IndyCar recently put its next-generation prototype, the IR-28, through its paces at Sebring International Raceway on October 12, 2026, marking its first test outside Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Five-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion Alex Palou was behind the wheel, focusing on durability by pushing the car over the notoriously rough Sebring course. During the session, a fueling system glitch forced a temporary repair stop using backup components, but Palou was able to resume and complete extended runs for further data collection. This track is especially relevant for endurance and stress testing due to its challenging bumps, which mimic the conditions of various road and street courses on the IndyCar schedule.

The goal of the Sebring test was to rigorously challenge the IR-28 and identify any weaknesses early in its development phase before its planned competition debut in the 2028 season. Palou emphasized that the team aimed to simulate maximum stress to ensure reliability and resilience across various conditions. The bumpy track and weather at Sebring provided an ideal environment to test tire wear, suspension, and overall vehicle integrity, all critical for enhancing both safety and performance. The event also doubled as a comparative test with current models, allowing engineers to benchmark the new car against the existing IR-18 machines.

A notable moment during the test involved Palou sharing the track with current IndyCar drivers Kyle Kirkwood and Scott McLaughlin, who were conducting tire trials in the older IR-18 chassis. Palou unexpectedly overtook Kirkwood’s car in the IR-28, underscoring the new vehicle’s competitive potential. Monday's session was Palou’s fourth round of testing the IR-28 since early August, with tests previously held in wet and dry conditions, including on both road and oval configurations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On October 13, Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet’s designated test driver from ECR, took over driving duties, continuing the intensive evaluation with future tests planned to refine key systems.

Palou noted that while the car’s chassis development remains steady, significant advancements have been made in driver comfort, braking, and cooling systems since the initial tests. He praised improved airflow designs facilitated by Dallara, which address overheating problems seen in the current cars with the aero screen. Palou also expressed enthusiasm for the IR-28’s aesthetics and predicted better racing outcomes due to its closer-following capabilities. Although the car won’t race until 2028, ongoing testing through the offseason, including both Palou’s and Rossi’s efforts, is crucial to ensuring that the IR-28 is fully optimized and ready for its debut in the highly competitive NTT IndyCar Series.