2026 INDYCAR Season Kicks Off with New Venues and Drivers

The 18-race schedule features four new tracks, including a race in Washington, D.C.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 INDYCAR season is set to get underway this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a packed schedule that includes 18 races across six ovals, six street courses, and six permanent road courses. The season will feature four new venues, including a return to Phoenix Raceway, a new street course in Arlington, Texas, a new race in the Toronto suburb of Markham, and a special event in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The grid will also see several driver changes, with seven cars having new pilots, including former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher joining Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Why it matters

The 2026 INDYCAR season promises to be an exciting one, with new tracks, new faces, and the continued dominance of reigning champion Alex Palou. The addition of the Washington, D.C. race in particular will bring INDYCAR to a new market and help grow the sport's fanbase. The driver changes also add an element of unpredictability, with former F1 star Mick Schumacher making his oval debut and other top talents switching teams.

The details

The 18-race 2026 INDYCAR schedule includes six oval races, six street courses, and six permanent road courses. New venues this season are Phoenix Raceway, a street course in Arlington, Texas, a new race in Markham, Ontario, and a special event in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The grid will see seven new drivers, including Mick Schumacher at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Will Power moving to Andretti Global after 17 years at Team Penske.

  • The 2026 INDYCAR season kicks off this Sunday, March 5, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
  • The series will race at Phoenix Raceway on March 7, marking the first INDYCAR event at the track since 2018.
  • The new street course in Arlington, Texas will host its inaugural race on March 15.
  • The Markham, Ontario race is scheduled for August 16.
  • The Washington, D.C. event celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary will take place on August 23.

The players

Alex Palou

The three-time and reigning INDYCAR champion, who is seeking his fourth title in 2026 after winning eight races last season.

Mick Schumacher

The 26-year-old son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, making his INDYCAR debut this season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Will Power

The two-time INDYCAR champion, who is leaving Team Penske after 17 years to join Andretti Global for the 2026 season.

Andretti Global

The racing team that has signed former Team Penske driver Will Power for the 2026 season.

Team Penske

The powerhouse INDYCAR team that is parting ways with longtime driver Will Power and several key executives after a technical violation in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

The 2026 INDYCAR season promises to be an exciting one, with new venues, new drivers, and the continued dominance of Alex Palou. The addition of the Washington, D.C. race in particular will help grow the sport's fanbase, while the driver changes add an element of unpredictability to the championship fight.