Indycar Schedule 2026: Dates, TV/Streaming Info + Key Races

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season features 18 races across street circuits, permanent road courses, and ovals. The season began March 1 in St. Petersburg and is scheduled to end September 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Major additions include races in Arlington, Markham, and Washington, D.C., while FOX remains the main U.S. television home for every championship round.

Complete 2026 IndyCar Schedule

The season mixes technical street circuits, high-speed ovals, and traditional road courses. Times below are listed in Eastern Time and reflect the official schedule available on July 20, 2026. A listed broadcast time may begin before the green flag.

The addition of Washington, D.C. increased the 2026 championship to 18 races and raised FOX’s planned network exposure to 20 windows when the two Indianapolis 500 qualifying broadcasts are included.

Major Races and New Venues to Watch

Several events make the 2026 calendar different from the previous season. Some have already produced notable results, while others remain among the most anticipated rounds of the closing stretch.

110th Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 was held May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. FOX scheduled six hours of coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Felix Rosenqvist won the race after edging David Malukas in what INDYCAR described as the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. Race highlights and the full replay are available from the official Indianapolis 500 event page.

Return to Phoenix Raceway

INDYCAR returned to Phoenix Raceway on March 7. The oval gave the championship an early change of pace between the street races in St. Petersburg and Arlington. Josef Newgarden won the Good Ranchers 250.

Inaugural Arlington Street Race

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington was the third round of the season, not the opener. The temporary 2.73-mile course ran around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. Kyle Kirkwood won the inaugural race on March 15.

New Canadian Race in Markham

The Canadian round moved from Toronto to Markham, Ontario. The new Streets of Markham circuit is a 12-turn, 2.19-mile temporary layout with a double-sided pit lane. The 90-lap race is scheduled for August 16 at noon ET.

Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. was added after the original 17-race calendar was released. The August 23 event will use a temporary street circuit near the National Mall as part of the United States’ 250th-anniversary events. INDYCAR announced that general public viewing areas would be free, although premium experiences and access rules may differ.

Milwaukee Mile Doubleheader

The Milwaukee Mile hosts two championship races on the final weekend of August. Race 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by Race 2 on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The short turnaround puts extra pressure on teams to avoid damage and manage equipment across both races.

Laguna Seca Season Finale

The championship is scheduled to finish September 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The road course is known for elevation changes and the Corkscrew sequence, giving teams a demanding final test before the Astor Challenge Cup is awarded.

How to Watch the 2026 IndyCar Season

FOX Sports is the exclusive U.S. television home of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Every 2026 championship race is scheduled to air on the main FOX broadcast network. The races are also listed for live streaming through FOX One.

Race Broadcasts

• FOX: All 18 championship races are scheduled for the national broadcast network.
• FOX One: The official schedule lists FOX One as a streaming option for each race.
• FOX Deportes: Spanish-language coverage is available for selected events.
• Local FOX access: Availability through a cable, satellite, antenna, or live-TV streaming provider depends on the viewer’s market and subscription.

The original claim that Toronto and Milwaukee Race 1 are exclusive to Peacock is incorrect. Peacock is not the listed U.S. home for 2026 INDYCAR race broadcasts.

Practice and Qualifying

Practice and qualifying sessions are shown through a combination of FS1, FS2, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app. The exact network changes by session and race weekend, so use the individual event page on the official schedule rather than assuming every session is on the same channel.

Radio, Live Timing, and International Coverage

INDYCAR’s official viewing guide lists several additional ways to follow a race:

• INDYCAR Radio: Flag-to-flag audio coverage is available through local affiliates and the official app.
• Live leaderboard: INDYCAR.com provides positions, lap times, pit-stop information, and session updates.
• INDYCAR LIVE: International live and on-demand availability depends on the viewer’s country.
• International broadcasters: Television partners differ by region, so viewers outside the United States should check the official international broadcast list.

Tickets and Attending an IndyCar Race

There is no single ticket price for the entire season. Each event promoter sets its own prices, seating categories, paddock access rules, parking fees, and refund policies. A general-admission ticket at one street race cannot be used as a price guide for grandstand seating at the Indianapolis 500 or a full-weekend package elsewhere.

