One major upgrade is the start of the season, which now features four races in just under five weeks—a first in IndyCar history. Following the familiar street race in St. Petersburg, Florida, the series heads to Phoenix Raceway for the first time since 2018, including a Saturday night race that coincides with NASCAR’s weekend at the same track. The third race brings a fresh street circuit to Arlington, Texas, giving IndyCar a stronger presence in a major sports market.
As summer rolls in, the schedule returns to classic venues such as Barber Motorsports Park and Long Beach, building momentum towards the crown jewel, the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. The mid-season remains packed with fan-favorite races like the Detroit Grand Prix and a busy June featuring World Wide Technology Raceway and Road America.
On the oval front, Nashville Superspeedway takes a big leap by moving to July as a night race and extending its length from 225 to 300 laps, promising thrilling high-speed action under the lights. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Mile returns to double-header status, offering two full-length races on consecutive days, a format that last thrilled fans in 2024.
Looking ahead to the season’s closing stages, the finale shifts back to the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California, a return that many fans will celebrate after years of season finales elsewhere. This move brings a legendary road course back to the spotlight at just the right moment in the championship fight.
There are some notable absences. The recently held Thermal Club event won’t return in 2026, and the Iowa Speedway race has also been dropped. The Toronto race moves to a new street circuit in Markham due to scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup and construction around Exhibition Place.
Overall, the 2026 IndyCar schedule blends tradition with innovation, improving race sequencing, adding new venues, and bolstering the championship’s competitive intensity. It’s a step forward on the road to even more thrilling racing in the years ahead.
2026 IndyCar Series Schedule Highlights
| Date | Venue | Type |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 | Streets of St. Petersburg | Street |
| March 7 | Phoenix Raceway | Oval |
| March 15 | Streets of Arlington | Street |
| March 29 | Barber Motorsports Park | Road Course |
| April 19 | Streets of Long Beach | Street |
| May 9 | Indianapolis Road Course | Road Course |
| May 24 | Indianapolis 500 | Oval |
| May 31 | Streets of Detroit | Street |
| June 7 | World Wide Technology Raceway | Oval |
| June 21 | Road America | Road Course |
| July 5 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Road Course |
| July 19 | Nashville Superspeedway | Oval (Night) |
| Aug 9 | Portland International Raceway | Road Course |
| Aug 16 | Streets of Markham | Street |
| Aug 29 | Milwaukee Mile Race 1 | Oval |
| Aug 30 | Milwaukee Mile Race 2 | Oval |
| Sept 6 | WeatherTech Laguna Seca | Road Course |
The 2026 calendar not only answers long-time fan calls for a more dynamic and varied schedule but also prepares IndyCar for an even brighter, more competitive future.
