IndyCar Weekly: Testing, transfers and technical alliances
- Dan Jones
- Oct 25
- 16 min read
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 testing taking place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), driver transfers aplenty in Indy NXT and two familiar faces moving into the series, there's plenty to catch up on this week.
Indy cars return to Indianapolis
There may still be 30 weeks until the green flag for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, but cars were on track Tuesday and Wednesday to start preparations ahead of next years' 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing.' Four teams were on track conducting both tyre development and the testing of new parts, that are being considered for future implementation in the series.
As the top two in the 2025 points standings, Álex Palou and Pato O'Ward tested Firestone tyres ahead of next year's race. Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato, both winners of the Indianapolis 500 tested brake and shock components that are being considered for use on the Indy car in upcoming years.
Testing the new tarmac
The test also gave drivers a chance to evaluate a long-awaited repave to Turn 2. IMS dug up the oval last month due to growing bumps throughout the corner which had been worsening year-on-year. The speedway milled and replaced approximately 30 metres of track. The root of the problem was discovered to be the bricks originally laid in 1909 which had expanded due to moisture and created an uneven surface on the newer tarmac.
“We’ve been watching it for five or six years, but this year, leading into May, the bump was actually higher than it was in 2024,” said J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR and IMS president. “We had to roll that part of the track to get it back to 2024 levels. We felt good about that. It was fine through the Month of May, but during the summer the heat in Indiana allowed those bricks to push further into the surface.
“Our concern was if we didn't fix it this fall, that if it continued to do what it looks like it's done over the last 24 months, we could end up in a situation where we couldn't fix that bump in time to run the Indianapolis 500, so they'd have to manage that bump throughout the race.”
“With the bump that was there on the exit of Turn 2, you really didn’t have much grip,” Palou said. “And you have a lot of steering angle, and then, even if it's a really small bump, it just unsettles the car a little bit and you lose confidence. So therefore, next lap, you just leave a bigger gap to the car in front. So with the paving and getting rid of the bump, I think this is going to allow us to run a little bit closer at the exit of Turn 2, which hopefully makes Turn 3 more exciting.”
Palou and O'Ward test new Firestone compounds
Palou and O'Ward had spent the day testing four different Firestone compounds ahead of the 110th Running of the race in May next year.
“We tested the control tyre, which is what we raced last season, and then we did three different tyres," O'Ward said. "I had one favourite, and it was definitely way better in every single way, just more balanced throughout the stint, way less vibrations, and just a better tyre overall, which is one of the ones that I did a long run with. And that was the last one that I ran all day.”
“We just need to let them know what we feel,” Palou added. “But it was good, a little bit less vibrations on some compounds, which obviously helps on the long run and for the race. It might be just a very small difference, but it might make a big impact during the race, when there's 33 cars.”
Rossi and Sato develop new brakes and dampers
Due to Rossi and Sato's combination of winning success and experience at the Speedway, along with their team's proximity to Indianapolis, both drivers were entrusted with working on the development of new parts.
One of which was a new brake configuration to resolve an ongoing problem of pitlane incidents. With brakes being used to a minimum on the oval and the calipers being extended away from the brake to increase airflow and speed, many drivers are unable to decelerate when coming into pitlane, which has seen multiple accidents and spins in recent years - notably Rinus VeeKay and Robert Shwartzman last year.
Drivers commonly had to pump the brakes when mid-way through Turn 4 on their in-lap in order to generate temperature before they came into the pits so the pedal would not go flat to the floor.
“This was an enormous success,” Sato said. “After 20 laps, the brakes were still there. We used to have to pump the pedal. Not anymore. It gives great confidence and stability.”
“Turn 4 into pit lane has always been a trouble area that ultimately stems from brake drag, Rossi added: "It’s free lap time if you eliminate brake drag, but you sacrifice consistency.
“These new components aimed to get rid of that, so no kind of changes have to be made, and the pedal that you would expect when you had your last pit stop remains the same throughout the race. It seems to be working pretty well overall.”
