2026 IndyCar Series Schedule Unveiled
The IndyCar Series has officially released its 2026 schedule, featuring a 17-race lineup that maintains continuity from previous seasons. Notable updates include the absence of Iowa Speedway and The Thermal Club, alongside the exclusion of Mexico City. Despite interest in a potential Washington, D.C. street race, no events are planned for the capital in the upcoming season. All races will continue to be broadcast through FOX Sports.
The season will commence on March 1 with the Streets of St. Petersburg, FL, followed by a Saturday race at Phoenix Raceway on March 7, as part of NASCAR’s Cup weekend. The series will further broaden its reach with the inaugural Arlington Grand Prix in Texas on March 15. Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park has been shifted to March 29, allowing for four races in March, with a break for the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring.
Key events include:
- Indianapolis Grand Prix: May 9
- 110th Indianapolis 500: May 24
- Detroit Grand Prix: May 31
- World Wide Technology Raceway: June 7, under the lights
The schedule breaks for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, re-starting at Road America on June 21. The July lineup will also be limited, aligning with the FIFA World Cup, featuring races at Mid-Ohio (July 5) and Nashville Superspeedway (July 19), the latter a night event directly following the World Cup final.
Additional highlights include:
- A return to a doubleheader format at Milwaukee (August 29-30).
- The season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 6.
The format consists of six ovals, five street races (including new venues), and six road courses throughout a 189-day span. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles emphasized the series’ growth, stating, “Our growth is industry-leading and will only accelerate faster as we continue our powerful partnership with FOX Sports.”
Broadcast details and the Indy NXT schedule are forthcoming.
2026 IndyCar Series Schedule Breakdown:
- March 1: Streets of St. Petersburg
- March 7: Phoenix Raceway
- March 15: Streets of Arlington
- March 29: Barber Motorsports Park
- April 19: Streets of Long Beach
- May 9: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
- May 24: 110th Indianapolis 500
- May 31: Streets of Detroit
- June 7: World Wide Technology Raceway
- June 21: Road America
- July 5: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
- July 19: Nashville Superspeedway
- August 9: Portland International Raceway
- August 16: Streets of Markham
- August 29: Milwaukee Mile Race 1
- August 30: Milwaukee Mile Race 2
- September 6: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
This structured schedule aims to enhance fan engagement while maintaining competitive integrity throughout the season.
