Written by Archie O’Reilly
IndyCar has announced a new marquee event for March 2026, with the series set to return to Texas for the Grand Prix of Arlington.
The street event - plugging IndyCar’s early-season gap - has been organised as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between IndyCar, National Football League (NFL) team Dallas Cowboys and Major League Baseball (MLB)’s Texas Rangers.
“Through a truly remarkable and innovative partnership, we’re going to build racing’s next global spectacle,” said Roger Penske, owner of IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Team Penske. “Everyone involved is fully committed to delivering an incredible and unique weekend event for the city of Arlington, anchored by the stars of the IndyCar Series.
“We’re grateful to the Cowboys, Rangers and REV Entertainment for entering into this partnership with us and, of course, to Arlington’s leadership team for their excitement and ongoing support.”
The race will be run on a 2.73-mile, 14-turn track around the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and the Rangers’ Globe Life Field - both within Arlington’s famed sports and entertainment district.
The facility, coined ‘Jerry’s World’ after Jerry Jones, owner, president and general manager of the Cowboys, sells more than 1.6 million tickets annually.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the Texas Rangers, Penske Entertainment, and the city of Arlington to bring Grand Prix racing to the streets of the Arlington Entertainment District,” said Jones.
“The collaboration between our organisations will make the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington special, providing a unique IndyCar Series race experience for fans attending, while also creating a showcase with our friends at FOX and those watching around the world.
“An event of this magnitude is another great reflection of what we imagined over 15 years ago that AT&T Stadium could be a part of.”
Planning and preparation for the event has commenced under the guise of Bill Miller - a veteran motorsport industry executive with over 30 years of experience, including as president of California Speedway - announced as the event’s president.
According to the event’s website, Indy NXT will also be present at the event.
“Today is a historic day for the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment,” said Rangers chief operating officer Neil Leibman. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington alongside such esteemed organisations in Penske Entertainment and the Dallas Cowboys.
“This event will set a new standard for the Arlington Entertainment District, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to experience what Arlington has to offer.”
IndyCar previously raced at the Texas Motor Speedway before the 1.5 mile high-speed oval was removed from the calendar for 2024 and beyond amid scheduling clashes and attendance struggles. The new Arlington event will mark a return to the Lone Star State after a two-year hiatus for IndyCar.
“We are truly thankful to our partners for their vision and dedication to bringing the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington here to The American Dream City,” said Arlington mayor Jim Ross.
“I can’t think of a more beautiful and vibrant backdrop for this competition than Arlington’s world-class Entertainment District, which has proven again and again to be a premier destination for sports and entertainment.
“This announcement is an economic win for North Texas, and we’re looking forward to welcoming this incredible racing series and its fans for an unforgettable experience.”
There will be an offering of tickets ranging from general admission and reserved seating to VIP hospitality and party zone areas. It is anticipated that tickets will go on sale in the spring or 2025.
Comentários