Although Sato isn't confirmed for next year's race, he was entrusted by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) to complete the test. Sato won the race with RLL in 2020 and has competed with the team in the last two '500s'. The Japanese driver re-affirmed his belief he will be at Indianapolis next year.
“If we get the pieces together, hopefully we’ll be back. As long as I feel confident, I feel physically, mentally still prepared to challenge for this biggest event. I'd like to continue. Whether that will be only a few years or multiple years, I don't know, but certainly working on the progress for the next year.”
Sato also confirmed his broken rib has fully healed after breaking it after suffering a heavy crash at the 'Open Test' in April.
The running on Tuesday was slightly limited due to rain but there were no interruptions on Wednesday. Rossi will be back testing in early November in Phoenix with Scott Dixon, as the circuit prepares to return to the IndyCar calendar in 2026.
Herta confirmed for Formula 2 with Hitech
Colton Herta's expected 2026 Formula 2 campaign has been confirmed, after it was announced this week that he will race with Hitech GP. Herta had already been confirmed as Cadillac's test driver behind Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as the marque prepares to become Formula One's 11th team in 2026.
"I’m incredibly excited to officially be joining F2 for the 2026 Formula 2 season," Herta said. "This is an amazing opportunity to develop my skills in European racing and to measure myself against some of the best young drivers in the world.
"Racing on the same weekends as Formula 1 will give me first-hand experience of that environment and help me grow as part of the Cadillac F1 family. I’m very grateful to Cadillac and Hitech for their trust and support and I can’t wait to get started.”
In seven IndyCar seasons with Harding Streinbrenner Racing and Andretti Global, Herta had amassed nine victories in the series, although went winless in 2025. Still just 25, Herta will have to adapt to the notoriously tricky Pirelli tyres in addition to an unfamiliar car and plenty of unfamiliar venues.
“Colton has already shown exceptional talent and professionalism throughout his career," said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. "His move into Formula 2 with Hitech is a natural and important next step in his development towards F1. Competing in F2 will not only strengthen his racecraft in the European environment but also allow for greater integration with our team as he continues to support us with his testing and simulator duties.
"We are proud of Colton’s commitment to success in European racing, and we look forward to seeing him take on this exciting new challenge with Hitech – a team with a proven history of success in junior categories."
You can read the full details of Herta's switch in Vyas' article here.
O'Ward completes FP1 session with McLaren F1 Team
It's been a busy week for O'Ward, who took part in Free Practice 1 for this weekends' Mexico City Grand Prix after his tyre testing earlier in the week. O'Ward took the helm of Lando Norris' car as the team fulfilled the third of their fourth required rookie practice sessions after Alex Dunne practiced for the team in Austria and Monza.
It was O'Ward's fourth practice session with the team after completing outings at the Yas Marina Circuit in 2022 and 2023. As he did in 2024, O'Ward found himself on-track in front of his home crowd at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, the only Mexican in the session after Pérez failed to find a full-time seat in 2025.
O'Ward completed 30 laps in the MCL39 with a best time of a 1:19.680 as he finished 13th in the timing sheets.
"Being back on track in Mexico is so special to me. All week, the fans have been passionate and loud, making me feel right at home again. I want to thank the team for putting me in the seat. We ran through the programme we had planned for the day successfully, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support Lando and Oscar on their championship runs with time in the car today. I’m excited to see the team finish up the weekend strong.”
O'Ward typically spends the first half of his IndyCar off-season fulfilling his reserve duties with the team, travelling to the majority of races after the end of the IndyCar season. O'Ward could be in line to return to the team for another practice session later in the year, although McLaren have not confirmed who will take Oscar Piastri's car in Abu Dhabi.
“We finish our first day on track in Mexico with solid running across two smooth sessions," said McLaren team principal Andrea Stella. "We come away with lots of important information, and the initial readings from FP2 have our long run pace looking reasonably competitive, which is pleasing.
“Thank you to Pato who did a good job in place of Lando in FP1. He provided a valuable contribution to our data collection, which is appreciated by the team."
