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Get Ready: IR-28 Car Set for Its First Oval Track Workout This Week
Highlights
- IR-28 car set for first oval test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou to pilot IR-28 in oval tests
- Public viewing available at Turn 2 Viewing Mounds during tests
- Mick Schumacher joins Meyer Shank Racing for 2027 season
- Scott Dixon leaves Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years
- Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing downsizes; Dreyer & Reinbold adds Conor Daly
INDYCAR’s IR-28 undertakes its first oval test at Indianapolis this week, with Alexander Rossi on Wednesday and Alex Palou on Thursday, as series engineers validate high-speed performance ahead of 2028.
The run follows last month’s initial outing on the 2.439-mile IMS road course, completed in mixed conditions that broaden baseline data for correlation across track types. Palou, the 2026 series champion, contributed extensively to those sessions.
Manufacturer representation is balanced. Rossi carries Chevrolet interests; Palou represents Honda. Split-driver feedback should accelerate aero and hybrid mapping decisions specific to sustained, banked-corner running.
Key objectives include stability in yaw, balance mid-corner versus exit, lift-and-coast sensitivity, tire temperature control, and wake behavior in traffic. Engineers also benchmark fuel stint lengths and restart performance.
IR-28 logs first IMS oval mileage with Alexander Rossi on Wednesday and Alex Palou on Thursday.
Testing runs on both days open to spectators at the Turn 2 Viewing Mounds, offering rare public insight before the IR-28’s competitive debut at the start of 2028.
Fans can watch both test days from Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Turn 2 Viewing Mounds.
Away from the track, the 2027 driver market accelerates. Meyer Shank Racing signs Mick Schumacher alongside Marcus Armstrong, who extended earlier this year, signaling a refreshed direction.
Schumacher replaces Felix Rosenqvist, who returns to Arrow McLaren. The biggest vacancy follows Scott Dixon’s exit from Ganassi after 25 years, having taken six titles and 58 wins there.
Scott Dixon exits Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 seasons, leaving a marquee seat open for 2027.
Penske and Andretti Global retain unchanged three-car rosters for 2027. Rahal Letterman Lanigan scales back to two entries, selling its third charter to Dreyer & Reinbold, which signs Conor Daly.
RLL sells its third charter to Dreyer & Reinbold, which signs Conor Daly for 2027.
RLL continues with Graham Rahal and Louis Foster. Several free agents remain in play, notably Christian Lundgaard, whose recent oval breakthrough strengthens his case, plus Rinus VeeKay and Dennis Hauger.
Further contenders include Caio Collet, Santino Ferrucci, Nolan Siegel, Romain Grosjean, and Sting Ray Robb. INDY NXT champion Nikita Johnson gains a career enhancement package, likely drawing interest.
Collectively, the IR-28 programme and market moves shape competitive direction. Data from IMS oval runs should inform setup philosophies and manufacturer strategies long before 2028 pre-season.
Visual Summary
IR-28: The Future of INDYCAR Hits the Oval
New car, 2 legends testing, a wave of driver shakeups, and the road to 2028 begins on the iconic IMS oval.
Rossi (Chevy) & Palou (Honda) lead the charge!
Rossi (Chevy) & Palou (Honda) lead the charge!
🚀
Next-Gen IR-28 goes full throttle
Oval debut, critical for 2028 series launch.
High-speed, high-stakes IMS test.
High-speed, high-stakes IMS test.
🔄
Bold Moves in the Driver Market
Mick Schumacher joins Meyer Shank. Dixon departs Ganassi after 25 years. Free agent frenzy!
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Fans See It First
Public can watch from Turn 2 Mounds
at IMS this week
at IMS this week
The Next Era Awaits
New cars, new faces, same Indy magic.
Watch the IR-28 draw new racing lines.
Watch the IR-28 draw new racing lines.
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
