The Kevin Harvick INDYCAR season preview arrives as INDYCAR drivers wrapped up their preseason testing at Phoenix Raceway, where Alexander Rossi set the pace. With veteran perspectives from Harvick and broadcaster Will Buxton, fans have plenty of storylines to follow as the 2026 campaign gets underway.
Successful Testing at Phoenix Sets the Tone for 2026
As INDYCAR prepared for the 2026 season, 25 teams and drivers assembled at Phoenix Raceway for the last official test before racing begins. Alexander Rossi emerged the quickest over two days of running, providing the Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) team with a strong foundation.
Rossi, representing ECR in the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet, teams up with Christian Rasmussen for the season. ECR, based out of Indiana, celebrated a notable upturn last year when Rasmussen drove to victory at the Milwaukee Mile 250, marking the team’s first win since 2021 and its ninth overall. Rossi added momentum by securing three consecutive top-10 finishes to close his season.
Will Buxton, who co-hosts SPEED With Harvick And Buxton alongside Kevin Harvick, assessed the preseason performance:
“I think, personally, ECR [Ed Carpenter Racing] are looking really, really good for the season,”
– Will Buxton, INDYCAR on FOX host. With the team finishing 13th and 15th in driver standings (Rasmussen and Rossi, respectively), ECR’s outlook has never been more optimistic.
Major Moments and Races to Anticipate
The opening race, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, takes place Sunday, March 1, launching the season for teams like ECR, with coverage on FOX and FOX Sports app. From there, all eyes turn to Phoenix for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 7. These early-season showdowns are pivotal, as teams jockey for momentum that could define their year.
Among this year’s additions is the highly anticipated Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., scheduled for August 23. As an all-new event on the calendar, the D.C. street race is already generating excitement within the paddock and among fans. Kevin Harvick expressed his enthusiasm about racing in the nation’s capital:
“When you look at D.C., that has to be one of the premier spots that you could possibly put together,”
– Kevin Harvick, former NASCAR Cup Series champion. He added,
“I know we’re going to St. Pete first, but … any time you can have the President of the United States backing your race and the things that you do, that’s a big deal no matter what side of the political aisle you sit on.”
Will Buxton echoed the sentiment about the new race:
“Frankly, I cannot wait for that,”
– Will Buxton, INDYCAR on FOX host. The addition of Washington, D.C., alongside new challenges at other circuits, is set to make this season particularly memorable.
Significance and What Awaits in the 2026 INDYCAR Season
The 2026 INDYCAR season, packed with star drivers like Alexander Rossi and guided by teams eager to break through, promises heightened competitiveness and fresh energy. The Ed Carpenter Racing camp, led by Rossi and Rasmussen, is seen as a far stronger contender, and their preseason form suggests they could be one to watch through the long season.
Beyond individual races and team storylines, new locations such as Washington, D.C. bring additional intrigue and national attention, especially with official backing from high offices. As the season opener in St. Petersburg draws near, anticipation among fans, teams, and broadcasters like Harvick and Buxton is building, setting the stage for a potentially transformative year in INDYCAR racing.