IndyCar was rumoured to visit the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in 2026 but due to scheduling conflicts with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, IndyCar officials were unable to find a calendar slot for the race.
Familiar faces expand into Indy NXT
IndyCar's primary feeder series, Indy NXT, has had a busy week of announcements in preparation for the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the IMS Road Course which takes place on Monday 27th. The test is the most significant post-season test for Indy NXT, with many of the drivers testing likely to be the ones who see the green in St. Petersburg in March next year.
AJ Foyt Racing enter strategic alliance with HMD Motorsports
Some 23 years after they won the first Indy Lights championship, AJ Foyt Racing will return to Indy NXT with two entries in 2026 in a strategic alliance with HMD Motorsports.
The teams' move into the series will give an opportunity to develop both drivers and engineers for future careers in IndyCar, with the team stating that "the organisation aims to provide a more integrated and structured approach to preparing all for the top level of American open-wheel racing."
“This has been a long time coming,” commented AJ Foyt Racing Team President Larry Foyt. “We’ve played a significant role in developing drivers who have gone on to compete at the top level of IndyCar. We felt it was time to get involved in the Indy NXT program again. Forming a Technical and Strategic Alliance with HMD Motorsports provides the experience and technical support to make our Indy NXT program as strong and effective as possible.”
HMD ran nine cars at points last season, making up almost half the Indy NXT field. However, a rule change heading into 2026 has meant that teams can only enter four cars. HMD have already announced a partnership with Cusick Morgan Motorsports, who will run two cars whilst this newly-announced partnership with Foyt will mean a total of eight cars supported or run by HMD.
“We are thrilled to announce this strategic alliance with AJ Foyt Racing,” HMD Motorsports Team President Mike Maurini said. “This is the next step in making the pathway to IndyCar more accessible to talented drivers throughout the Indy NXT paddock. Together, our teams will combine experience and resources to help develop the next generation of competitive drivers.”
HMD Motorsports, ran by David Malukas' father Henry, has found great success since they entered Indy NXT in 2019. Linus Lundqvist and Christian Rasmussen won championships with the team in 2022 and 2023 respectably whilst other notable alumni include Toby Sowery, David Malukas, Benjamin Pedersen, Kyffin Simpson and Nolan Siegel.
The team state that "further details on the driver lineup and program will be announced in the coming months," but have confirmed that Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio will drive at Monday's test. De Tullio and Monteiro finished fourth and 10th respectively in the USF Pro 2000 Championship in 2025, the step below Indy NXT on the Road to Indy ladder.
Ed Carpenter Racing partners with Cape Motorsport in Indy NXT
Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) became the latest team to announce their move into Indy NXT this week, as they will also field two entries in 2026.
They will partner with Cape Motorsports, who returned to Indy NXT themselves in 2023. 2024 and 2025 saw the team share a close alliance with Andretti Global, which saw Salvador de Alba and Sebastian Murray move to the Andretti outfit after one season with Cape.
The team will officially be titled Cape Motorsports powered by ECR with the alliance providing technical support, testing opportunities for emerging drivers and career development for engineers and mechanics. The team have also confirmed they will run in Carpenter blue and Indiana gold to match the primary colours run by the team's IndyCar operations.
The team will also run its operations with Jay Howard Driver Development, ran by ex-IndyCar driver Jay Howard, who run entries in the US Pro 2000 Series and the USF2000, the first steps on the Road to Indy.
“I’m very excited to bring these highly successful programs together to create a complete development path through the entire open-wheel ladder system,” Ed Carpenter stated. “As ECR continues to grow and work toward becoming a championship-caliber team, this is an important step forward. This partnership should not only strengthen ECR but also Cape Motorsports and JHDD. I’m looking forward to being involved and working with all of the programs and drivers in 2026 and beyond.”
Cape had already announced Nikita Johnson to drive one of the two entries in 2026, with the second driver to be announced at a later date. The team will also be present at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test.
