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2026 IndyCar Season Could Be Pivotal for Sport's Growth
IndyCar viewership and schedule changes may boost the series' popularity.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:47pm
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The 2026 IndyCar season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the sport, with increased viewership, an intriguing schedule, and emerging storylines that could drive growth. The series is planning a new street race in Washington, D.C. and will see the departure of longtime Team Penske driver Will Power, among other key events.
Why it matters
IndyCar has struggled with declining popularity in recent years, but the 2025 season saw a viewership resurgence. The 2026 season could build on that momentum with an exciting schedule, high-profile storylines, and the potential to attract new fans, especially with the addition of a race in the nation's capital.
The details
The 2026 IndyCar season will feature 18 races broadcast on network television, up from 17 in 2025. The season-opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, a doubleheader with NASCAR in Phoenix, the Indianapolis 500, and a new street race in Ontario, Canada are among the highlights of the schedule. The series will also see the departure of longtime Team Penske driver Will Power, the return of executive Tim Cindric after an Indy 500 cheating scandal, and the potential for free agency spotlight on two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden.
- The 2026 IndyCar season will open on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
- IndyCar will hold a doubleheader weekend with NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway.
- The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place in May 2026.
- A new street race in Ontario, Canada will be added to the 2026 schedule.
- The 2026 IndyCar season will conclude at Laguna Seca Raceway.
The players
Alex Palou
A four-time IndyCar champion and the defending Indy 500 winner, Palou will go for his fourth consecutive title in 2026.
Pato O'Ward
An emerging superstar in the IndyCar series.
Will Power
A longtime driver for Team Penske who is departing the team after 17 years.
Tim Cindric
A Penske executive who is returning as a race strategist for driver Scott McLaughlin after an Indy 500 cheating scandal.
Josef Newgarden
A two-time Indy 500 winner and Penske driver who could be in the free agency spotlight.
What’s next
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be the most anticipated event of the 2026 IndyCar season.
The takeaway
The 2026 IndyCar season has the potential to be a pivotal year for the sport, with increased viewership, an exciting schedule, and emerging storylines that could drive growth and attract new fans, especially with the addition of a high-profile street race in Washington, D.C.
