David Malukas Shatters 175 MPH Barrier in Thrilling IndyCar Phoenix Practice; Rosenqvist's Crash Shakes the Field!
In a high-octane kickoff to the 2026 IndyCar season's inaugural oval race at Phoenix Raceway, the atmosphere was electric as teams and drivers descended upon the track just five days after the season opener. The excitement was palpable as 25 cars roared to life early Friday morning, setting the stage for an intense practice session that would leave fans on the edge of their seats.
As the clock ticked down, drivers initially took it slow, completing installation laps to ensure their machines were race-ready. But the calm was short-lived! Speeds skyrocketed as the session progressed, and when the dust settled, it was David Malukas who claimed the bragging rights, clocking an astonishing lap of 20.5005 seconds at a blistering 175.605 MPH. A true testament to his skill and the power of his vehicle!
In the aftermath, Pato O’Ward trailed in second place, just shy of that coveted 175 MPH mark, while Josef Newgarden secured the third-fastest time. Christian Rasmussen in his Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet and Will Power, representing Andretti Global, rounded out the top five, with Power being the lone Honda driver in the mix. Dominance was evident as eight of the top ten positions were filled by Chevy-powered machines, reinforcing their stronghold in short oval racing.
It's been a long wait since IndyCar last graced the Phoenix Raceway back in 2018, when Josef Newgarden clinched victory while defending his title. The track has undergone significant renovations since then, including a complete switch of the starting line, adding an element of strategy for drivers as they adapted to the new layout. The session was not just a speed trial; it was a crash course in memorizing new turn numbers and mastering the nuances of pit road.
However, the practice was not without drama! The most alarming incident of the morning occurred when Felix Rosenqvist, driving the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, lost control in the treacherous Turns 3 and 4. The car spun violently and slammed into the SAFER barrier, leaving the rear suspension and much of the left sidepod in ruins. Thankfully, Rosenqvist emerged unscathed but left his team facing a daunting repair challenge with qualifying just hours away.
Reflecting on the crash, Rosenqvist expressed his frustration, stating, “I just lost it in Turn 2 on exit. Got a little loose in the middle, kind of recovered, then it snapped again and I just couldn’t catch it. Super bummed. Car felt pretty good until it became a little loose. See what we can do from here.” His sentiments echoed the challenges faced by many drivers, as several were seen grappling with oversteer, but they managed to keep their cars on track.
As the session concluded, the anticipation ramped up with drivers slated to return to the track at noon local time for single-run qualifying, a critical moment to establish their grid positions for Saturday's race. With the stakes higher than ever and the competition fiercer, all eyes will be on Phoenix as the drivers battle it out for glory in this exhilarating season opener!
