NASCAR and IndyCar will be racing at Phoenix Raceway on the same weekend as part of an iconic collaboration between the two forms of motorsports. This unique form of partnership arrives for the first time after 2023, when NASCAR raced on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road-course layout.
The partnership was revealed after IndyCar released its 2026 schedule. Set to take place from March 6-8 in Phoenix, the open-wheel series will hit the track on Saturday, the same day as NASCAR’s Xfinity Series race (to be called the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026). On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series and ARCA Menards Series will keep the track busy.
Notably, the Phoenix race marks IndyCar’s first event at the venue since 2018. Speaking on the coming together of two popular forms of motorsports, Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey said in a statement:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the NTT IndyCar Series back to Phoenix Raceway. This track has deep roots in open-wheel history, so we’re pleased to bring that tradition back to our race fans as part of a doubleheader Saturday with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.”
NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney, who races for Team Penske, which takes part in both forms of motorsports, said:
“I loved when we had the doubleheader with them at Indy, just kind of being right there and going over and hanging out and watching practice in their box and stuff like that. It was cool, and I think it’s going to be fantastic. And I like that IndyCar’s going back to Phoenix. It’s been a while since they’ve run in Phoenix, and I think it’ll put on a really good show.
“So I’m looking forward to that in the spring, and yeah, it’ll be fun to watch those guys run about six seconds at least faster than us around that place, and I’m looking forward to going and standing like in (turns) one and two. Those guys just haulin’ butt around on there will be pretty amazing to see. So yeah, I think it’s great for both series, IndyCar and on the NASCAR side.”
NASCAR and IndyCar will also join hands for the race weekend at St. Petersburg on February 28-March 1, marking the Truck Series’ first event on a street course. Fans are expected to enjoy the best of both worlds, starting with the IndyCar qualifying on Saturday, followed by the Truck race. Sunday will feature the IndyCar race.
Speaking on the partnership, co-owner, chairman, and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Kim Green, said in a statement:
“What a great new racing addition to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to include the NASCAR trucks into Saturday’s show next year. Saturday will be packed for our fans with entertainment. We have INDYCAR qualifying and now an historic first with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. And, as usual, it all culminates on Sunday with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg.”
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