INDYCAR threw a curveball into its 2027 schedule, officially revealing on October 23 that the series will hit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on July 18. While the first eight races announced four months ago held few surprises, this unexpected European addition when the rest of the 17-race slate dropped, well, that’s what we call a shocker. This isn’t just another race, folks. This is a global statement.
Major Shifts and Notable Absences
Barcelona was the only real surprise when the full 17-race calendar was locked in. It’s a huge move, planting INDYCAR firmly on a legendary European circuit. But what else changed? As anticipated, Nashville and Washington won’t be on the schedule. Washington was always pegged as a likely one-year visit, despite those absolutely striking views of the U.S. Capitol. And Nashville? The 1.33-mile concrete oval at Nashville Superspeedway was compelling, no doubt, but it never really got the city buzzing like a downtown street race might. Good news on that front, though: a street race in Nashville isn’t out of the question for future seasons.
Looking at the mainstays, the season will kick off, business as usual, at St. Petersburg on March 7. If you’re there, you’ll get a double dose of action, because the NASCAR trucks are also racing that weekend. The following week, we’re off to Phoenix for another NASCAR Cup Series-INDYCAR doubleheader weekend, which is always a blast. And of course, the Indianapolis 500, the absolute anchor of the schedule, is set for May 30 as part of Memorial Day weekend. The whole thing wraps up on Labor Day weekend, September 5, at Laguna Seca, the same awesome venue that closed out 2026.
Breaking Down the 17-Race Gauntlet
This 17-race schedule is a beast, packed with variety. We’re talking seven permanent road courses: Barber, Indianapolis, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Barcelona, Portland, and Laguna Seca. Then you’ve got five street courses to keep things tight and thrilling: St. Petersburg, Arlington, Long Beach, Detroit, and Markham. And for the oval purists, there are five ovals at Phoenix, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and that epic Milwaukee-doubleheader. Seriously, what more could you ask for?
Here’s how the entire 2027 NTT INDYCAR Series schedule shakes out:
* Mar. 7: St. Petersburg
* Mar. 13: Phoenix
* Mar. 21: Arlington
* Apr. 4: Barber
* Apr. 18: Long Beach
* May 15: Indianapolis road course
* May 30: Indianapolis
* June 6: Detroit
* June 13: St. Louis
* June 27: Elkhart Lake
* July 4: Mid-Ohio
* July 18: Barcelona
* Aug. 1: Portland
* Aug. 15: Markham
* Aug. 28: Milwaukee
* Aug. 29: Milwaukee
* Sept. 5: Laguna Seca
We don’t have the specific race times yet, but every single one of these races will be broadcast on FOX. Get ready, because 2027 is shaping up to be a wild ride, with a European twist no one saw coming.
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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