INDYCAR Silhouettes 2026 Grid as Driver and Officiating Changes Loom
INDIANAPOLIS – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES enters a period of significant transition, with key driver placements for the 2026 season remaining unresolved and a major overhaul of race officiating planned.While anticipation builds for the unveiling of the series’ next-generation chassis, teams and fans alike are focused on finalizing competitive lineups and ensuring fair competition.
Several prominent questions remain unanswered as the off-season progresses. The fate of Andretti Global’s potential fourth entry is still under consideration, with Colton Herta frequently mentioned as a possible driver. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is also seeking a driver to fill its second seat, while PREMA Racing’s return to the series and driver pairings – likely Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman – are pending confirmation. Perhaps most notably, Dale Coyne Racing has one chartered race seat available, sparking speculation about whether the team will pursue a seasoned veteran or another rising talent, possibly the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion.
Series President J. Douglas Boles recently shared updates on the 2028 chassis, revealing that team owners and managers have seen an updated design. A public unveiling is expected before the end of the first quarter of 2026, followed by a physical car reveal. The new chassis will represent a substantial evolution from the DW12, which debuted in 2012 and received updates in 2018 and 2020 with the UAK package and Aeroscreen, respectively.
beyond the on-track competition, INDYCAR is poised to implement significant changes to its officiating procedures. Boles has indicated the formation of an independent officiating board for the 2026 season, raising questions about the board’s composition, oversight – potentially by governing bodies like the FIA or ACCUS – and the impact on competition across both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone.
