Questions Linger For 2026 INDYCAR Schedule: Which Tracks Should Be Added?

As NASCAR has made some announcements about its schedule over the last several weeks, the INDYCAR paddock is awaiting word on several races for next year.

Should INDYCAR return to Iowa Speedway after a sparsely attended doubleheader weekend? Will INDYCAR go to Mexico City?

Alex Palou celebrates in victory lane with his team during the INDYCAR Series Sukup Race Weekend Race 2 at Iowa Speedway on July 13, 2025 

Those questions remain top of mind for 2026, a year for which one new event — the Grand Prix of Arlington in March — has already been announced.

New events often generate buzz and excitement. The race around the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums should be a sight to see.

Mexico City would be a second new race for 2026 and also an incredible sight. A Mexico race has been a major priority with the popularity of Pato O’Ward, who is optimistic about having a race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

But going to Mexico City is more than just about O’Ward. 

Pato O'Ward celebrates after a race

It would be the lone place where INDYCAR would race on the same circuit as Formula 1, giving fans an idea of the similarities and the differences between the two series. 

One of the world’s biggest cities, Mexico City would provide the exposure INDYCAR needs to help the brands of the sport’s biggest names beyond O’Ward.

As far as Iowa, it is a NASCAR-owned track that has been rented out by INDYCAR to host events. In other words, the track owner doesn't pay a sanction fee and then makes money by selling tickets. Instead, INDYCAR has handled the ticket sales to cover its costs of renting the track.

Sponsorship revenue can also cover those costs, and after Hy-Vee ended its sponsorship of the Iowa doubleheader, that obviously impacted the