Arrow McLaren has adopted an unusually bold approach ahead of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, confirming it will field its primary race cars during this week’s Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Traditionally, teams treat the pre-event test with caution, often running spare or older chassis to mitigate the risk of damaging their best-prepared machines. However, team principal Tony Kanaan has dismissed such concerns, insisting Arrow McLaren is exceptionally well equipped.
Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 winner, revealed that the team’s depth of preparation has effectively eliminated anxiety about potential incidents. Rather than hedging their bets, the organisation will use the test to gather meaningful data from the very cars intended for race day.
“We have no fear,” Kanaan explained. “We are in a position where all our chassis are prepared to a very high standard. Some teams worry that if they damage one car, the replacement will not be as competitive. That simply is not the case for us.”
The Open Test, scheduled across two days, forms a crucial part of preparations for the “Month of May”, allowing teams to refine aerodynamic setups, assess tyre behaviour, and evaluate engine performance in race-like conditions. Running primary cars provides more accurate feedback, albeit at a greater theoretical risk.
Arrow McLaren Indy 500 Line-up
| Driver | Notable Achievement | Role for Indy 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Pato O’Ward | Two-time Indy 500 runner-up | Full-time entry |
| Christian Lundgaard | IndyCar race winner | Full-time entry |
| Nolan Siegel | Rising young talent | Full-time entry |
| Ryan Hunter-Reay | 2014 Indy 500 winner | One-off entry |
The squad’s confidence is underpinned not only by its driver strength but also by organisational improvements behind the scenes. Kanaan singled out the arrival of Kyle Moyer—formerly of Team Penske—as a transformative influence. Since joining in mid-2025, Moyer has sharpened operational discipline and ensured a higher baseline standard across all equipment.
Equally significant is the nature of the current IndyCar chassis. The series continues to utilise the long-standing Dallara IR-18 platform, introduced in 2012 and subsequently evolved. With over a decade of accumulated knowledge, teams possess an extensive understanding of setup parameters, reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in preparation.
Kanaan was blunt in his assessment: “What exactly are we trying to preserve after so many years? We know these cars inside out—and we have plenty of them.”
This abundance of resources allows Arrow McLaren to prioritise performance over caution. By running its primary entries, the team aims to maximise track time efficiency and accelerate its readiness for qualifying and race conditions.
As the Indy 500 approaches, such decisiveness could prove decisive. In a field where marginal gains often determine success, Arrow McLaren’s willingness to take calculated risks reflects both confidence and ambition—qualities essential for conquering one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.