Chevrolet has been a committed participant in the NTT IndyCar Series since its debut in 2012, maintaining continuous involvement with Team Chevy through 2026. Over these years, Chevrolet-powered cars have taken part in 432 starts, gathering nine race wins—tied for fourth all-time since 2012—with the first victory secured by Ed Carpenter at California Speedway in 2012. Besides their wins, Chevrolet has earned six poles, including the notable pole position by Ed Carpenter at the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, and accumulated 26 podium finishes, evidencing a steady yet evolving presence in the series.
Key Team Developments as Chevrolet Prepares for 2026
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Chevrolet-supported team has seen important leadership changes aimed at strengthening performance. Tim Broyles, the first employee of the team, has been promoted to Team President, while Matt Barnes now serves as Vice President of Engineering. Derek Davidson, who brings extensive IndyCar competition expertise from non-engineering roles, has joined as Team Manager. Robert Gue, renowned for contributing to three Indianapolis 500 pole positions including the 2025 pole, joins as Senior Project Engineer. Additionally, Chase Campbell has taken on the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach and Pit Stop Coach to enhance pit crew performance after the team ranked 14th and 20th last year in pit stop efficiency. These appointments signal a strategic focus on improving both engineering and race-day execution.
Driver Lineup and Performance Insights for the 2026 Season
The team’s driver roster features Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen, each bringing unique strengths and challenges as Chevrolet aims for better results in 2026. Rossi, 34, from Nevada City, California, will pilot car No. 20. His career highlights include a second-place finish in the 2018 series and two podiums with Chevrolet since 2012, though he has yet to secure a win or pole position with the manufacturer. Last season, Rossi finished 15th in the championship, and the team continues to focus on turning qualifying potential into race-day success.
Christian Rasmussen, age 25 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, drives car No. 21. Rasmussen achieved his best championship finish of 13th in 2025, the same year he recorded his first win at the Milwaukee Mile. Although Rasmussen has not earned a pole position, he has two podiums to his name. Particularly effective on oval tracks, Rasmussen’s average finishing position significantly outperformed his starting spots, demonstrating competitive racecraft on circuits like the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.
Team Reflections on the Previous Season and Expectations Ahead
Following a thorough debrief after the 2025 season, the team expressed both satisfaction and acknowledgment of areas requiring improvement. They noted positive qualifying performances, mainly with car No. 20, but also recognized a shortfall in converting good starting positions into strong race outcomes. Focus has been placed on refining race strategy and enhancing pit crew effectiveness to close this gap.
“We’re all excited for the opportunity. Like I said, it’s hard to really talk about it too much because this is all just in conference rooms and meetings you’ve had. It’s not until you get to the track where you can really all put it into action.” – Alexander Rossi, Driver
Rossi detailed how team leader Ted has set clear expectations for the team, fostering a driven atmosphere centered on competitiveness rather than mere participation. This elevated enthusiasm and shared commitment highlight the organizational drive to compete at the highest level.
“Now, does that happen overnight? Absolutely not. Are we all of a sudden going to be a CGR? No. Are we going to take a big step forward over where we have been? Yes.” – Alexander Rossi, Driver
Rossi’s comments point to an understanding that progress will be a process, not instant transformation, though the trajectory is promising.
Christian Rasmussen’s Perspective on Qualifying and Oval Racing Approach
Rasmussen openly discussed the challenges and plans to improve qualifying performance for the 2026 campaign, an area identified as needing substantial attention during the off-season. He also addressed his reputation for pushing the limits on ovals, emphasizing continuous development in managing risk while maintaining competitiveness.
“We’re honing, getting better all the time, but I think we’re on the right path at least.” – Christian Rasmussen, Driver
By improving qualifying speed and fine-tuning his style on oval tracks, Rasmussen aims to build on his strong results and contribute to overall team success in the upcoming season.
Strategic and Technical Leadership Supporting Drivers
The drivers benefit from a seasoned support crew, including strategists, race engineers, and crew chiefs committed to sharpening on-track performance. Alexander Rossi works closely with strategist Ed Carpenter, race engineer Quentin Montigaud, and crew chief Austin Shepherd. Christian Rasmussen’s team includes strategist Brent ‘Woody’ Harvey, race engineer Pete Craik, and crew chief Jimmie Johnson, combining experience with fresh perspectives to enhance race preparations and execution.
Looking Forward to Chevrolet’s Role in the 2026 NTT IndyCar Season
With ongoing leadership reinforcements, strategic improvements, and driver development, Chevrolet and its affiliated teams are positioning themselves to elevate their competitiveness in the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series. The combination of technical expertise, motivated drivers, and focused team management is designed to transform past learning into tangible progress on track. Although the team recognizes that championship success requires time and persistence, the buildup of resources and refined strategies aims to close the gap with leading contenders, offering racing fans a compelling season ahead.
