IndyCar Practice Halted After Workers Spotted on Texas Street Course

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IndyCar officials had to throw a red flag to freeze the cars as they were pulling out of the pit area for a practice session in Arlington, Texas, when three workers were spotted on the hot track. The workers, who appeared to be part of a catering crew, were pushing a catering cart between the stadium and a nearby hospitality area. Practice for the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington resumed after a delay of several minutes as IndyCar officials checked the temporary 2.73-mile, 14-turn circuit on the streets around the stadiums of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and coordination between race organizers and support staff to ensure the safety of drivers and crew during practice sessions on temporary street courses.

The details

The television broadcast showed the trio of workers who appeared to be part of a catering crew. One of them was pushing a catering cart in a spot between AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home, and a nearby hospitality area. Cars practicing for Sunday's race hadn't yet gotten up to speed when the track breach was spotted.

• The incident occurred on Saturday, March 14, 2026 during the second practice session for the inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington.

What’s next

IndyCar officials will review the incident and work to improve coordination with support staff to prevent similar breaches of the track during future practice sessions on temporary street courses.