monteiro completes Foyt Indy NXT line-up
AJ Foyt Racing have confirmed the second of their two drivers for their return to Indy NXT in 2026, with Nicholas Monteiro stepping up from USF Pro 2000 to partner Alessandro de Tullio at the team.
Monteiro made his Indy NXT debut at Portland last year for HMD Motorsports where he finished 14th after finishing 10th in his third year in the USF Pro 2000 Championship. Monteiro will stay in the HMD fold, with Foyt sharing a partnership with HMD after they were forced to downsize from nine to four cars in the off-season.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to compete in Indy NXT with such an iconic team as AJ Foyt Racing,” Monteiro said. “Driving the Indy NXT car last season in Portland was an incredible experience and gave me a good understanding of what to expect. Joining a team with so much motorsports history and passion means a lot to me, and I’m ready to make the most of this chance. I can’t wait to get started and continue building toward my goals.”
Monteiro tested for the team at Barber this week and was also with the team at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the Indianapolis Road Course. The Brazilian will continue to be with the team for all official tests in the build-up to the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg.
“Nicholas will be a great addition to our team. He’s shown impressive speed and maturity for his age, and his approach both on and off the track stood out to us," said AJ Foyt Racing Team Principal Larry Foyt. "We’re looking forward to helping him continue to develop and seeing what we can accomplish together this season. He and Alessandro already work well together, putting us in a strong position for success.”
Foyt join Andretti Global, Abel Motorsports and Cusick Morgan Motorsports as teams to fully confirm their line-ups for 2026 bringing the total number of confirmed drivers to 15 of an expected 23.
Ferrucci to sport new colours for full 2026 season
It's been yet another busy week of announcements for Foyt, who announced on Veteran's Day that the team has partnered with Hendricks Commercial Properties to raise funds for Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) throughout the 2026 season, with Santino Ferrucci carrying the colours of the US flag for the course of the 250th birthday year for the United States.
HFOT builds and provides specially adapted homes to severely injured post-9/11 veterans, many of whom have suffered injuries such as amputations, paralysis, burns, blindness or severe traumatic brain injury. The homes try to restore some of the freedom and independence that veterans sacrificed for their country with 90% of funds going directly to the programme.
"I'm incredibly excited that HFOT will be on the No.14 car for the full season, especially as we celebrate America's 250th birthday," said Ferrucci. "It's a huge deal, not just for the team and myself, but to drive a car in the American flag livery all year long is an honor and a privilege. We're committed to raising awareness and money, lots of it, for our severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, who've sacrificed so much for this country to protect the freedoms we enjoy."
HFOT has been a feature of Foyt's Indianapolis 500 programme since 2022, where the annual $1 Million pledge has raised over $15 Million for veterans.
“We are proud to partner with AJ Foyt Racing in support of Homes For Our Troops, a cause that truly reflects our values and the values of the Hendricks family,” said Rob Gerbitz, CEO and President of Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. “We’re honored to help advance HFOT's mission to build homes for our nation’s deserving veterans.”
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Hendricks Commercial Properties for their generous sponsorship and support,” continued HFOT President/CEO Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) Tom Landwermeyer. “As we look ahead to the 2026 racing season, we’re excited to build on this collaboration, which will play a vital role in raising awareness and advancing our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for our nation’s severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.”
Ferrucci's full-season sponsorship has been supported by Sexton Properties since 2023, but became uncertain heading into 2026 after the passing of Marlyne Sexton in June. The patriotic livery will feature on Ferrucci's car on all 17 races in 2026.
"What an amazing program!" exclaimed Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing. "We couldn't be prouder to continue our long relationship with the Hendricks family as well as continuing the inspiring experience of working with Homes For Our Troops. I can't say enough about how much Diane Hendricks and her daughter Konya (Hendricks Schuh) have supported our team and IndyCar over the years. It will be an honor to represent their hospitality and commercial properties brands. Personally, the Bottleworks Hotel is my favorite stay in Indianapolis and this will certainly make my month of May home there more special."
It's been a week of announcements for Ferrucci too, who has confirmed his return to the Chili Bowl in January driving the No.16 Abacus Racing entry. Ferrucci will warm-up for the race with a Midget National Championship race in Placerville, California on November 15th.
Ferrucci has raced in the Chili Bowl since 2021 and suffered a heavy crash last year during a preliminary race early in the week. Ferrucci did progress through four feature races but was eliminated in the H Feature.
“To be honest, last year was a wild ride, for sure,” Ferrucci said. “I started my preliminary night in the catch fencing during hot laps and thought it was over before it started. But the team, with some crucial help from the paddock, got the car back together and we salvaged what ended up being a pretty good night.”
Ganassi sign first driver to development programme
Chip Ganassi Racing have signed 11-year-old Cam Becker to their driver development programme, as the Lucas Oil Formula Race Series Champion becomes the first driver to join the team's programme which was launched late last year.
"My goal is to be an IndyCar winner, just like the IndyCar drivers at Chip Ganassi Racing, said Becker. "I’m thankful to be involved with one of the best teams in the world and want to learn as much as I can to be the best I can, on and off the track.”
