SPORTS

Alex Palou puts Honda‑powered IR‑28 through paces at Sebring, logs 43 laps and first on‑track pass

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou ran the IR‑28 prototype at Sebring International Raceway on or before 2026-10-12, completing 43 laps and making what INDYCAR described as the IR‑28's first on‑track pass. The test focused on basic systems and cooling improvements ahead of further evaluations.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffCommentsPublished October 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM EDT

AI-generated illustration of the topic: Alex Palou puts Honda‑powered IR‑28 through paces at Sebring, logs 43 laps and first on‑track pass — AI illustration · Not a photograph of the reported event.

Alex Palou, the reigning five‑time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, tested the Honda‑powered IR‑28 at Sebring International Raceway (reported 2026-10-12). Palou completed 43 laps on the outer loop, performed system and performance checks with Dallara and INDYCAR staff, and passed a current car driven by Kyle Kirkwood — noted as the IR‑28's first on‑track pass. INDYCAR reported that Palou said IMS test feedback on comfort and braking produced meaningful improvements, especially in driver cooling. Source: INDYCAR.com (https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/10/10-12-palou-ir28-test-sebring).

WHY IT MATTERS

What changed and who this affects: The IR‑28 is IndyCar’s next‑generation chassis, slated for introduction at the start of the 2028 season. On‑track prototype running — like Palou’s sessions at Sebring and earlier August/September tests at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — is how Dallara and INDYCAR validate basic systems (brakes, cooling, driver comfort) before the car reaches full homologation and race deployment.

Why Sebring matters: Sebring’s bumpy layout and mix of asphalt and concrete create stresses similar to temporary street circuits. INDYCAR noted that about one‑third of the 2026 schedule used temporary street courses, making Sebring a useful venue to reveal cooling and suspension behavior the IR‑28 must handle.

What testers focused on: INDYCAR reported Palou’s feedback from IMS tests was incorporated into the IR‑28, with notable gains in driver cooling and revised ducting integrated into the bodywork rather than add‑on ducts. The test day also included Firestone tire work with other drivers on site, and INDYCAR said further checks and driver runs would continue.

Next steps to watch: INDYCAR’s report said Alexander Rossi (Chevrolet‑powered ECR) was scheduled to take over testing duties the following day, and additional prototype evaluations already began with August/September runs at IMS. Track sessions and official INDYCAR updates between now and the IR‑28’s 2028 introduction will show whether the prototype’s changes perform reliably in varied race conditions. Source: INDYCAR.com (https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/10/10-12-palou-ir28-test-sebring).

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