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INDYCAR SERIESNXT SERIES

INDYCAR SERIES

 

www.indycar.com

The IndyCar Series, officially known as the NTT IndyCar Series for sponsorship reasons, is the highest class of American open-wheel car racing in the United States, which has been conducted under the auspices of various sanctioning bodies since 1920. The series is self-sanctioned by its parent company, IndyCar, LLC, which began in 1996 as the Indy Racing League (IRL) and was created by then Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George as a competitor to Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART). In 2008, the IndyCar Series merged with CART's successor, the Champ Car World Series, unifying the history and statistics of both series (as well as those from their predecessors).

 

 
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026) – INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment have teamed up to promote this summer’s historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The event will be the first-ever motor race on the National Mall and city streets, taking place Aug. 21-23 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment will serve as the Official Marketing, Sponsorships and Corporate Hospitality sales agency for the race weekend. Home to several professional teams throughout the DMV, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is a leading sports, media and venue company that hosts hundreds of high-profile events each year.

“This is an incredible partnership built to make history on the streets of our nation’s capital,” said Bud Denker, chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. and president of Penske Corporation. “Like our organization, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is a highly driven and mission-oriented team, excited and ready to provide an exceptional showcase of speed, innovation and patriotic pride as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES brings the Fastest Racing on Earth to the National Mall.”

“This marquee event is more than a race – it is a celebration of our nation’s history that puts fans at the center and showcases the nation’s capital as a world-class host of unforgettable sporting experiences,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to partner with INDYCAR to bring one of the most iconic motorsports experiences to the heart of Washington, D.C., and to power the sales and marketing efforts that will connect fans to this landmark event.”

Just last week, President Donald J. Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. through an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Transportation to designate a racecourse through Washington D.C. and including the National Mall. The event will be free to the general public and will provide scenic vantage points of several iconic symbols of national unity and patriotism.

INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment will work closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.

Like the entire NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, the race will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks. Fans can be the first to receive all updates by visiting http://freedom250gp.com/ and signing up for the email distribution list.

About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series featuring a talented field of star drivers competing on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment companies and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.

 

Presidential Announcementof Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.

 

INDYCAR To Deliver First Motor Race in History on the National Mall

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Jan. 30, 2026) – An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on August 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.

“INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.” said President Trump via the executive order. “This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”

The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House.

The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.

“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump continued. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”

For more than a century, INDYCAR has hosted the iconic Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on the Sunday before Memorial Day, annually the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” serves as a singular and powerful tribute to the United States Armed Forces, with a crowd of more than 350,000 people gathering to show respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military heroes. Legends of INDYCAR span multiple generations from racing greats like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt to the stars of today like four-time SERIES champion Alex Palou and two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden.

“President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” said Roger Penske. “This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation, and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”

“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”

"The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the America spirit in the heart of our nation's capital," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!"

“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “But we don’t stop there and work to attract major events. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation’s Capital this August. The race weekend will rev up the economic engine of D.C. by filling our hotels and restaurants and by showing visitors, residents and the sports world that there’s no better city, people and backdrop for major sports events. I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”

“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR – a sport built on speed, innovation, and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports. “Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud to showcase this event to the country.”

The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.

About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, featuring a talented field of star drivers competing on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.

 

Phoenix Open Test To Salute Unser Family

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026) – The incredible legacy of the Unser family at Phoenix Raceway will be honored when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES conducts an Open Test on Feb. 17-18 at the desert oval in advance of the series’ highly anticipated return to the track.

The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway is open to all teams as they prepare for the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7 as part of a buzzworthy weekend alongside NASCAR, providing a joint showcase of North American racing in partnership with FOX Sports. It’s the first INDYCAR SERIES race at the historic, 1.022-mile Phoenix oval since 2018.

Cars will be on track from 2-6 p.m. ET (noon-4 p.m. MT) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with testing scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (9 a.m.-noon MT) and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET (1:30-4:30 p.m. MT) Wednesday, Feb. 18. The Wednesday sessions will be open and free to the public, with an autograph session at 2:45 p.m. ET (12:45 p.m. MT).

