INDYCAR Returns to Phoenix Raceway in 2026, Marking First Desert Race in Eight Years
Phoenix, Arizona – INDYCAR will kick off its 2026 season at Phoenix Raceway on March 7, marking the series’ return to the desert track for the first time in eight years. The event will be paired with races from the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly the Xfinity Series) and the NASCAR Cup Series, creating a major motorsport weekend.
The 2026 Phoenix race represents a strategic partnership between INDYCAR and NASCAR, building on triumphant joint events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2021 and 2022. This collaboration aims to broaden the reach of both series, with FOX Sports planning extensive promotion of the dual-series event. The INDYCAR race will be the first of a series-record four races in March,including three consecutive events to open the season,all broadcast on FOX. A street race in Arlington, Texas, in partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, will follow on march 15.
INDYCAR previously raced at Phoenix Raceway in 2017 and 2018, with Josef Newgarden winning in the latter year.Simon Pagenaud took the victory in 2017. While the track has undergone renovations, including a relocated start/finish line and renumbered corners, it remains a 1-mile oval familiar to the series.
Five drivers projected to compete full-time in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES have prior experience at Phoenix. Scott dixon leads with six starts and four top-five finishes. Will Power, Graham Rahal, Alexander rossi, and Newgarden have each made three starts, with Power finishing second in 2017 and Newgarden securing the win in 2018.
“We’ve been looking for similar partnership opportunities ever since” the indianapolis events, stated J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR and IMS President. The Phoenix race is intended to establish a strong start to the season, signaling INDYCAR’s ambition and momentum for the year ahead.
