George Russell survived an early fight with Ferrari, nailed the strategy call when it mattered, and led Mercedes to a commanding 1-2 finish in the Australian Grand Prix.
Antron Brown won the Right Trailers All-Star Callout, and Josh Hart (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Cody Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all qualified No. 1 at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
A late caution, a fresh set of Firestones and a very determined Josef Newgarden turned the closing laps at Phoenix Raceway into a perfectly timed ambush.
Josh Hart made the fastest run in Gainesville Dragway history on Friday to open the 2026 NHRA season. Ron Capps, Cody Coughlin, and Angie Smith are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
For a driver who seemed permanently stuck in second place last season, David Malukas finally flipped the script Friday at Phoenix Raceway, grabbing his first career IndyCar pole and putting himself in the perfect spot to chase an even bigger first.
Scott McLaughlin had pole. The alternates had grip. The strategy charts had drama. None of it mattered once Palou found clean air and decided he’d quite like to stay there.
There are flashier pickups. There are greener pickups. There are pickups that will massage you while whispering affirmations. But the F-150 remains the one America defaults to when the job actually matters.
Team Penske spent last year answering uncomfortable questions. On Saturday at St. Petersburg, Scott McLaughlin answered with a lap quick enough to make the entire field blink.