“The name Unser is synonymous with Phoenix Raceway,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “We’re honored to salute this family’s incredible accomplishments at their home track for this important Open Test, which sets the stage for INDYCAR’s return to Phoenix in March. As a longtime fan of the sport, I also really appreciate that the logo for this special test features some familiar colors from cars driven by Al and Bobby, which I’m sure will bring back many great memories for our loyal fans.”

Phoenix was the home INDYCAR SERIES track for the Unser family, which lived in and proudly represented Albuquerque, New Mexico. And no name is more linked with success at the desert oval.

Al Unser won a track-record six INDYCAR SERIES races at Phoenix since the track first started hosting series events in 1964. He also won six poles at the track as part of an illustrious career that included three series championships and a record-tying four victories in the Indianapolis 500.

Bobby Unser took the checkered flag four times at Phoenix but powered to a track-record 11 poles at the tricky desert oval. He also won two series titles and three Indianapolis 500s.

Two-time series champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. finished runner-up at Phoenix four times.

“I’ll speak for our family and say how pleased we are to be honored in this way by INDYCAR,” Al Unser Jr. said. “Dad simply loved racing at Phoenix, and no one took it to the edge in qualifying there quite like Uncle Bobby. It was exciting to see the track added to the schedule this year, and the Open Test will be crucial for drivers and teams as they get ready for the race in March. I can’t wait to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES back at Phoenix.””

Live timing and scoring from both days of the Open Test will be provided on INDYCAR.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. Fans unable to attend the test also can follow along on INDYCAR social channels.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

 

 

Fastest Racing on Earth Featured with Record-Tying 19 Network Windows,
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Lead-ins, Six Hours of Live Coverage for Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025) – FOX Sports and INDYCAR have announced the race broadcast start times for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

For the second consecutive year, FOX will highlight the dynamic and hyper-competitive championship with a record 19 network windows, with all 17 races featured on broadcast television. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is once again the only premier motorsports series in North America with all races broadcast on network television.

The 2026 broadcast schedule also includes a summer stretch that coincides with FOX Sports’ coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026™, providing a massive and historic showcase for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series. The opening match on Sunday, June 21 will lead into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ annual trip to the exhilarating, demanding layout at Road America and the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America scheduled for 2 p.m. (all times Eastern).

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 16 action will follow the 12:30 p.m. start of FOX’s broadcast at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2027 CR-V Hybrid Sunday, July 5.

The biggest match in world soccer, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, and the celebration of an epic champion on FOX will provide a massive lead-in for INDYCAR’s annual thriller at Nashville Superspeedway. Broadcast tune-in time for the 2026 edition of the 400-mile Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix will be announced at a later date.

In 2025, during the first year of a multiyear partnership with FOX Sports, viewership of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season increased 27 percent from the previous season, generating the fastest growth curve of any major sport.

“Once again FOX Sports is providing an unparalleled platform to showcase the most competitive and dynamic racing series on the planet,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “On the heels of significant milestones and momentum last year, this new season will provide meaningful opportunities to reach new audiences and build upon the best growth trajectory in all of sports.”

Other highlights of FOX’s 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES broadcast schedule include:

  • A supercharged set of three consecutive weekends to kick off the season as part of a record four races during the month of March, which includes the series’ return to Phoenix Raceway for the Good Ranchers 250 at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 7.
  • A highly anticipated event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar, the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington on the Streets of Arlington on Sunday, March 15, featuring a 30-minute prerace that begins at 12:30 p.m.
  • Coverage of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying – setting the field for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge – beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.
  • For the second consecutive year, an extensive six-hour broadcast – beginning at 10 a.m. – for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24.
  • The return of fan-favorite primetime racing under the lights at World Wide Technology Raceway and the 10th annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 7.
  • The NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ return to Canada for the debut of the Streets of Markham layout and the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham at noon Sunday, Aug. 16.
  • The return of the popular doubleheader at the historic Milwaukee Mile at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.
  • The crowning of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and a Labor Day weekend return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Coverage of the season finale begins with a prerace show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday Sept. 6.

