Avondale, Arizona, December 7, 2025
IndyCar will return to Phoenix Raceway in March 2026, featuring an exciting doubleheader weekend alongside NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. This marks the first IndyCar race at the venue since 2018, aiming to enhance attendance and fan engagement. The 2026 schedule includes 17 races, with notable additions like street races in Arlington and Markham. The partnership with NASCAR is expected to significantly boost spectators and economic growth in the local community. Broadcasting will be managed by Fox Sports for the season.
IndyCar Returns to Phoenix Raceway in 2026
Exciting Collaboration with NASCAR to Boost Attendance and Thrills
Avondale, Arizona – Excitement is brewing for racing fans with the announcement that IndyCar will return to Phoenix Raceway in March 2026, marking its highly anticipated first race at the venue since 2018. The event is set to take place on March 7, 2026, in conjunction with NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, ultimately creating a thrilling doubleheader weekend. This strategic collaboration is designed to attract a larger audience by merging the electrifying experiences of both racing series.
The 2026 IndyCar Series schedule, released on September 16, 2025, includes 17 races, with Phoenix Raceway hosting the second race of the season, following the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This return to Phoenix is particularly significant, as the IndyCar Series had ceased racing there due to low attendance in the previous years. However, the hopeful new partnership with NASCAR aims to rejuvenate interest and significantly boost attendance.
Significance of the Racing Collaboration
Blending the excitement of two premier motorsport events, IndyCar’s return to Phoenix coincides with NASCAR’s established fanbase. This collaboration is anticipated to leverage the strengths of both series: NASCAR’s broad appeal and IndyCar’s high-speed thrills. Such pairings can enhance the overall spectator experience and may lead to a positive economic impact for the local community surrounding the raceway.
From an entrepreneurial perspective, events like this are pivotal as they not only stimulate local businesses surrounding the race venue—from hotels to restaurants—but also nurture a culture of community support and engagement, essential for long-term economic growth.
Changes and Additions to the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 IndyCar season introduces several notable changes, including two street races in Arlington and Markham. While these innovations meet the growing demand for diverse racing environments, other venues like Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, and the Streets of Toronto have been removed from this year’s lineup. Significantly, it’s worth noting that Laguna Seca will serve as the season finale for the first time since 2023, promising to leave fans with an exhilarating parting memory before the off-season.
Enhancing Visibility Through New Broadcasting Deals
IndyCar’s partnership with Fox Sports is another critical development for 2026, ensuring that all 17 races are broadcast on the main Fox channel. This visibility is a crucial factor in expanding the series’ reach to potential new fans, especially as the sport continues to evolve and seek ways to engage a broader audience. Such strategic media partnerships not only amplify fan engagement but also represent a robust opportunity for advertisers and local businesses to connect with racing enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect
Fans of motorsports can look forward to an action-packed 2026 season filled with opportunities to experience the thrill of racing live at the Phoenix Raceway. The collaboration with NASCAR, new street race additions, and the continued partnership with Fox Sports all point to a season geared toward excitement, engagement, and potential economic revitalization in the racing community. For many, these events represent a chance to gather, connect, and celebrate a shared passion for speed and competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is IndyCar returning to Phoenix Raceway?
IndyCar is set to return to Phoenix Raceway on March 7, 2026, for the Good Ranchers 250, marking its first race at the venue since 2018.
IndyCar is set to return to Phoenix Raceway on March 7, 2026, for the Good Ranchers 250, marking its first race at the venue since 2018.
What is the significance of the 2026 IndyCar Series schedule?
The 2026 schedule includes 17 races, with Phoenix Raceway hosting the second event of the season. It also features new additions like street races in Arlington and Markham, while removing events at Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, and the Streets of Toronto. Notably, Laguna Seca will serve as the season finale for the first time since 2023.
The 2026 schedule includes 17 races, with Phoenix Raceway hosting the second event of the season. It also features new additions like street races in Arlington and Markham, while removing events at Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, and the Streets of Toronto. Notably, Laguna Seca will serve as the season finale for the first time since 2023.
How is IndyCar collaborating with NASCAR for the Phoenix event?
IndyCar’s return to Phoenix Raceway coincides with NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, creating a doubleheader weekend on March 7, 2026. This collaboration aims to attract a larger audience by combining the excitement of both racing series.
IndyCar’s return to Phoenix Raceway coincides with NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, creating a doubleheader weekend on March 7, 2026. This collaboration aims to attract a larger audience by combining the excitement of both racing series.
Where can fans watch the 2026 IndyCar races?
All 17 races of the 2026 IndyCar Series are scheduled to be broadcast on the main Fox channel, continuing IndyCar’s partnership with Fox Sports.
All 17 races of the 2026 IndyCar Series are scheduled to be broadcast on the main Fox channel, continuing IndyCar’s partnership with Fox Sports.
What changes have been made to the 2026 IndyCar schedule?
The 2026 season features new additions, including street races in Arlington and Markham, while events at Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, and the Streets of Toronto have been removed from the schedule. The race at Laguna Seca will serve as the season finale for the first time since 2023.
The 2026 season features new additions, including street races in Arlington and Markham, while events at Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, and the Streets of Toronto have been removed from the schedule. The race at Laguna Seca will serve as the season finale for the first time since 2023.
Key Features of the 2026 IndyCar Series Schedule
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Races | 17 |
| Return to Phoenix Raceway | March 7, 2026 |
| New Additions | Street races in Arlington and Markham |
| Removed Events | Thermal Club, Iowa Speedway, Streets of Toronto |
| Season Finale | Laguna Seca |
| Broadcast Partner | Fox Sports |
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