IndyCar Announces 17-Race Calendar for 2026 Season

The 2026 IndyCar season is set to deliver an expanded calendar, with 17 races confirmed across a variety of circuits. Organizers have crafted a schedule designed to balance tradition with growth, featuring road courses, street circuits, and oval tracks that define the series’ unique identity.

This updated lineup signals IndyCar’s commitment to offering fans competitive racing while

strengthening its position among global motorsport championships. With strategic venue

selections, the championship promises storylines that will unfold from the opening round to the season finale.

Four races in March will start off the championship, with the announcement also notable for

including a return to Phoenix for the first time since 2018 as the second round.

Also of note is the fact that Thermal Club and Iowa Speedway will not form part of the IndyCar events for next year, a big difference from 2025, which saw them included. There will also be no event in Mexico with the rumoured street race in Washington D.C. also not taking place.

The 2026 season starts on Sunday, March 1st, when the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will take place, with the series then moving on to the Phoenix Raceway on March 7th, when a NASCAR-IndyCar weekend also happens.

March 15th then sees the IndyCar Grand Prix in Arlington, a new street circuit, which will be the first event to occur as part of the new partnership between IndyCar, The Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment. A road course then takes place on March 29th, at Barber Motorsports Park before the spring break.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach sees the series resume on April 19th, before the May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 9th, the qualifying for the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 16th and 17th, and the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on May 24th.

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix happens on May 31st, with oval racing at World Wide

Technology Raceway on June 7th. Road America is on June 21st and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course happens on July 5th.

Nashville Superspeedway plays host to The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix on July

19th, while August consists of the Portland International Raceway on August 9th, the Streets of Markham in Ontario on August 16th, and two events that take place at Milwaukee Mile on

August 29th and 30th.

The last event of the season is the Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca which occurs on September 6th.

Among the 17 races, traditional stops remain central, anchoring the season with events that

define the series’ heritage. The timing of these races has been refined to improve flow between venues, reducing travel strain on teams while enhancing fan engagement. Organizers emphasized balance, ensuring no single discipline dominates the championship, which is critical to maintaining the series’ competitive edge.

The 2026 calendar reflects IndyCar’s long-term vision to grow its audience and strengthen its

presence in key markets. By maintaining a mix of established venues and strategically placed events, the series continues to appeal to both loyal fans and new viewers. Organizers have highlighted the importance of continuity, ensuring each season builds on the previous year’s momentum.

The 2026 IndyCar schedule marks a pivotal step forward for the championship. With 17 races across a diverse mix of venues, the series reinforces its identity as one of motorsport’s most challenging and engaging competitions. Fans can look forward to a season that combines tradition, variety, and global appeal.

For teams and drivers, the road ahead promises relentless challenges that will test preparation, adaptability, and endurance. As the green flag drops on the first race of the year, the focus will be on who can seize the momentum and carry it through one of the most balanced calendars in IndyCar history.

Full list of event dates:

Sunday, March 1st Streets of St. Petersburg

Saturday, March 7th Phoenix Raceway

Sunday, March 15th Streets of Arlington

Sunday, March 29th Barber Motorsports Park

Sunday, April 19th Streets of Long Beach

Saturday, May 9th Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

Sunday, May 24th The 110th Indianapolis 500

Sunday, May 31st Streets of Detroit

Sunday, June 7th World Wide Technology Raceway

Sunday, June 21st Road America

Sunday, July 5th Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Sunday, July 19th Nashville Superspeedway

Sunday, Aug. 9th Portland International Raceway

Sunday, Aug. 16 th Streets of Markham

Saturday, Aug. 29th Milwaukee Mile Race 1

Sunday, Aug. 30th Milwaukee Mile Race 2

Sunday, Sept. 6th WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca