NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2026 Season: Broadcast Details and Exciting Developments

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is gearing up for an exhilarating 2026 season, as the league announces its broadcast schedule in partnership with FOX Sports. This collaboration marks the second consecutive year of partnership, and the results have already shown significant progress. Notably, the series continues to maintain its position as the only major motorsport category in North America with 100% of its races being broadcast on free television.

Broadcast Schedule Highlights

The 2026 season will feature a total of 17 races, all aired live on broadcast television in the United States, within 19 network windows. This achievement ties a historic record for the series, ensuring that fans across the country can easily tune in to watch their favorite drivers and teams compete. The strategic timing of the broadcasts coincides with the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in North America, enhancing the visibility of the INDYCAR SERIES significantly.

FOX Sports has devised a strategy to leverage World Cup matches as a lead-in to INDYCAR races, introducing the thrilling world of motorsport to new audiences who may not typically follow racing. This approach will undoubtedly increase viewership and engagement, especially during key match days.

Key Race Dates and Events

One of the standout events of the 2026 season will occur on June 21, when the opening match of the FIFA World Cup will air on a Sunday, right before the race at Road America. The XPEL Grand Prix is set to begin at 2 PM Eastern Time, making it a perfect transition for viewers to shift from soccer to racing. Similarly, on July 5, matches from the World Cup’s knockout rounds will precede the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, starting at 12:30 PM.

The grand finale of the World Cup will also serve as a prelude to the Nashville Superspeedway race, a 400-mile event that promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a day that celebrates sports on a grand scale.

Audience Growth and Expectations

The impact of the ongoing partnership with FOX Sports has already been felt, as the audience for the INDYCAR SERIES surged by 27% in 2025 compared to the previous season. The series recorded the highest growth rate among major sports in the United States, showcasing its growing popularity and reach.

Mark Miles, the president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting the potential for continued growth and engagement with new audiences. "Once again, FOX Sports is providing an unparalleled platform to showcase the most competitive and dynamic racing series on the planet," he stated. "With the strong momentum and milestones achieved over the past year, the new season creates real opportunities to reach new fans and sustain the best growth trajectory in all of sports."

Exciting Features of the 2026 Season

The 2026 season is packed with exciting features, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to:

March Madness

The season kicks off in March with four races, including three consecutive weekends. This marks a thrilling return to the Phoenix Raceway, which has been a fan favorite in the past.

Grand Prix of Arlington Debut

One of the most anticipated events is the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, a street circuit in Texas. This new venue will feature a 30-minute pre-race show, adding to the excitement and allowing fans to engage with the event before the green flag drops.

Indianapolis 500 Qualifying

Fans can expect a special two-day broadcast of the Indianapolis 500 qualifications on May 16 and 17. This event is a critical part of the racing calendar and will be closely watched by fans eager to see which drivers will secure their spots for the prestigious race.

The Indianapolis 500 Race Day

On May 24, a comprehensive six-hour live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 will begin at 10 AM. This iconic race is one of the highlights of the motorsport calendar, drawing attention from fans around the world. The extensive coverage will enhance the race-day experience for viewers at home.

Night Racing Returns

The excitement of night racing will make a comeback with the event at World Wide Technology Raceway, scheduled to start at 9 PM. This nighttime setting adds a unique atmosphere to the racing experience and is sure to be a thrilling spectacle.

Canadian Return

The INDYCAR SERIES will also return to Canada with the debut of the urban circuit in Markham. This marks a significant moment for Canadian fans and drivers alike, as the series continues to expand its reach.

Milwaukee Doubleheader

Fans will be treated to a doubleheader weekend at Milwaukee, featuring two exciting races back-to-back. Doubleheaders have proven to be popular among fans, providing a full weekend of racing action.

Season Finale at Laguna Seca

As the season draws to a close, the championship will culminate with a grand finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca over the Labor Day weekend. This event will determine the champion of the 2026 season, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.

Driver Insights and Enthusiasm

The drivers are equally enthusiastic about the new season and the opportunities it presents. Alex Palou, a prominent figure in the INDYCAR SERIES, expressed his excitement about the continued growth and visibility that the series is experiencing under the FOX Sports partnership. Fellow drivers Pato O’Ward and Kyle Kirkwood also highlighted the importance of the new calendar and the exposure provided by FOX as critical factors contributing to the series’ growth.

Comprehensive Coverage

All practice and qualifying sessions will be broadcast on the various FOX channels, including FS1, FS2, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app. This ensures that fans have access to every aspect of the racing weekend, from practice sessions to qualifying and the races themselves.

In Brazil, fans can catch all practice and qualifying sessions on IndyCar Live and Disney+, while the races will be available through BAND (BandPlay), ESPN4, and Disney+, providing a multi-platform experience for fans.

Conclusion

With defined race times, global exposure driven by the FIFA World Cup, and a clear upward trajectory in audience engagement, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is poised for a strong and vibrant 2026 season. This upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history, with a robust media package and a calendar filled with thrilling events that will captivate motorsport fans both in the United States and around the world.