February 27 – March 1
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
This is the 16th time that St. Pete has served as the kickoff to the IndyCar season in the 22 years the series has raced on the gulf coast The tight street course is known for close racing and exciting wheel to wheel action with last year’s winner, Alex Palou, nipping teammate Scott Dixon by just 3 seconds.
March 6 – 7
Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway
IndyCar returns to the desert for the first time since 2018 in a unique double-header weekend with NASCAR. Opened in 1964, the 1-mile tri-oval was host to two IndyCar races per year until the mid 1980s with A.J. Foyt winning the inaugural race. Phoenix Raceway was renovated in 2018 and questions to be answered on race day include whether or not there will be two racing lines and how the additional rubber laid down from NASCAR competition will affect the track surface.
March 13 – 15
Java House Grand Prix of Arlington
New for 2026, this modified street race is one the drivers are most looking forward to. Built around Jerry World (AKA AT&T Stadium) the new layout features a nearly mile long straight and what appear to be three other areas that should provide passing opportunities. Much as Miami does in F1, expect this race to bring out the glitterati, giving it the potential to become a staple every IndyCar season.
March 27 – 29
Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix
The first road course of the season, Barber Motorsports Park is a scenic venue that features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes on every lap. Known for rewarding precision and control, Alex Palou notched a his third win of the season here last year, crossing the finish line 16 seconds ahead of second place finisher, Christian Lundgaard. One tip for drivers and attendees, beware of falling mannequins!
April 17 – 19
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The Grand Prix of Long Beach the longest running street race in North America, beginning as a Formula 5000 race in 1975. In 1976, it became an F1 Grand Prix with IndyCar taking over in 1983. A mainstay on the calendar since then, the course skirts along Long Beach Harbor and offers plenty of passing opportunities for those daring enough to challenge the unforgiving concrete walls that line the track.
May 8 – 9
Sonsio Grand Prix
Held on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Sonsio Grand Prix offers a different perspective of the Racing Capital of the World. Running in the opposite direction down the front straight looks a little awkward at first, but the action provided as they dive into the infield is nothing short of exhilarating. The Sonsio GP gives fans an opportunity to experience IndyCar racing at the Brickyard before the hordes descend on the speedway at the end of May.