Ganassi state that Becker will use their facilities in Indianapolis to work on physical, mental and media training, technical education, simulator work and business development. The Colorado native will also be in attendance for IndyCar events throughout the course of 2026.
"Cam has a naturally born skill set and a genuine work ethic that fit perfectly with what we believe at Chip Ganassi Racing," said Mike Hull, Managing Director of Chip Ganassi Racing. "What matters now is also shaping his mindset in our training program to become a complete IndyCar driver; learning how to think, prepare, and perform at the highest level. Our job is to give him the tools, people, a winning understanding combined with a culture to develop into a complete racer. Stacking those blocks is where the real growth happens.”
Becker will continue his on-track development with races in different open wheel series and test more powerful machinery as part of the programme. Becker is also the youngest winner in Formula FARA and has claimed titles in the Rotax US Trophy Final and Kid Kart Championship.
#ExIndyCarDriverWatch in IMSA races, active drivers in testing
As was a theme last week, more familiar faces have been confirmed to take part in IMSA races in 2026. With teams requiring four drivers per entry at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January, it provides an opportunity for IndyCar drivers to race before the start of the season. Some drivers have also been signed for the 12 Hours of Sebring which takes place between the Arlington and Barber IndyCar rounds whilst a post-season opportunity also arises at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
As was covered last week, Scott Dixon and Álex Palou have been confirmed for all three races with Meyer Shank Racing, whilst Christian Rasmussen will be present in Daytona with AO Racing in the LMP2 class. He will race against the Fittipaldi brothers, Pietro and Enzo, who will race for Pratt Miller Motorsports. Colton Herta had also previously been announced to compete in Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing in the GTP class.
McElrea joins Hanley in United Autosports LMP2 entry
It's a double whammy for ex-IndyCar drivers at United Autosports, as one-time driver Hunter McElrea joins four-time IndyCar driver Ben Hanley in the No.2 United Autosports USA entry at Daytona.
Hanley has been with the team since 2024 and won Daytona in the LMP2 class in 2020 with DragonSpeed USA - the same team he entered all four of his IndyCar races with. Although it was not confirmed, Hanley is expected to do the full season alongside Phil Fayer.
McElrea switches to United Autosports after two years at TDS Racing, where the New Zealander won both the Battle on the Bricks and Petit Le Mans in successive years. McElrea has only been announced for Daytona thus far. The pair will line-up alongside Fayer and Mikkel Jensen in January's race.
For even more IndyCar lore, the sister No.22 car will feature ex-Indy NXT driver, Rasmus Lindh. That entry will aim to defend it's crown of a year ago.
“Winning the 24 Hours of Daytona is a monumental achievement, and one which we are extremely proud of,” said team CEO Richard Dean. “Going for back-to-back victories is bold but with two driver line-ups that combine proven, race-winning United Autosports names and formidable new additions to the team, we are putting ourselves in the strongest possible position to lift that trophy once again in 2026.”
Grosjean to race Daytona in Mustang GT3
Romain Grosjean was once heavily rumoured to be a feature of the IndyCar grid once again in 2026 with many previously linking him with a return to Dale Coyne Racing. Those rumours have cooled slightly, with Grosjean not being in prime position to make a full-time return to the series. Some of his 2026 plans have been confirmed though, as he'll race the No.16 Ford Mustang for Myers Riley Motorsport in the GTD class at Daytona.
Grosjean had been a feature of Lamborghini's program for the last three years, but departed the outfit at the end of the IMSA season. He'll enter the 2026 race alongside Felipe Fraga, Jenson Altzman and Sheena Monk.
“The addition of Romain to our already formidable driver team for Daytona is very exciting,” said co-owner Ross Myers. "It adds to the momentum that has already started for a successful start to the 2026 season.”
“I’m very excited to take part in the Daytona 24 with Myers Riley,” Grosjean added. “It’s a special event that I would not want to miss and collaborating with the team has been such a pleasure.”
And more familiar faces around town...
In the build-up to the race, the series hosts a test in November, which is taking place this weekend. The test gives drivers a chance to get their eye in, as well as teams to evaluate potential driver line-ups for the race.
Of interest, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin have been testing for Porsche Penske Motorsport, the double-defending winners of the race - Newgarden himself won with Porsche in 2024.
Louis Foster has also tested, with Tower Motorsports in the LMP2 class, whilst Nolan Siegel has tested for Inter Europol Competition in the No.43 entry. Kyle Kirkwood has made his usual appearance for Vasser Sullivan Racing in the GTD Pro Class whilst his new Andretti teammate, Will Power has been with 75 Express - the team he raced in the Indianapolis 8 Hour with. Callum Ilott is the other active driver who's been out on track, with Wright Motorsports in the GTD class.
Indy NXT's Bryce Aron has returned to the JDC-Miller MotorSports helm in the GTP class and on #ExIndyCarDriverWatch, Kevin Magnussen, Toby Sowery, Tristan Vautier, Franck Perera, Jüri Vips and Sébastien Bourdais have also been out on track.
Comments