2026: A Landmark Season for IndyCar's Growth and Excitement

The NTT IndyCar Series is gearing up for what could be its most transformative year yet in 2026. Building on the momentum from 2025’s record-breaking viewership, the season promises an expanded schedule, high-profile new events, intriguing driver shake-ups, and strategic partnerships that could propel the sport to new heights.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

With 18 races on the calendar, including innovative additions and a continued partnership with FOX Sports, IndyCar is positioned for accelerated growth. Central to this narrative is the close relationship between series owner Roger Penske and President Donald Trump, which has already yielded tangible benefits like the historic Freedom 250 race in Washington, D.C.

An Expanded and Dynamic Schedule

The 2026 schedule kicks off with a bang, featuring four races in the first five weeks of March, starting with the traditional opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. This front-loaded approach aims to capture early-season enthusiasm and maintain momentum through the year.

Highlights include a return to Phoenix Raceway for a doubleheader weekend shared with NASCAR, a street race around the Dallas Cowboys stadium called the Java House Arlington Grand Prix, and a doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile. The season culminates at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, ensuring a diverse mix of street circuits, road courses, and ovals that challenge drivers and thrill fans.

One of the most buzzworthy additions is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, set for August 21-23 in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. This street circuit around the National Mall will showcase iconic landmarks like the Capitol and White House, with cars potentially reaching speeds over 200 mph. The event, free and open to the public, is expected to draw massive crowds and provide an economic boost to the city by filling hotels and restaurants. FOX Sports will broadcast the race live, amplifying its reach.

Additionally, the schedule ventures north with a new street race in Markham, Ontario Canada, that gives the series some international flare while keeping the focus on North American roots. This 18-race slate, up from previous years, reflects IndyCar’s commitment to growth and variety.

Surging Viewership and Commercial Momentum

Coming off 2025’s banner year, where races averaged 1.362 million viewers—a 27% increase from 2024—and the Indianapolis 500 drew over seven million eyes (surpassing the Daytona 500), expectations are high for continued upward trajectory. All 2026 races will air on network television via FOX, building on this partnership that has driven the fastest growth among major sports. Penske Entertainment Corp. CEO Mark Miles emphasized that this momentum will “only accelerate faster” with increased investments in events.

Readers of AutoRacing1.com over the past 26 years will recall my numerous articles advocating for IndyCar to broadcast all races on over-the-air network TV to drive growth. The series finally made that move in 2025 with its new FOX deal, yielding immediate and enormous benefits. IndyCar was a slow learner until Roger Penske took over. — Mark Cipolloni

The feeder series, INDY NXT, is also poised for expansion, projecting 24 full-time entries and potentially record-breaking fields. This influx strengthens the pathway to the top tier, attracting new talent and sponsors.

Compelling Driver Storylines and Team Changes

The on-track action will be fueled by dramatic personnel shifts. Alex Palou aims for a historic fourth consecutive championship with Chip Ganassi Racing, while Pato O’Ward emerges as a breakout star at Arrow McLaren. Veteran Will Power departs Team Penske after 17 years to join Andretti Global, making way for young talent David Malukas at Penske. Tim Cindric returns as strategist for Scott McLaughlin, and two-time champion Josef Newgarden could enter free agency, adding intrigue.

Excitement swirls around international drivers like German Mick Schumacher, son of 7-time Formula 1 World Driving Champion Michael Schumacher, further globalizing the grid. Team leadership changes, including key strategists, will also influence outcomes in this hyper-competitive series.

The Penske-Trump Connection: A Boost for the Series

Roger Penske’s longstanding ties with President Trump have proven advantageous for IndyCar. Trump awarded Penske the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, recognizing his contributions to motorsports. This relationship culminated in Trump’s January 30, 2026, executive order enabling the Freedom 250, signed in the Oval Office alongside Penske, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Penske hailed it as an “incredible distinction” and a celebration of American innovation and patriotism. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser noted the event’s potential to position the city as a sports capital, underscoring its positive impact.

Roger Penske in the oval office with President Trump at the signing of the Freedom 250 Executive Order

This alliance not only secures high-visibility events but also aligns IndyCar with national celebrations, potentially attracting new audiences and sponsors. Don’t be surprised if Penske invites Trump to this year’s Indianapolis 500. Making him the Grand Marshal might just blow the lid off the event.

Closing words from the Captain

With a robust schedule, rising stars, record viewership, and strategic endorsements, 2026 stands as a potential turning point for IndyCar. As Penske noted, there’s “no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR.” Whether through the roar of engines in the nation’s capital or fierce battles on ovals and streets, the season promises to captivate and expand the sport’s footprint.