IndyCar champions Will Power and Josef Newgarden reconnected on the track for a Firestone tire test at Phoenix Raceway on January 8, 2026, setting the stage for the upcoming season. The Josef Newgarden IndyCar test reunited the two drivers, this time representing rival teams as Power made his debut appearance with Andretti Global.
Power’s First Outing with Andretti Global Brings New Challenges
Will Power, now competing for Andretti Global after 15 years with Team Penske, suited up in a striking all-black firesuit as he took turns in the No. 26 Honda. The Australian‘s first experience with the team came amid feelings of unfamiliarity, as he adjusted to new surroundings, engineers, and team culture. Notably, Power last drove a Honda-powered IndyCar in 2009, and with modern hybrid units introduced after 2024, the machinery has evolved considerably since his earlier stint.
Describing the sensation of stepping into unfamiliar territory, Power shared his mixed emotions about the test:
“It’s funny, you feel very out of place, but once you get in the car and you get rolling, then it’s just like, ‘Oh, it’s an Indy car,’ he said. “It’s going through the same processes. Very good first few runs. Now, we got plenty of work to do.
This debut also marked Power’s first official day working with Andretti Global’s racing staff and infrastructure, after Team Penske honored his contract through the end of the previous year. The driver emphasized both the awkwardness and the excitement of joining a new team after nearly two decades with the same colleagues.
“It did feel like the first day of school,” Power told RACER. “First day at a new team, learning people’s names and not feeling completely comfortable because you don’t know everyone yet. But it’s a nice feeling to not have any sort of complacency or anything; you’ve got to make sure you’re on your game.”
Power also expressed his thoughts on driving a Honda-powered car after more than a decade:
“It’s nice to feel the Honda engine, it’s very good. Definitely looking forward to getting in amongst a lot more cars to see where we stack up,” Power added.
Testing Conditions and Insights from Phoenix
Conditions at the one-mile Phoenix Raceway were less than ideal, with temperatures dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the chill, the test served as an important opportunity for Firestone to continue evaluating their superspeedway tires. Last November, Scott Dixon and Alexander Rossi completed initial tests for the new tire compound at the same circuit, providing valuable feedback that informed this session.
Although this test’s weather did not mirror the conditions expected for the race weekend in March, Newgarden and Power worked through the planned program. According to team reports, they helped Firestone collect key data, while navigating cars in full race trim despite the cold surface. Josef Newgarden, representing Team Penske, wore his distinctive red Astemo suit, bringing a seasoned perspective to the feedback process.
Looking Ahead: IndyCar’s Return to Phoenix
IndyCar will return to Phoenix Raceway on February 17-18 for a large-scale open preseason test, with all teams scheduled to participate and fine-tune their preparations. The series is also set to officially return to race at Phoenix in March for the first time since 2018, reviving the storied venue on the championship calendar.
Both Will Power and Josef Newgarden bring valuable experience at Phoenix, with Power securing podium finishes in 2016 and 2017 before facing a DNF in 2018—a race ultimately won by Newgarden himself. Their reunion at this test foreshadows intense competition and collaborative development, as all teams, including Andretti Global and Team Penske, look to capitalize on lessons learned ahead of the season launch.
With major names like Scott Dixon, Roger Penske, and Alexander Rossi shaping the dynamics of testing and competition, the Josef Newgarden IndyCar test marks a pivotal moment in preseason development at Phoenix. As teams adapt to hybrid power units and new tire compounds, the lessons from this session are expected to influence strategy and performance throughout the upcoming IndyCar season.
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