IndyCar Returning to NASCAR's Phoenix Raceway Weekend in 2027

Insider reveals plans for the open-wheel series to make a comeback at the one-mile oval

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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According to veteran motorsports journalist Marshall Pruett, IndyCar has been asked to return to Phoenix Raceway for another NASCAR combo weekend in 2027. The 2026 race at the one-mile oval was a huge success, with record-breaking on-track passing and lead changes. Defending champion Josef Newgarden won the event, bookending IndyCar's eight-year absence from the track.

Why it matters

IndyCar's previous stint at Phoenix ended on a sour note in 2018 due to disappointing attendance, despite significant investment from both sides. The 2026 race's strong turnout and exciting action marks a striking reversal, indicating growing fan interest in seeing the open-wheel series return to the NASCAR weekend at the Arizona track.

The details

The 2026 Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway delivered one of the most entertaining oval races in recent memory, drawing double the ticket sales compared to 2025 and selling out all suite and hospitality packages for the weekend. Defending champion Josef Newgarden won the race, overcoming early pit stop issues to charge through the field and take the checkered flag. The race featured a record-breaking 565 on-track passes, 323 for position, and 18 lead changes.

  • The 2026 Good Ranchers 250 took place on March 8, 2026.
  • IndyCar has been asked to return to Phoenix for another NASCAR combo weekend in 2027.

The players

Marshall Pruett

A veteran motorsports journalist who teased on social media that IndyCar has been asked to return to Phoenix for another NASCAR combo weekend in 2027.

Josef Newgarden

The defending IndyCar champion who won the 2026 Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway, bookending IndyCar's eight-year absence from the track.

Christian Rasmussen

An ECR driver who led much of the 2026 Good Ranchers 250 before contact with Will Power late in the race caused him to fade to 14th.

Will Power

An Andretti Autosport driver who was leading late in the 2026 Good Ranchers 250 but was involved in contact with Christian Rasmussen that cut his right rear tire.

Kyle Kirkwood

The driver who finished second in the 2026 Good Ranchers 250, sitting five points behind Josef Newgarden in the championship standings.

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What they’re saying

“Had a few smart people tell me on pre-grid that IndyCar has been asked to return to Phoenix for another NASCAR combo weekend next year. That makes me happy. Love this place.”

— Marshall Pruett (Social media)

“You can't just run people into the wall.”

— Christian Rasmussen (Fox Sports)

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

IndyCar's return to Phoenix Raceway for a NASCAR combo weekend has generated significant excitement and momentum, with the 2026 race proving to be a huge success and setting the stage for the series to make a highly anticipated comeback to the one-mile oval in 2027.