WHAT NTT INDYCAR SERIES DRIVERS ARE SAYING:

“2025 was an incredible year not only for me but also for INDYCAR on FOX, and I know we are both prepared to build on our accomplishments. Needless to say, I’m excited to get 2026 started as we go for a fourth straight NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship with the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and cannot wait for the opener at St. Pete.” – Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing

"There is so much to look forward to on the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, including our first race at Arlington. As we have already seen in this new partnership, it is one of the most exciting, new additions to our calendar in the recent years, and FOX Sports will provide the perfect showcase for our fans watching on TV. The new season can’t get here soon enough." – Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren

“I’m a big sports fan, so having the 2026 INDYCAR schedule share the stage with FOX’s coverage of the World Cup next summer is going to be exciting. 2025 was a breakout year for me, and it was especially rewarding to see it all play out on FOX in their first INDYCAR season. We’re looking forward to another strong season for the No. 27 Andretti Global Honda, and I’m eager to see what FOX has in store for the upcoming season.” – Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global

Coverage of all 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice and qualifying sessions will be featured on either FS1 or FS2, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. The coverage schedule for the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone championship, the developmental series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will be announced in the coming days.

FOX SPORTS’ 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES RACE COVERAGE SCHEDULE:

Date Venue TV Time (ET)
Sunday, March 1 Streets of St. Petersburg FOX Noon
Saturday, March 7 Phoenix Raceway FOX 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 Streets of Arlington FOX 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 Barber Motorsports Park FOX 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 Streets of Long Beach FOX 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course FOX 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 The 110th Indianapolis 500 FOX 10 a.m.
Sunday, May 31 Streets of Detroit FOX 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 World Wide Technology Raceway FOX 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 Road America FOX 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 5 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course FOX 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 Nashville Superspeedway FOX TBA
Sunday, Aug. 9 Portland International Raceway FOX 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16 Streets of Markham FOX Noon
Saturday, Aug. 29 Milwaukee Mile Race 1 FOX 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 Milwaukee Mile Race 2 FOX 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca FOX 2:30 p.m.

Note: Dates and times are subject to change.

INDYCAR Announces Framework for Independent Officiating Ahead of 2026 Seasons

Independent Officiating Board Members Selected

responsible for Hiring Managing Director of Officiating

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025) – INDYCAR will have an independent officiating system in place for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone seasons. A new independent, not-for-profit organization – INDYCAR Officiating Inc. – has been established and will be governed by a three-person Independent Officiating Board (IOB).

This board will select a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) and establish its annual budget. The board members were independently selected this week, with two members chosen via a vote from INDYCAR team owners, who are charter members, and the other member appointed by the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA).

The managing director will report directly to the independent board with no oversight from INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment officials. This individual will be charged with full officiating oversight – including the hiring of personnel for race control and INDYCAR technical inspection – and responsible for enforcing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT rulebooks as written by INDYCAR.

The two IOB members selected via a vote from chartered team owners are:

  • Ray Evernham – Longtime motorsports veteran who, most notably, served as the crew chief for three of Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR Cup Series championships. Evernham also pioneered Dodge’s return to NASCAR as owner of Evernham Motorsports before later becoming a television analyst, producer and consultant.
  • Raj Nair – A 30-year veteran of the automotive and auto racing industries, Nair has vast experience and technical compliance expertise as an executive at Singer Group, Inc., Multimatic, Inc. and the Ford Motor Company, where he also served as the North American president from 2017-18. As the chief technical officer and executive vice president of Ford’s global product development (2012-17), Nair was responsible for all Ford Motorsports programs, including in NASCAR, IMSA and FIA WEC.

The third member of the IOB appointed by the FIA is:

  • Ronan Morgan – Brings over 50 years of global motorsport experience as a senior official, promoter, organizer and competitor. With the FIA, Morgan served as the chairman of stewards for more than 100 international race and rally events, was sporting manager of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2009 to 2021 and is president of the FIA Drivers Commission. Morgan is also a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and advisor to the FIA President.

The FIA’s role in INDYCAR’s independent officiating system will be limited to the appointment of its board member.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

“We have remained committed to independent officiating for 2026, and we are pleased to announce this next step. The INDYCAR team owners and the FIA have selected a world-class board with high character, incredible knowledge and an intense passion for motorsports and INDYCAR racing.” – J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR President

“This was a thorough process, and I am confident in the independent officiating board that has been elected by the team ownership in our sport. I look forward to their guidance as they take the next step of hiring a managing director.” – Chip Ganassi, Chip Ganassi Racing Owner

“We are excited to launch this new structure of INDYCAR officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons.” – Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO

