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INDYCAR Kicks Off 2026 Season with New Tracks and Drivers
Expanded 18-race schedule features four new venues and significant driver lineup changes
Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:10pm
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The 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season kicks off this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, with an expanded 18-race schedule, four new venues, and a significant shakeup in the driver lineup. The series will visit new tracks in Phoenix, Arlington, Markham, and Washington, D.C., while also sharing the Phoenix Raceway with NASCAR. Several top drivers have changed teams, including Will Power moving to Andretti Global and Mick Schumacher making his INDYCAR debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Why it matters
The 2026 INDYCAR season promises to be an exciting one, with new challenges for drivers and teams across a diverse mix of racing surfaces. The driver changes and new venues will add an extra layer of intrigue to the championship battle, as established stars look to fend off rising talents and newcomers to the series.
The details
The 18-race schedule includes six oval races, six temporary street courses, and six permanent road courses, with a doubleheader weekend planned for The Milwaukee Mile. The addition of a street race in Washington, D.C. on August 23rd, celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, adds a unique event to the calendar. Several key driver changes include Will Power joining Andretti Global, Mick Schumacher making his INDYCAR debut, and Rinus VeeKay moving to Juncos Hollinger Racing.
- The 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season begins on Sunday, February 29 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, continuing its traditional placement on Memorial Day weekend.
- INDYCAR will share the track with NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway on March 7, with INDYCAR racing on Saturday and the NASCAR Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series races on Sunday.
The players
Alex Palou
The defending INDYCAR champion, who is aiming for his fourth consecutive title in 2026.
Pato O'Ward
One of Palou's closest challengers, expected to be in the mix for the championship.
Will Power
The veteran driver has moved from Team Penske to Andretti Global for the 2026 season.
Mick Schumacher
The son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, making his INDYCAR debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Rinus VeeKay
The Dutch driver has joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2026 season.
What they’re saying
“The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one, with new challenges for drivers and teams across a diverse mix of racing surfaces.”
— Alex Palou, Defending INDYCAR Champion
“I'm thrilled to be making my INDYCAR debut this season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. It's a new challenge, but one I'm eager to take on.”
— Mick Schumacher
What’s next
The first race of the 2026 INDYCAR season will take place on Sunday, February 29 in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the green flag dropping at noon ET on FOX.
The takeaway
The 2026 INDYCAR season promises to be a thrilling one, with new tracks, driver changes, and a competitive field all vying for the championship. Fans can look forward to an expanded schedule, increased crossover with NASCAR, and the continued emergence of young talents alongside established stars.
