Unser Legacy to be Celebrated at INDYCAR Open Test in Phoenix
Table of Contents
The storied history of the Unser family will be honored as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES conducts an Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on February 17-18, preparing for the series’ return to the Arizona track after a five-year absence. The test serves as a prelude to the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7, a weekend that will also feature NASCAR, creating a major showcase for North American racing in partnership with FOX Sports.
A Family Synonymous with Phoenix Raceway
“The name Unser is synonymous with Phoenix Raceway,” stated a senior INDYCAR official. “We’re honored to salute this family’s incredible accomplishments at their home track for this important Open Test, which sets the stage for INDYCAR’s return to Phoenix in March.” The test logo will feature colors reminiscent of cars driven by racing legends Al and Bobby Unser, a tribute designed to evoke fond memories for longtime fans.
The Unser family, hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has deep roots at the 1.022-mile Phoenix oval. No family is more closely associated with success at the desert track.
Dominance on the Desert Oval
Al Unser established a track record with six INDYCAR SERIES race wins at Phoenix, beginning when the track first hosted series events in 1964. He also secured six pole positions, contributing to a remarkable career that included three series championships and a tie for the most Indianapolis 500 victories with four wins.
Bobby Unser claimed four checkered flags at Phoenix and an astounding eleven pole positions – also a track record. He added two series titles and three Indianapolis 500 wins to his impressive resume.
Al Unser Jr., a two-time series champion and two-time Indy 500 winner, consistently performed well at Phoenix, achieving four runner-up finishes.
“I’ll speak for our family and say how pleased we are to be honored in this way by INDYCAR,” said Al Unser Jr. “Dad simply loved racing at Phoenix, and no one took it to the edge in qualifying there quite like Uncle Bobby. It was exciting to see the track added to the schedule this year, and the Open Test will be crucial for drivers and teams as they get ready for the race in March. I can’t wait to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES back at Phoenix.”
Open Test Details and Fan Access
Cars will be on track from 2-6 p.m. ET (noon-4 p.m. MT) on Tuesday, February 17. Wednesday, February 18, will feature testing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (9 a.m.-noon MT) and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET (1:30-4:30 p.m. MT). The Wednesday sessions are open to the public and will include an autograph session at 2:45 p.m. ET (12:45 p.m. MT).
Fans unable to attend can follow the action with live timing and scoring on INDYCAR.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA, as well as through INDYCAR’s social media channels.
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will officially kick off on Sunday, March 1, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