“INDYCAR is an American icon and I am proud of the relationship we are building together. The FIA’s independent expertise in delivering consistent officiating oversight across our World Championships, combined with INDYCAR’s innovation and competitive spirit, will support the continued growth of the series. I look forward to the work ahead of us.” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President

“I am pleased with the direction INDYCAR is taking with independent officiating. The team owners have selected two excellent board members and the addition of a FIA appointee will add another layer of experience and expertise.” – Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports

The hiring of the managing director of officiating, along with additional details, will be announced in early 2026.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT championships begin Sunday, March 1, 2026 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Coverage of the 17-rac

 

 

The Fastest-Growing Meat Delivery Company in the U.S. Partners
with the Fastest Racing On Earth For Exhilarating Return to Historic Track

AVONDALE, Ariz. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025) – Good Ranchers, an American meat company, INDYCAR and Phoenix Raceway announced a new title partnership for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ race scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway marks INDYCAR’s return to the thrilling and high-speed one-mile oval for the first time since 2018.

The INDYCAR SERIES race is part of a buzzworthy weekend alongside NASCAR, providing a joint showcase of North American racing in partnership with FOX.

“We’re excited to welcome Good Ranchers as the entitlement sponsor of our upcoming INDYCAR race,” Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey said. “Their commitment to giving back and serving our veterans really resonates with our community and our fans. It shows that Good Ranchers brings the same heart and purpose to their work that our race weekends bring to the Valley, and we’re proud to partner with them for an unforgettable and historic event.”

Since being founded in 2018, Good Ranchers has become the fastest-growing meat delivery company in America by committing to one purpose: to only source meat that’s born and raised in America. Good Ranchers works with local farms and ranches across the U.S. to deliver high-quality beef, chicken, pork and wild-caught seafood to homes nationwide. But the company’s dedication to strengthening America extends beyond the food industry. Good Ranchers also partners with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), supporting programs that provide vital care, advocacy, and long-term resources for Veterans living with spinal cord injuries.

“At Good Ranchers, we’re driven by a purpose to support America, and that commitment has shaped every part of our story,” Good Ranchers founder and CEO Ben Spell said. “As an American-born racing tradition built on hard work and a relentless drive to push forward, INDYCAR embodies that same spirit. Together, we’re fueling American families on and off the track.”

The INDYCAR SERIES first raced at Phoenix in 1964. Past winners include a legendary list of champions such as A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Al Unser, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Bobby Rahal, Rick Mears, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden. Dixon and Newgarden join four-time and defending NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou and INDYCAR fan-favorite Pato O’Ward to headline a fast and determined field of 27 ready for Phoenix’ return to the schedule.

The Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway is the second round of the 17-race 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. In preparation for the series’ return, an INDYCAR Open Test for all teams has been scheduled at the track for Tuesday-Wednesday Feb. 17-18.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener is scheduled for Sunday, March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. For the second consecutive year, FOX will air all races for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the only premium motorsports series in North America with all races airing on broadcast television. Start times for the 2026 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

NXT SERIES

 

www.indynxt.com

Indy NXT (pronounced "Indy Next"), previously Indy Lights, is an American developmental automobile racing series sanctioned by IndyCar, currently known as INDY NXT by Firestone for sponsorship reasons. Indy NXT is the highest step on the Road to Indy, a program of racing series leading up to the IndyCar Series.

 

 

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Dec. 19, 2025) – FOX Sports and INDYCAR have revealed the race broadcast start times for the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone schedule.

As part of INDYCAR’S partnership with FOX Sports, all INDY NXT races will be shown on live television for the second consecutive year with a series-record 17 races on live TV in 2026. Fifteen INDY NXT races are scheduled to appear live on FOX Sports’ FS1, with two airing on FS2.

Once again in 2026, all INDY NXT practice and qualifying sessions also will air on a combination of FS1, FS2, the FOX Sports app and FOX One.

“Our immersive partnership with FOX Sports has fueled impressive gains across our ecosystem, most especially within INDY NXT by Firestone,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “In 2026, we expect that significant growth to continue with additional races providing even more intense on-track action for our development series. The competition will be fierce for the drivers vying to advance to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and FOX Sports’ coverage will provide another remarkable showcase.”

