IndyCar and NASCAR Partner for Desert Doubleheader

Both racing series enjoy strong starts to 2026 season

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

IndyCar and NASCAR are teaming up for a motorsports doubleheader this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, as both series are riding waves of momentum to start the 2026 season. IndyCar is returning to the 1-mile oval for the first time since 2018, while NASCAR's 23XI Racing team owned by Michael Jordan has won the first three races of the year, drawing increased attention to the sport.

Why it matters

The pairing of IndyCar and NASCAR for a doubleheader event is an effort to cross-promote the two biggest racing series in the United States and attract a wider audience of motorsports fans. Both series are enjoying strong starts to their seasons, with IndyCar coming off a successful season opener and NASCAR's new team owner Michael Jordan driving increased interest in the sport.

The details

IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward was initially hesitant about being the 'support series' to NASCAR, but changed his tune after seeing the strong TV ratings for last week's NASCAR race. The doubleheader will feature IndyCar qualifying on Friday, followed by their race on Saturday, and then the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. IndyCar's Josef Newgarden plans to stick around and watch the NASCAR race, while NASCAR's Ryan Blaney is excited to see the IndyCar drivers in action.

  • IndyCar qualifying took place on Friday afternoon.
  • The IndyCar race is scheduled for Saturday.
  • The NASCAR Cup Series race is scheduled for Sunday.

The players

Pato O'Ward

An IndyCar driver who was initially hesitant about the doubleheader with NASCAR but changed his mind after seeing the strong TV ratings.

Michael Jordan

The Basketball Hall of Famer who owns the 23XI Racing team in NASCAR, which has won the first three races of the 2026 season.

Tyler Reddick

The driver for 23XI Racing who has won the first three NASCAR races of the 2026 season.

Josef Newgarden

An IndyCar driver who plans to stick around and watch the NASCAR race on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR driver who is excited to see the IndyCar drivers in action and wishes there were more doubleheader weekends.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I stand corrected, I'm so happy to be here with NASCAR this weekend.”

— Pato O'Ward, IndyCar driver (Social media)

“I want to congratulate my friend Michael Jordan once again! His 23XI Racing team won its (third) straight NASCAR race to start the 2026 season making NASCAR history!”

— Magic Johnson (Social media)

“This is so great for racing fans, I have never understood people who are like 'I only watch NASCAR and not IndyCar' or vice versa. This just brings everybody together.”

— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver (wbal.com)

“I wish we had more weekends together. I just don't see how us being together is ever a bad thing.”

— Josef Newgarden, IndyCar driver (wbal.com)

“For Mick, what a tremendous job. The race is a different story. But you've got to be open-minded in this series — he could just come in and be a natural.”

— Josef Newgarden, IndyCar driver (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This doubleheader event showcases the growing momentum and popularity of both IndyCar and NASCAR, as the two top racing series in the US work together to attract a wider audience of motorsports fans and highlight the talent and excitement across both disciplines.