NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Questions Persist for the 2026 INDYCAR Schedule
Published Jul. 23, 2025, 11:57 a.m. ET
As NASCAR has made announcements regarding its schedule over the past few weeks, the INDYCAR paddock is eagerly awaiting updates on several races planned for next year. Will INDYCAR make a return to Iowa Speedway after a sparsely attended doubleheader weekend? Is there a chance for INDYCAR to race in Mexico City?
Alex Palou and his team celebrated their victory during the INDYCAR Series Sukup Race Weekend Race 2 at Iowa Speedway on July 13, 2025. Questions about the future of the series remain prominent as we look ahead to 2026, a year that has already seen the announcement of one new event — the Grand Prix of Arlington in March.
New events typically create excitement and anticipation bmw x5 for sale philippines. The race around the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums is expected to be a thrilling spectacle. Additionally, Mexico City could offer a second new race for 2026, which would also be an incredible experience. Given the rising popularity of Pato O’Ward, bringing a race to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a significant priority, and O’Ward is optimistic about it. However, the motivation to race in Mexico City extends beyond just O’Ward.
Racing in Mexico City would allow INDYCAR to compete on the same circuit as Formula 1, providing fans a firsthand experience of the similarities and differences between the two series. Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, offers the kind of exposure INDYCAR needs to further promote the brands of the sport’s most notable drivers, not just O’Ward.
Regarding Iowa, it is a NASCAR-owned track that INDYCAR has rented for events. This means the track owner does not pay a sanction fee but profits by selling tickets, while INDYCAR manages the ticket sales to recoup the rental costs. phdream 2024 pldt777 Sponsorship revenue can also help offset these costs. The recent end of Hy-Vee’s sponsorship for the Iowa doubleheader affected the event significantly, leading to fewer concert performances and local market activations.
There’s a possibility that a single-race weekend in Iowa could yield better attendance than a doubleheader. Considering Iowa’s proximity to the iconic Knoxville Raceway, it seems fitting that the fastest open-wheel cars should race nearby. However, this desire may be more emotional than a practical business decision.
INDYCAR must have oval tracks, ideally a variety. If Iowa is removed from the schedule, where will INDYCAR head next? Could it be Homestead? Richmond jili slot game free demo? Phoenix? All of these venues are NASCAR-owned and have previously hosted INDYCAR races. Richmond could plug a significant gap in the schedule, particularly as there are currently no races in the mid-Atlantic or Northeast regions. boss jili77 login A return to Pocono, where INDYCAR has faced injuries and setbacks, seems unlikely, and Watkins Glen, also owned by NASCAR, doesn’t appear to be on the radar.
Thermal is out of the picture for the 2026 race schedule. While hosting races at the private club near Palm Springs had its charms, the event lacked that grand-event atmosphere. Thermal might serve as an excellent testing facility but not necessarily as a prime race location.
INDYCAR thrives as the centerpiece of a significant event where fans can relax with friends and witness high-speed action. It’s also a venue for die-hard fans to support their favorite drivers or cheer against their rivals. Therefore, a diverse range of locations and facilities is essential. Let’s hope the 2026 schedule encompasses all these elements.
What are your thoughts on the future of the INDYCAR Series schedule?
