Samwise IndyCar Newsletter
Sunday, July 12, 2026
2027 Silly Season Explodes — Ten or More Seats Still Unresolved
The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver market burst open this week with IndyCar.com reporting that ten or more seats remain unresolved heading into the second half of the 2026 season. The official series report catalogued multiple drivers whose contracts for next year have not yet been finalized, spanning entries from championship-contending teams to mid-field programs. The scale of open negotiations is unusually high for this stage of the calendar. With Nashville and Portland on the horizon, teams and drivers are expected to accelerate discussions before the traditional off-season signing rush begins and the grid begins to take its final shape.
Pato O’Ward Asks McLaren to Release Him from Formula 1 Reserve Duties
Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward has formally asked McLaren to release him from his Formula 1 reserve driver obligations, according to MotorsportWeek. The Mexican driver, currently fifth in the championship standings with 310 points, sought clarity on his future role as ongoing negotiations surrounding McLaren’s F1 lineup created uncertainty. O’Ward has served as a reserve and test driver for the McLaren F1 team, but the arrangement reportedly became untenable as his IndyCar commitments and long-term career trajectory came into focus. McLaren’s response has not been disclosed, but the development marks a significant shift in O’Ward’s relationship with the organization.
Source: MotorsportWeek, July 9, 2026 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Josef Newgarden Racing Nashville in Walking Boot After Indy 500 Surgery
Josef Newgarden is still wearing a walking boot following surgery after the 2026 Indianapolis 500, according to Nashville television station WSMV, but the Team Penske driver confirmed he plans to compete in the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix on July 19. Newgarden, sixth in the championship with 270 points, underwent surgery after an injury sustained during the Indy 500. The Nashville native called the race a home event and expressed determination to line up on the grid despite ongoing rehabilitation. His medical team has cleared him to race at Nashville Superspeedway, where he is the defending grand prix champion.
Source: WSMV Nashville, July 10, 2026 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Mid-Ohio Draws 1.34 Million Viewers — Up 73 Percent From 2025
The 2026 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio drew 1.34 million viewers on FOX, IndyCar.com reported this week, representing a 73 percent increase over the same race in 2025. The ratings gain continues a positive growth trend for the series on FOX Sports. The July 5 race was won by Pato O’Ward in a competitive contest, with championship leader Alex Palou battling for position throughout. IndyCar has leveraged its FOX Sports partnership to expand its national audience, and the Mid-Ohio numbers suggest those efforts are generating measurable gains in viewership compared to the prior season.
McLaughlin Posts Fastest Time at Full-Field Milwaukee Mile Test
Scott McLaughlin posted the fastest time at a full-field IndyCar test session at the Milwaukee Mile this week, according to Racer.com. The Team Penske driver topped the timing charts at the historic Wisconsin short oval during a session attended by the entire competitive field. The test provided teams valuable data on short oval car set-up as the series continues to evaluate potential future venue additions. McLaughlin, eighth in the championship with 262 points, showed strong pace throughout the session. The Milwaukee Mile visit has generated renewed discussion about returning the classic track to the IndyCar calendar in future seasons.
Source: Racer.com, July 9, 2026 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
IndyCar and iRacing Unveil Official Standalone Video Game for 2027 Launch
IndyCar and simulation partner iRacing unveiled the name, logo, and 2027 launch plan for an official standalone IndyCar video game this week, according to Speedway Media. The announcement signals the series is pursuing a dedicated gaming title beyond its existing iRacing presence, bringing IndyCar content to a new standalone product. The game is being developed through a formal collaboration between iRacing’s simulation technology and IndyCar’s official series license. The project is seen as a significant move toward expanding IndyCar’s reach among the broader gaming and motorsport simulation audience ahead of the 2027 target launch.
Source: Speedway Media, July 10, 2026 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
🏈 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Standings — After Round 11 (Mid-Ohio, July 5)
Drivers
Teams
Engine Manufacturer
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