Testing, Testing: Teams, Drivers Staying Busy on Track in October

After competing in 17 races over a six-month season, NTT INDYCAR SERIES competitors have turned their on-track attention to testing.

As the calendar flips to October, a minimum of five test sessions will be held involving 10 teams, and that does not include the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test for INDY NXT by Firestone on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

There is much intrigue in the buildup to the 2026 season.

David Malukas is expected to get his first official test as a Team Penske driver, and INDY NXT by Firestone champion Dennis Hauger will steer a Dale Coyne Racing machine for the first time in preparation for his maiden year in the top series.

Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, will experience this series for the first time in a car prepared by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Four car-and-driver combinations are expected to participate in testing on the IMS oval, although those details have not yet been confirmed. There will be at least six teams giving newcomers an evaluation session during this month.

The action began on this first day of the month at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Kakunoshin Ohta, a three-time race winner this season in the same Japanese Super Formula Championship that produced Alex Palou, was among those participating as he joined Meyer Shank Racing, which employs him in IMSA for endurance races.

Before the month ends, sessions will be held at World Wide Technology Raceway and Sebring International Raceway.