The NTT IndyCar Series is making a dramatic return to the Lone Star State in 2026, marking a significant return after a three-year absence. Although official details remain a mystery, a new event is expected to be confirmed at a venue owned by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, signaling a new chapter for the series in Texas.
IndyCar’s deep-rooted history in Texas spans several iconic locations, including the Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) near Dallas/Fort Worth, which hosted the series until 2023. Previously, the series also visited the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin for a brief period, but the venue was removed from the calendar in 2021 after a canceled race during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas has been home to several memorable IndyCar moments, from racing on the streets of Houston around the Astrodome and NRG Stadium to high-speed battles on the big two-mile oval at Texas World Speedway in the 1970s. The series’ illustrious past in Texas also intersects with Formula 1, which held the 1984 Dallas Grand Prix at Fair Park, known for its sweltering conditions, and the SCCA Trans Am series, which had a brief involvement in the series. region before the event’s demise in 1996.
Although Penske Entertainment representatives have declined to comment, confirmation of the new event in Texas is anticipated in the coming weeks, igniting excitement for what could be a crucial addition to the IndyCar calendar. This new adventure is set to reignite IndyCar’s legacy in Texas, bringing high-speed excitement back to fans in a region that has long been a vital part of open-wheel racing in the United States.
