IndyCar will debut a new street race in Arlington, Texas, on March 15, following a collaboration with the MLB‘s Texas Rangers and the NFL‘s Dallas Cowboys. Greg Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, cited Formula 1’s approach as key motivation behind making this race a standout event on the IndyCar calendar. The race will take place on a 2.73-mile street circuit featuring 14 turns and speeds exceeding 200 mph on the main straight.
The layout bears similarity to F1’s Miami Grand Prix circuit, which circles the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. Likewise, the Arlington course will wind past AT&T Stadium, the Rangers’ home field, and Globe Life Field, where the Cowboys play.
Goal to Establish a Long-Lasting IndyCar Tradition in Texas
Roger Penske’s IndyCar series aims to make the Arlington race a key fixture, much like the Long Beach Grand Prix, an event that has endured for over five decades. Greg Penske stated,
“We hope this could be a Long Beach Grand Prix. It’s been there for 50 years. I think with [IndyCar] plus the city of Arlington and all the other partners we have, we want to make this an annual event, right?”
The series is positioning this event as more than a one-off, seeking to build a signature race that draws consistent attention and fan engagement. IndyCar acknowledges the value of exclusivity and anticipation, modeled after F1 races which occur only once annually at select locations.
“I think about Formula One in Austin. It didn’t have the amount of people coming there, eight, seven years ago. It’s only once a year coming to these locations. That makes it special, right? I think we try and do that, you know, look at that way. It’s just, we got to build on this one,” Penske added.
IndyCar Ends Its Run at Texas Motor Speedway, Focuses on New Venues
After racing on the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval in Fort Worth since 1997, IndyCar will no longer compete there as of 2024. The shift resulted from scheduling conflicts when NASCAR insisted on holding its stock car race at the venue during IndyCar’s previous dates. NASCAR’s greater TV revenue influence led Texas Motor Speedway to give priority to stock car events. Additionally, IndyCar was unable to reschedule due to the Summer Olympics clash.
Following the announcement of the Arlington street race partnership, Fort Worth was effectively removed from the IndyCar schedule. Greg Penske clarified the decision regarding Texas Motor Speedway, saying,
“I think today, this is where we’re going to be [not at Texas Motor Speedway]. I mean, because we had to make that change. I don’t think it’s anybody’s fault. In that case, it just happened to be a schedule issue,”
This strategic move reflects a broader effort to prioritize urban street circuits and align the race calendar with new partnerships and fan experiences.
Expanding the Street Race Footprint in North America
Beyond the Arlington event, IndyCar plans to add two additional street races to its 2026 calendar. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy will take place at Markham, Canada, while the Freedom 250 in Washington, DC, has received official approval from former US President Donald Trump during a January 30th White House press conference attended by Roger Penske.
These new races indicate IndyCar’s intention to broaden its presence in major metropolitan areas, creating high-profile stops that attract local audiences and elevate the series’ national footprint.
Looking Ahead to a Revitalized IndyCar Experience in Texas
IndyCar’s strategic move to establish the Arlington street race represents a significant shift aimed at enhancing the series’ appeal and competing with Formula 1 for spectator attention. With its proximity to major sports venues and a design inspired by successful F1 street circuits, the race has potential to become a marquee event for years to come. The loss of Texas Motor Speedway marks a transition from traditional oval racing toward urban circuits, underscoring evolving fan preferences and market dynamics.
As the 2025 schedule unfolds, the Arlington race will be closely watched as a test of IndyCar’s ability to create an event that matches the excitement and prestige of longstanding staples like the Long Beach Grand Prix, and to continue expanding its reach within the US and beyond.