“Partnering with ECR and Jay Howard Driver Development is an incredibly exciting step for Cape Motorsports,” said Dominic and Nicholas Cape, co-owners of Cape Motorsports. “This collaboration brings together three organizations that share the same passion for discovering and shaping young talent. From karting to IndyCar, we’re building a pathway that gives drivers every opportunity to grow, learn and ultimately succeed at the highest level. For us, it’s about more than just racing, it’s about building the next generation of champions.”
Three drivers confirmed for 2026 Indy NXT campaigns
With the Chris Griffis Memorial Test fast approaching, several more teams have drivers locked in ahead of 2026 as preparations towards the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg continue.
Kaminsky makes Indy NXT return with Abel
Colin Kaminsky will make a surprise return to the Indy NXT field with Abel Motorsports, as the team lock-in their four car line-up for 2026. Kaminsky has been racing on the Road to Indy ladder since 2017 and competed in eight races with Abel in Indy NXT in 2023. Kaminsky achieved three top 10 finishes with a best finish of sixth at Barber Motorsports Park.
“I am extremely thrilled to come back to the Indy NXT by Firestone series in 2026,” Kaminsky said. “I have to thank Bill Abel and John Brunner for making this happen. They’re giving me the opportunity to reignite my open-wheel racing career, and it’s an opportunity that I’m looking forward to capitalizing on. I love driving the Dallara IL-15, and the tracks that Indy NXT races at so just really looking forward to being back in the mix.”
“We are thrilled to have Colin back at ABEL Motorsports for the 2026 season,” team owner Bill Abel said. “He has shown great promise in his previous time in the INDY NXT car, and we are looking for top-of-the-chart results from Colin in 2026.”
Kaminsky spent 2024 racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, before spending 2025 launching a new business and is now looking forward to returning to the racetrack:
“My career has had plenty of highs and lows, as a racing driver does,” Kaminsky added. “2023 was my first time in the INDY NXT car, and that was a massive step compared to the lower formula series. The obvious high of that first season was qualifying second at Road America, proving to myself and the team that I was starting to come alive.
“We weren’t able to convert that to a podium, but the confidence I gained is what I am taking with me to 2026. I also spent a full season away from racing in 2025 as I focused on starting my new business, Kaminsky Park, but that time away has me feeling as energized as ever to get out on the racetrack and perform.”
Kaminsky's announcement completes Abel's line-up for 2025. Myles Rowe will return to the team in the No.99 entry with Force Indy, aiming to build on his fourth-place finish in the championship last season. Defending USF Pro 2000 champion, Max Garcia, will step up to the team in the No.12 entry whilst Jordan Missig will enter a third season with the team, as he continues in the No.48.
All drivers, including Kaminsky, will be present at Monday's test.
Pierson completes Andretti line-up for 2026
Josh Pierson will enter a fourth season of Indy NXT as he moves to Andretti Global after three years with HMD Motorsports. Pierson achieved his maiden Indy NXT podium finishes last season as he took a third and second-place finish at the double-header at Laguna Seca and looks to continue his year-on-year improvement in points.
“I’m super excited to be joining Andretti Global for the 2026 Indy NXT by Firestone season,” Pierson said. “I’m proud to represent Andretti, and I’m really looking forward to furthering my career and taking another step toward my dream of racing in IndyCar.
“Going into my third full season of Indy NXT with the reigning champions gives me the confidence to focus on myself and how I can improve as a driver. I cannot wait to get started with the team at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test.”
Pierson first raced in Indy NXT in 2023 in a part-time campaign where he shared his time between Indy NXT with the European Le Mans Series and raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class.
Following a disappointing campaign where Pierson finished 15th in points, his first full season saw him marginally improve to 14th, where he claimed six top 10 finishes across the course of the season.
However, last year spelled a breakout season for Pierson who achieved six top five finishes, whilst being outside the top 10 on just three occasions and never lower than 11th. Pierson finished sixth in the standings at the conclusion of the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway.
