Kyffin Simpson Paces Windy Warmup in Arlington

Updated Mar. 15, 2026 3:07 p.m. ET

INDYCAR

Kyffin Simpson led the pre-race warmup Sunday morning for the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, as all 25 drivers coped with steadily increasing winds that could play a role in the race this afternoon.

Simpson, who will start 14th, was quickest at 1 minute, 34.7588 seconds in the No. 8 Sunoco Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Constant winds of 20 mph, with gusts approaching 40 mph, challenged Simpson and all drivers on the 14-turn, 2.73-mile temporary street circuit that winds around AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, for this inaugural NTT INDYCAR SERIES event.

SEE: Warmup Results | Starting Lineup with Tire Choice

Rinus VeeKay will feel a bit more confidence from his 21st starting position after ending up second in the 20-minute practice at 1:34.7704 in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet.

Another driver starting deep in the field, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, was third at 1:34.8027. Dixon lines up 20th in the No. 9 PNC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in the 70-lap race, which starts at noon (ET) on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, the FOX Sports app and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.

Two-time series champion Josef Newgarden, who starts 11th, was fourth at 1:34.8199 in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet. Rookie Dennis Hauger, who starts 19th, rounded out the top five at 1:34.8615 in the No. 18 Ault Block Chain Honda of Dale Coyne Racing.

NTT P1 Award winner Marcus Ericsson ended up 14th at 1:35.7443 in the No. 28 InPwr Honda of Andretti Global.

In an interesting twist, Simpson and Newgarden are among the eight drivers opting to start the race on the harder Firestone Firehawk tires. New series rules for this season mandate the use of two sets of the softer Firehawk alternate tire during street-circuit races.

There was one incident moments before the checkered flag. ECR driver Christian Rasmussen spun in Turn 1, and the rear wing of his No. 21 Java House Chevrolet was dislodged after the car hit the tire barrier.