The Balance/Desert Doubleheader: IndyCar Takes Phoenix as Malukas Grabs His First Pole

What this episode covers

Start your engines — IndyCar is back in the desert! On this Saturday Drop of The Balance, host Tom Marquis is joined by Derek Vance of the Push to Pass Podcast to break down one of the most unique race weekends of the year. Phoenix Raceway becomes the epicenter of motorsports with IndyCar and NASCAR sharing the same track on the same weekend — a rare desert doubleheader that race fans absolutely love. The guys dive into:🏁 David Malukas earning his first career NTT P1 Pole Award🏁 What Phoenix means for the 2026 IndyCar championship picture🏁 Strategy, tire wear, and the unique challenges of racing in the desert🏁 How IndyCar drivers approach a track that NASCAR will race later the same night🏁 What teams learned from St. Pete heading into Race #2 Plus Derek gives his insider insight on what to watch for when the green flag drops in Phoenix. It’s IndyCar talk, racing strategy, and desert speed on this special Saturday motorsports edition of The Balance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-balance--6491129/support.

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