“We first talked to Josh over three years ago, so we are delighted to now add him to the Andretti Global INDY NXT family for the 2026 season,” Andretti Global Team Principal Rob Edwards said. “We have watched Josh develop as a driver over the past few years, not just in INDY NXT, but also through his experience racing in Europe.
“Josh put in many strong performances over the second half of the 2025 season, and we expect him to challenge for the INDY NXT championship in 2026.”
Similarly to Abel, Andretti also have their line-up fully in place for 2026. Lochie Hughes will enter as one of the title favourites, as he returns after finishing third in the championship last year. Sebastian Murray will step up from Andretti's previous partnership with Cape Motorsports in the No.27 entry for a second Indy NXT season. Max Taylor will embark on a first full-time season in the No.28 after impressing in a part-time campaign for HMD Motorsports.
All drivers will be present at Monday's test.
Correa enters first full season with Cusick Morgan Motorsports
After a surprise mid-season switch to Indy NXT last year, Juan Manuel Correa will embark on a first full campaign as he completes Cusick Morgan Motorsports' line-up.
Correa has been a veteran of the European ladder, competing in Formula 4, GP3 and Formula 2. Correa has had an inspiring return to racing after suffering life-changing injuries when involved in a serious accident at an F2 at Spa in 2019 which resulted in the tragic passing of Anthoine Hubert.
After two years where Correa had to learn to walk again, he returned to the F2 and F3 ladder where he achieved a podium finish in both series. In that time since, Correa has also gained experience in sportscars, claiming victories in the European Le Mans Series, as well as racing in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship which included the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Correa made a surprise switch to Indy NXT last year, where he competed in nine races with HMD Motorsports, as he balanced his commitments with those in IMSA. Correa has a mixed campaign, with three top 10 finishes which was highlighted by a podium in Detroit.
“Last season fuelled my desire to become a top competitor in the Indy NXT by Firestone series and ultimately make the climb to IndyCar,” Correa said. “Joining a team new to the series is an exciting challenge, giving me the chance to contribute my feedback and help build something we can all be proud of. Their technical alliance with HMD Motorsports, where I raced last year, gives me confidence that we can compete at the front, fight for wins and be a real force on the grid.”
Correa will continue in the HMD fold, as their forced downsizing opened up a new partnership with Cusick Morgan Motorsports. Cusick expanded themselves outside of their Indy 500-only efforts with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and will field two entires, spearheaded by founder Don Cusick.
“Juan Manuel brings experience, resilience and undeniable confidence in the Indy NXT car, making him a standout addition to our program,” Cusick Morgan Motorsports Team Owner Don Cusick said. “We are committed to giving him every tool necessary to succeed and are excited to see him push the team forward as we make our series debut.”
“I cannot wait to get to work with Juan Manuel both on and off the track," said Cusick Morgan Co-Owner Billy Morgan: "We have had some fantastic conversations leading to this moment, and I am extremely proud to have him in our seat for our inaugural season.”
Correa completes the Cusick Morgan Motorsports line-up for next year, as he lines up alongside the previously announced Nicholas Stati. Stati enters his first season in Indy NXT after racing in GB3, Formula Regional America and Formula Regional Oceania last season. The 16-year-old from Australia finished second in the US Formula 4 Championship in 2024.
“I’m excited to make my Indy NXT debut with Cusick Morgan Motorsports,” Stati said. “This is a big step in my career, and I believe the team and I can grow together as we take on this challenge for the first time. It’s an honor to represent Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and I’m looking forward to learning everything I can as we start this journey.”
Confirmed drivers for the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, drivers in bold have been confirmed for 2026 drives already:
Abel Motorsports: Max Garcia, Colin Kaminsky, Jordan Missig, Myles Rowe
AJ Foyt Enterprises: Nicholas Monteiro, Alessandro de Tullio
Andretti Global: Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Josh Pierson, Max Taylor
Chip Ganassi Racing: Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen
Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR: Nikita Johnson
Cusick Morgan Motorsports: Juan Manuel Correa, Nicholas Stati
HMD Motorsports: Jack Beeton, Enzo Fittipaldi, Tymek Kucharczyk
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