Man, what a ride the 2026 INDYCAR season was. Seriously, it felt like just yesterday we were kicking things off in St. Petersburg, and now it’s in the books. But talk about historic, unforgettable, and setting the stage for some wild times ahead. This season paved the way for a bright future for the sport, from new tracks and old favorites returning to history being made across the country. And can we even talk about five-time champ Alex Palou? His unparalleled dominance throughout the season wasn’t just impressive; it practically defined the whole thing.
Phoenix Raceway Went Full Throttle With NASCAR
One of the biggest stories heading into the season was the sheer number and scale of new events. First up, a familiar concept but at a fresh venue: the INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader. We’ve seen this at the Brickyard, sure, but adding Phoenix Raceway back onto the INDYCAR schedule was cause for a serious celebration all on its own. Then finding out it would also host the stock car stars? The whole paddock was buzzing! And the weekend delivered, big time. It was INDYCAR’s first time back at Phoenix since its facelift, and yeah, it took some drivers , and, admittedly, two of the three guys in the booth , a minute to remember that old Turns 1 and 2 were now Turns 3 and 4. But while the corner numbers shifted, the absolute thrill of wheeling open-wheel cars at 200 miles an hour around that mile-long track was every bit as fun as it always was. What’s truly awesome about doubling up with NASCAR is that shared admiration. You see Cup drivers checking out the tight Indy car cockpits, and INDYCAR drivers comparing lines and stock car styles. There’s a real appreciation for what each series demands from the men and women behind the wheel.
Arlington Showed The World What An INDYCAR Race Can Be
Can we talk about Arlington for a sec? That event bounced onto the scene in a perfectly Texas way: big, bold, and beautiful. The way they built that track right around the home of the Dallas Cowboys was truly outstanding. James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell were both straight-up envious that the 25 drivers got to tackle such a unique layout. The quality and caliber of that event were impressive in every single measurable way. People were instantly saying that this race, in its very first year, had already become the new benchmark against which all future INDYCAR races will be measured. And the rumor mill is already churning: it was such a massive success that other NFL team owners took notice and have started thinking, “Well, if Jerry has one…”. So here’s to hoping this isn’t the last NFL stadium we get to whip around! Oh, and let’s not forget the fans! For a brand-new venue to pull in the kind of crowd we saw at Arlington on race day? So impressive. Hats off to everyone who helped pull off the first of what we hope are many events on those amazing streets.
So yeah, 2026 might be in the books, but the ripples from that season are gonna be felt for ages. With new events like Arlington setting a sky-high bar and the chatter already starting about other NFL stadiums wanting a piece of that action, you gotta wonder what 2027 is going to bring to the sport. Get ready, because if last year was any indication, the future of INDYCAR is gonna be absolutely wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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