The battle for the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone championship begins at 10 a.m. (all times Eastern) Sunday, March 1 on FS1 from the sunny streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Round two of the championship takes the series to the much-anticipated inaugural race on the 14-turn, 2.73-mile Streets of Arlington circuit and the Grand Prix of Arlington at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 15, also on FS1.

The first of three new doubleheaders in 2026 begins at Barber Motorsports Park with races at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and 11 a.m. Sunday, March 29 on FS1.

The summer stretch of races at Road America, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Nashville Superspeedway will coincide with FOX Sports’ expansive coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The doubleheader in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, will take place at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at and at noon Sunday, June 21, with both races airing on FS1. FOX Sports’ coverage at Mid-Ohio begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4 and at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 5 – again, with both races scheduled for FS1.

The television tune-in time for the INDY NXT race at Nashville will be announced in the coming weeks.

The championship concludes with the final doubleheader of 2026 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a race at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 on FS2 followed by the season finale and the crowning of the INDY NXT champion at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 on FS1. It is the 15th time in series history that the legendary and historic track on California’s central coast will play host to the title celebration.

INDYCAR’s worldwide direct-to-consumer streaming platform, INDYCAR LIVE, has access to a full library of archived INDY NXT practices, qualifying sessions, races and additional content. 2026 INDY NXT sessions and races will stream live in certain countries and territories. More information is available here.

FOX SPORTS’ 2026 INDY NXT BY FIRESTONE RACE COVERAGE SCHEDULE:
Date Venue TV Time (ET)
Sunday, March 1 Streets of St. Petersburg FS1 10 a.m.
Sunday, March 15 Streets of Arlington FS1 11 a.m.
Saturday, March 28 Barber Motorsports Park Race 1 FS1 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 Barber Motorsports Park Race 2 FS1 11 a.m.
Friday, May 8 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1 FS2 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2 FS1 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 Streets of Detroit FS1 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 7 World Wide Technology Raceway FS1 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 Road America Race 1 FS1 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 Road America Race 2 FS1 Noon
Saturday, July 4 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Race 1 FS1 1 p.m.
Sunday, July 5 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Race 2 FS1 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 19 Nashville Superspeedway FS1 TBA
Sunday, Aug. 9 Portland International Raceway FS1 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 Milwaukee Mile FS1 11 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1 FS2 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2 FS1 12:30 p.m.

Note: Dates and times are subject to change.

 

INDYCAR SERIESNXT SERIES
 

2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SCHEDULE

Date Venue
Sunday, March 1 Streets of St. Petersburg
Saturday, March 7 Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, March 15 Streets of Arlington
Sunday, March 29 Barber Motorsports Park
Sunday, April 19 Streets of Long Beach
Saturday, May 9 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
Sunday, May 24 The 110th Indianapolis 500
Sunday, May 31 Streets of Detroit
Sunday, June 7 World Wide Technology Raceway
Sunday, June 21 Road America
Sunday, July 5 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Sunday, July 19 Nashville Superspeedway
Sunday, Aug. 9 Portland International Raceway
Sunday, Aug. 16 Streets of Markham
Saturday, Aug. 29 Milwaukee Mile Race 1
Sunday, Aug. 30 Milwaukee Mile Race 2
Sunday, Sept. 6 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
 

2026 INDY NXT BY FIRESTONE SCHEDULE

Date Venue
Sunday, March 1 Streets of St. Petersburg
Sunday, March 15 Streets of Arlington
Saturday, March 28 Barber Motorsports Park Race 1
Sunday, March 29 Barber Motorsports Park Race 2
Friday, May 8 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1
Saturday, May 9 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2
Sunday, May 31 Streets of Detroit
Sunday, June 7 World Wide Technology Raceway
Saturday, June 20 Road America Race 1
Sunday, June 21 Road America Race 2
Saturday, July 4 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Race 1
Sunday, July 5 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Race 2
Sunday, July 19 Nashville Superspeedway
Sunday, Aug. 9 Portland International Raceway
Sunday, Aug. 30 Milwaukee Mile
Saturday, Sept. 5 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1
Sunday, Sept. 6 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2

 

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This site is dedicated to my father " hoot " who introduced me to the Great sport of auto racing when I was a very young child

Thru the years I have befriended several people Thru Racing that have passed on and I honor them here

Larrt Criss. Charlie Patterson. Carrol Horton, Todd shaffer, gary lee and Judy Morris