IndyCar racing is set to return to North Texas with the debut of the Grand Prix of Arlington in March 2026. Unveiled at Texas Live! on Tuesday, the new race will feature a 2.73-mile course winding through the Arlington Entertainment District, including stretches around iconic landmarks such as AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The event promises to be a high-speed spectacle, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience reminiscent of last year’s World Series parade, but this time with race cars tearing through the streets at over 180 mph.
Arlington Gears Up for IndyCar’s Return
The announcement of the Grand Prix of Arlington marks a significant return for IndyCar racing in North Texas, which last hosted an annual event at Texas Motor Speedway from 1997 to 2023. The race was dropped from the calendar after the Speedway and IndyCar couldn’t agree on a 2024 date, leaving a gap in the region’s motorsport scene. The new Grand Prix, however, promises to fill that void in a spectacular way, potentially drawing crowds of up to 150,000 over the three-day event.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed his excitement at the announcement event, saying, “I’ve got to pinch myself. We jumped at the chance to be part of this.” The event launch featured a video showcasing the proposed circuit and a racing helmet emblazoned with a Cowboys’ star and a Rangers’ “T,” symbolizing the involvement of both local sports franchises.
Track Design: A High-Speed Challenge for Drivers
The proposed 2.73-mile course will wind its way through key areas of the Arlington Entertainment District, including a 0.9-mile straight along Randol Mill Road, making it the longest straight on the IndyCar schedule. The extended straightaway will allow drivers to push their cars to speeds exceeding 180 mph, creating thrilling overtaking opportunities and a true test of driving skill.
Three-time IndyCar Series champion Álex Palou is already eager to tackle the track. “It’s going to be fun and fast,” he said. “If we could race next week, I’d like to get after it. With that straight, it could get to more than 180.” Palou’s enthusiasm is shared by many drivers, who are excited about the challenge and spectacle the course promises to deliver.
Anticipated Fan Experience and Event Logistics
While specific details about seating and accommodations are still being finalized, IndyCar officials are optimistic that the Arlington event will attract attendance figures similar to other major races. In comparable markets, three-day IndyCar events have drawn crowds of up to 150,000 spectators. With the race’s location in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District, fans can look forward to a unique blend of motorsport excitement and entertainment, with nearby attractions such as Texas Live! providing additional options for racegoers.
The event is scheduled for March 2026, though the exact dates have yet to be confirmed. Organizers have assured that the race will not conflict with the Texas Rangers’ potential season opener, as the 2026 Major League Baseball schedule has not been finalized.
North Texas’ Racing Legacy: From Texas Motor Speedway to Arlington
The Grand Prix of Arlington will build upon North Texas’ rich motorsport tradition, which includes nearly three decades of IndyCar racing at Texas Motor Speedway. The Speedway hosted its first event in 1997 and continued to be a staple on the IndyCar calendar until 2023, often serving as the first race after the iconic Indianapolis 500. Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden won the final two races at the venue.
Newgarden views the Grand Prix of Arlington as a major new chapter for IndyCar in the region. “I think the Grand Prix of Arlington will be one of the iconic events that you want to circle on your calendar to win,” he said. The new race aims to not only fill the gap left by the departure from Texas Motor Speedway but also elevate the region’s standing in the IndyCar Series.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect as the Grand Prix Approaches
As anticipation builds for the Grand Prix of Arlington, several logistical and strategic decisions remain in development. Track accommodations, seating capacities, and event programming are still being worked out, and the 2026 IndyCar schedule has yet to be finalized. The race’s placement in March will align it with other prominent season-opening events like the Streets of St. Petersburg and The Thermal Club in California, positioning Arlington as an early-season highlight.
Additionally, the event will coincide with a busy sports calendar, including a snap election in Japan set for October 27 and the U.S. presidential election in November. The proximity to major international events may add a unique layer of significance to the race, as global attention shifts to the Arlington Entertainment District.
The Grand Prix of Arlington is poised to bring world-class motorsport back to North Texas, offering a high-speed spectacle through the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District. With its challenging track design, local sports collaborations, and potential to draw large crowds, the race is set to become a marquee event on the IndyCar calendar. As the region prepares for the return of open-wheel racing, fans and drivers alike can look forward to a thrilling new chapter in North Texas’ racing history.
