INDYCAR Announces Record 18-Race 2026 Season with Expanded TV Coverage and Rule Changes
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is revving up for a historic 2026 season, boasting a record 18 races and unprecedented television coverage. The season kicks off March 1st on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, and features a quick-paced March with four races total, including a return to Phoenix Raceway on March 7th. For the first time since 2014, the series will have 18 races, all broadcast on the FOX network – with a total of 20 network windows including coverage leading up to the Indianapolis 500. Several rule changes are also being implemented, including updates to tire usage on street circuits and late-race procedures, all aimed at increasing competition and enhancing the fan experience. The INDYCAR development series, INDY NXT by Firestone, will also observe increased exposure with 17 races airing on FOX Sports’ FS1 and FS2.
IndyCar Series Revs Up for Record-Breaking 2026 Season with Expanded Schedule and Enhanced Fan Experience
The NTT IndyCar Series is poised for its most ambitious season yet, announcing an 18-race championship for 2026, a significant expansion from the previous 17-race calendar. A record 20 network television windows on FOX Sports will showcase “The Fastest Racing on Earth” to a broader audience than ever before.
A Fast-Paced Start and Novel Venues
With a record four races crammed into March, the 2026 season launches with unprecedented intensity, beginning on March 1st at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. A highly anticipated return to Phoenix Raceway, coupled with the inaugural event on the Streets of Arlington, and a visit to Barber Motorsports Park, promises a thrilling start to the championship battle.
Did you know? The 2026 season marks the first time since 2014 that the IndyCar Series will feature an 18-race championship.
Broadcasting and Streaming Powerhouse
For the second consecutive year, FOX Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of all on-track sessions, including every race. Two qualifying sessions ahead of the Indianapolis 500 will also be broadcast on FOX, bringing the total network coverage to a record 20 windows. All INDYCAR programming will also be available for live streaming on FOX One and the FOX Sports app, ensuring fans can follow the action wherever they are.
Key Milestones Within Reach
Several drivers are on the cusp of achieving significant milestones during the 2026 season. The next first-time winner in the series will be the 300th all-time race winner in INDYCAR SERIES history. Alex Palou, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship, could join Sebastien Bourdais as the only driver to achieve this feat.
Scott Dixon, a six-time series champion, is poised to extend his already impressive records in seasons with a win, consecutive seasons with a win, consecutive starts, total starts, podium finishes, and top-five finishes. Will Power, now with Andretti Global, will continue his pursuit of the all-time record for pole positions earned.
Technical and Procedural Updates for Enhanced Competition
INDYCAR is implementing several updates to enhance competition and safety. Street circuit tire usage requirements will be modified, requiring teams to utilize one set of primary compound tires and two sets of alternate compound tires. This change is designed to encourage more varied strategies and increase wheel-to-wheel action.
Late-race procedures are also being adjusted to generate more lead-lap battles. The lap windows for cars a lap down to the leader will be expanded at most races. Road and street course practice sessions will adopt a “group” format, mirroring the qualifying structure, and pre-race warm-up sessions will be extended to 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Understanding the tire strategy changes on street circuits will be crucial for predicting race outcomes in 2026.
Safety Enhancements at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In collaboration with Dallara, INDYCAR is mandating the use of superspeedway tire ramp flaps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the Indianapolis 500. These carbon fiber flaps are designed to increase aerodynamic stability and reduce the likelihood of cars “lifting” during a spin. Testing has shown a potential reduction of nearly 9 percent in the chance of a car lifting after a 180-degree spin.
a new brake configuration from Performance Friction Corporation will be implemented at Indianapolis, aiming to improve predictability and responsiveness, particularly when entering pit lane.
INDY NXT by Firestone: A Growing Pathway
INDYCAR’s development series, INDY NXT by Firestone, is also experiencing significant growth. A record 17 races will be broadcast live on television, with 15 on FS1 and two on FS2. The series will feature a record-tying four races in March and the addition of three new doubleheader weekends.
A growing paddock of 24 drivers representing 11 countries will compete for the championship, with several new teams joining the grid, including AJ Foyt Racing, Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and Cape Motorsports powered by ECR. The series champion will receive a substantial prize package, including funding for a rookie oval test, entry into the Indianapolis 500, and an additional NTT INDYCAR SERIES event.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the 2026 IndyCar Series races?
A: Races will be broadcast on FOX Sports networks and streamed live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
Q: What are the key technical changes for the 2026 season?
A: Updates include changes to street circuit tire usage, late-race procedures, and safety enhancements at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Q: How many races are on the 2026 IndyCar Series schedule?
A: The 2026 schedule features 18 races.
Don’t miss a moment of the action as the NTT IndyCar Series embarks on its most ambitious season yet. Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage, analysis, and exclusive insights throughout the 2026 championship. Explore more IndyCar articles here, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!