IndyCar is looking at expanding into many new markets, the most recent of which to be confirmed has hosted events before.
The series will return to Texas with the Grand Prix of Arlington in 2026, taking a spot near the start of the season calendar.
It’s a brave move to host an event surrounding the stadiums of both the NFL Dallas Cowboys and the MLB’s Texas Rangers.
There’s also the possibility that it unlocks a new fanbase – something which IndyCar has been in need of for a while now.
Pato O’Ward glad of IndyCar Texas return
IndyCar held events at the Texas Motor Speedway for 26 years between 1997 and 2023, before it fell off the calendar.
The return of the Milwaukee Mile, as well as a clash with NASCAR and the Olympics, meant that the Lone Star State no longer had a race in 2024.
But they’re back and this time with the backing of NFL owner Jerry Jones – something which McLaren driver Pato O’Ward believes is a good thing.
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“The venue looks really cool,” he told Autosport. “Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) is a very well-known name and he owns one of the most insane franchises in the NFL; one of the teams in the NFL that obviously draws a lot of eyes, a lot of public (interest).
“I don’t know, man. Until we do that first event, we’ll really see what that can ultimately bring to the series.
“Texas is a huge market. We were missing out on that market and I’m glad that it’s back on the calendar. I think it’ll be huge for the series but also a test on just having an idea on how much further we can go in terms of experiences, what are people willing to pay for that experience?”
Why the Grand Prix of Arlington could be IndyCar’s new headline event
The jewel in IndyCar’s crown will forever be the Indy 500, but the upcoming Grand Prix of Arlington is a fantastic opportunity.
Marketing will be a big focus, with the organisers keen to make it a success – it should do well early on that’s for sure.
Sustained growth is what is important to ensure that it remains on the calendar, and also gives the series a boost.
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That’s not to say that Dallas Cowboy and Texas Rangers fans will all of a sudden become IndyCar diehards, but it at least puts the sport on a map.
There’s work to do to catch up to the likes of NASCAR, who have already agreed to a race in Mexico too, so the sooner that begins, the better for the future of IndyCar.