INDYCAR Unveils New Grand Prix of Arlington for 2026 Season

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

The NTT IndyCar Series is heading back to the Lone Star State.

But this time, it won’t be a return to Texas Motor Speedway, where the series raced from 1997 to 2023, instead it will be a street course some 30 miles away in the heart of the Arlington, Texas sports and entertainment district.

The 14-turn, 2.73-mile course will circle two of Texas’ biggest sports properties in the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium and the home of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.

The new race will take place in March of 2026 and was unveiled to great fanfare on Tuesday with dignitaries from all three sports properties in attendance, including Roger Penske, Josef Newgarden, and Alex Palou representing IndyCar, the owner of the Cowboys, Jerry Jones, as well as Rangers co-owner Ray Davis.

“Through a truly remarkable and innovative partnership, we’re going to build racing’s next global spectacle,” said Penske. “Everyone involved is fully committed to delivering an incredible and unique event weekend for the city of Arlington, anchored by the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“We’re grateful to the Cowboys, Rangers and REV Entertainment for entering into this partnership with us, and, of course, to Arlington’s leadership team for their excitement and ongoing support.”

Jones, who has never passed up an opportunity to show off his stadium nicknamed “Jerry World,” added his excitement for the event that will be taking place in his backyard.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Texas Rangers, Penske Entertainment, and the city of Arlington to bring Grand Prix racing to the streets of the Arlington Entertainment District,” said Jones.

“The collaboration between our organizations will make the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington special, providing a unique NTT INDYCAR SERIES race experience for fans attending, while also creating a showcase with our friends at FOX and those watching around the world.

“An event of this magnitude is another great reflection of what we imagined over 15 years ago that AT&T Stadium could be a part of.”

Both Newgarden and Palou noted they were excited about the new circuit and the opportunities it brings with Palou in particular ready to put his stamp on the track.

“It’s going to be fast,” Palou said. “I’m ready. I’m pumped. I think everybody here did an amazing job. That you guys for making it possible.

“It’s a shame that we’re not starting like next week. I would be ready to race it.”

Newgarden added that the race already has a big event feel and could become one of the marquee stops on the circuit once added to the calendar.

“This is a big deal,” Newgarden said. “When I was a young kid and I wanted to be a race car driver, I dreamed of winning iconic events like the Indianapolis 500. I think the Grand Prix of Arlington will be one of those events that you circle that you have to win every single year. So, this is a big opportunity for us in INDYCAR.

“Really, it’s an honor for us to come race here in Arlington. You know, to be part of an iconic brand like the Cowboys and the Rangers, we want to be here, and I think we’re going to put on a good show. But more importantly, as a driver I’m focused on how we’re going to win it because I know it’s going to be a big deal, and that’s what you show up for: the pressure to win these big events.”