2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Schedule, Updates, and What to Expect
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES is poised to be a landmark season, kicking off with a record four races in March and featuring a revamped schedule with new venues and exciting changes to race procedures. The season begins on Sunday, March 1, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
A Revamped Schedule for 2026
The 2026 calendar boasts 17 races, blending street circuits, road courses, and ovals, including the iconic Indianapolis 500. Significant additions to the schedule include a return to Phoenix Raceway, a new street race in Arlington, Texas, and a race in Washington D.C. To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary [1]. Iowa Speedway, the Thermal Club, and the Streets of Toronto have been removed from the schedule to accommodate these new events [1].
Key Dates and Races
- St. Petersburg: Sunday, March 1 (12 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Phoenix Raceway: Saturday, March 7 (3:00 p.m. ET, FOX) – Decent Ranchers 250 [1]
- Arlington: Sunday, March 15 (12:30 p.m. ET, FOX) – Java House Grand Prix of Arlington [4]
- Long Beach: Sunday, April 19 (5:30 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Indianapolis 500: Sunday, May 24 (10:00 a.m. ET, FOX)
A full schedule can be found here [4].
Expanded TV Coverage on FOX
For the second consecutive year, all 18 races will be broadcast on FOX, with a record 20 network windows including coverage of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying leading up to the Indianapolis 500 [1]. All INDYCAR programming will too be available for streaming live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
Milestones and Records in Sight
The 2026 season presents several opportunities for drivers to achieve significant milestones. The next first-time winner will mark the 300th all-time race winner in INDYCAR SERIES history. Four-time series champion Alex Palou aims to become only the second driver to win four consecutive championships, joining Sebastien Bourdais. Six-time series champion Scott Dixon will be looking to extend his records in seasons with a win, consecutive seasons with a win, consecutive starts, total starts, podiums, and top fives [1]. Will Power, now with Andretti Global, will attempt to extend his all-time record for pole positions earned [1].
Technical and Procedural Updates
- Street Circuit Tire Usage: Teams will now be required to use one set of primary compound tires and two sets of alternate compound tires at all street circuit events [1].
- Late-Race Procedures: Lap windows for cars a lap down will be expanded to encourage more lead-lap battles in the closing stages of races.
- Practice Format: Practice 2 will mirror the “group” format of Practice 1, with the field split by odd and even numbered pit stalls. Qualifying groups will be determined by results from the previous race.
- Warmup Sessions: Pre-race warmup sessions will be extended from 25 to 30 minutes, with increased coverage on FOX Sports.
- Indianapolis 500 Safety: Superspeedway tire ramp flaps will be mandatory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to improve aero stability during spins [4]. A new brake configuration will also be implemented to improve predictability and responsiveness.
INDY NXT by Firestone Expansion
INDYCAR’s development series, INDY NXT by Firestone, will also observe an expanded schedule with 17 races airing on live television – 15 on FS1 and two on FS2 [1]. The series will feature a record-tying four races in March and three new doubleheader weekends. A total purse of just over $1 million will be awarded, with the champion receiving funding towards a rookie oval test, the Indy 500 Open Test and Rookie Orientation Program, and entries for the 2027 Indianapolis 500 and an additional NTT INDYCAR SERIES event [1].
Coverage of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1, at noon ET on FOX. INDY NXT by Firestone’s season opener will begin earlier that day at 10 a.m. ET on FS1.