Use the official INDYCAR ticket directory to reach the authorized promoter for each remaining event. Buying through the official event page also makes it easier to confirm whether the ticket includes Friday practice, qualifying, concerts, paddock access, or only the main race.

Before purchasing, check:

• Whether the ticket covers one day or the full weekend.
• Whether the seat is reserved or general admission.
• Whether parking must be purchased separately.
• Whether children, military members, seniors, or groups qualify for a venue-specific discount.
• Whether paddock, pit-lane, or hospitality access is included.
• The event’s weather, postponement, and refund policy.

How to Follow IndyCar Between Races

The official INDYCAR app is available for iOS and Android. Its race-weekend features include live timing, driver information, lap tracking, selected in-car content, radio coverage, and news updates. Features can vary by event, device, location, and subscription status.

You can also stay current through:

• The official INDYCAR app page.
• The live leaderboard on INDYCAR.com.
• Official INDYCAR social accounts and YouTube highlights.
• INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM INDYCAR programming.
• The INDYCAR Fantasy Challenge.
• INDYCAR Nation, which may offer member experiences such as tours, autograph opportunities, ticket offers, and merchandise discounts.

Fans hoping to meet a driver should check the event’s downloadable weekend schedule, fan-zone timetable, team social accounts, and official autograph-session notices. A paddock pass may improve access at some venues, but it does not guarantee a personal meeting or autograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many races are on the 2026 IndyCar schedule?

The current 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule contains 18 championship races. The original calendar had 17, but the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. was later added for August 23.

What channel carries IndyCar races in 2026?

All 18 championship races are scheduled to air on FOX in the United States. The official schedule also lists FOX One streaming coverage. Practice and qualifying sessions are shown through a combination of FS1, FS2, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app.

Are any 2026 IndyCar races exclusive to Peacock?

No. Peacock is not listed as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for any 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. FOX is the television home for all 18 rounds, with FOX One listed as the streaming service.

Can IndyCar race dates and start times change?

Yes. Weather, preceding television programs, safety concerns, and local event conditions can change a start time or race date. The 2026 Nashville race, for example, was postponed from July 19 to July 20 because of rain.

How much do 2026 IndyCar tickets cost?

Prices vary by venue, seat, event day, and access level. INDYCAR does not have one series-wide starting price. Check the official ticket link for the specific race and compare general admission, reserved seating, weekend packages, parking, paddock access, and taxes.

Will there be fan events during the 2026 season?

Many race weekends include fan zones, autograph sessions, displays, concerts, or sponsor activities. The program differs by venue and can change, so confirm the activities through the official event schedule rather than assuming a particular promotion will be available.

How can I meet an IndyCar driver?

Look for official autograph sessions, INDYCAR Nation experiences, team appearances, sponsor events, and paddock-access options. Arrive early and review the weekend schedule, but remember that a paddock pass or fan-zone ticket does not guarantee an autograph or private meeting.

Is there an official IndyCar mobile app?

Yes. The official INDYCAR app is available for iOS and Android. It provides race updates, driver information, lap-by-lap tracking, live timing features, radio access, and other race-weekend content.

Conclusion

The 2026 IndyCar season combines historic races with several major calendar changes. The Indianapolis 500 has already delivered a record-close finish, while Markham, Washington, D.C., the Milwaukee doubleheader, and the Laguna Seca finale remain ahead. Use the official schedule before every weekend, because weather and broadcast changes can alter even a confirmed race time.

Sources

1. Official 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Schedule — race dates, venues, start times, broadcasts, results, and winners.
2. INDYCAR 2026 Championship and FOX Competition Update — 18-race championship and 20 FOX network windows.
3. Nashville Race Rescheduled Due to Rain — July 20 race date, 3 p.m. ET start, and broadcast information.
4. Official INDYCAR How to Follow Guide — FOX, streaming, radio, international coverage, live timing, and fan resources.
5. Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham — circuit dimensions, race distance, session schedule, and ticket links.
6. Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. Announcement — event addition, date, location, FOX coverage, and public-access details.