Palou Tackles Indy NXT During Chris Griffis Memorial Test
Five‑time IndyCar champion Alex Palou will drive Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 11 Indy NXT car on Friday, October 16, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course to help shape the junior program.
The test, part of the Chris Griffis Memorial, sees Palou step away from his dominant IndyCar machine for the first time in his career, taking on a smaller car with less power and downforce.
Adapting from Car to Car: From IndyCar to a Formula‑style Renter
Palou admits the shift will be “tough,” noting that Indy NXT’s carbon brakes and reduced aerodynamic load contrast sharply with the “elite IndyCar” set‑up he’s accustomed to.
While he anticipates a brief learning curve, the Spaniard says his prior IMS road course experience offers a competitive edge, reducing the adjustment time needed to fine‑tune brake‑pointing and cornering feel.
“It’s more like the F3 I ran a decade ago,” he reflected, acknowledging that certain muscle memory from IndyCar will have to be consciously re‑trained for the junior platform.
Team Lineup and Fan Access for the Friday Session
Alongside Palou, the test will feature masters of the circuit: Alessandro de Tullio, a former NXT race winner and seven‑time pole sitter; Alexander Korieba; and Frankie Mossman, all riding in the same Ganassi machine.
Carson Etter is slated to re‑join the No. 11 car after full recovery from September’s shoulder surgery, rounding out a diverse driving group.
For spectators, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway confirmed that the viewing mounds will be open to the public throughout Friday’s activities, offering a rare look at the development chase.
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