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The IndyCar Series has officially unveiled its comprehensive 2026 racing calendar, promising an exhilarating 17-round championship. This announcement follows a period of eager anticipation and includes several new and returning venues that will shape the season.

IndyCar\u2019s Expanded 2026 Race Schedule Revealed

The 2026 IndyCar season is set to commence on March 1st with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking the fifth consecutive year this vibrant Florida street circuit hosts the season opener. This initial phase of the championship will be particularly action-packed, featuring four races within the month of March, including three consecutive weekends of racing. A significant highlight is the return to Phoenix Raceway on March 7th, a venue last featured in 2018. The Phoenix event will be a joint spectacle, sharing the weekend with NASCAR on a newly reconfigured \u2018dogleg\u2019 layout. The excitement continues on March 15th with the inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington. This brand-new event will unfold on a challenging 14-turn, 2.73-mile street circuit, representing a collaborative effort between IndyCar, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment. The busy March schedule concludes on the 29th at Barber Motorsports Park, a fan-favorite natural-terrain road course, for the fourth round of the season. Notably, the 2026 calendar will not include races at Iowa Speedway, Thermal Club, or Mexico, nor will a previously speculated street race in Washington D.C. materialize. After a brief hiatus in spring, the series resumes on April 19th with the 42nd edition of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. May will be dominated by the traditional Month of May activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring a road course race on the 9th, Indianapolis 500 qualifying on the 16th and 17th, and the iconic Indianapolis 500 race itself on the 24th. Summer heats up with the Detroit Grand Prix on May 31st, followed by a prime-time oval race at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 7th. The series then moves to Road America on June 21st and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 5th, maintaining a diverse mix of street courses, ovals, and road courses. The Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway is slated for July 19th, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, and will be held under the lights on its 1.33-mile concrete oval. August promises intense racing with four consecutive events, including Portland International Raceway on the 9th, the new Streets of Markham in Ontario on the 16th, and a thrilling doubleheader at the historic Milwaukee Mile on the 29th and 30th. The championship will culminate with the Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca on September 6th. J. Douglas Boles, President of IndyCar, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, \u201cWe\u2019re going to kickstart the season in fitting fashion, with four races in five weeks. Our joint weekend in partnership with NASCAR and FOX at Phoenix Raceway will be a can\u2019t-miss for motorsport fans across the country and a truly special celebration of fast, fearless racing across the motorsport landscape.\u201d

This expanded and diverse calendar reflects IndyCar's strategic vision to broaden its appeal and engage a wider audience. The inclusion of iconic tracks alongside new street circuits demonstrates a commitment to both tradition and innovation, offering a varied test of skill for drivers and an exciting spectacle for fans. The collaboration with NASCAR and major entertainment entities also highlights a forward-thinking approach to event promotion, promising a vibrant and memorable 2026 season for American open-wheel racing.

Layne Riggs attributes his breakthrough in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to a transformative experience at Gateway last summer. He pinpoints this particular race as the moment he truly grasped the nuances of truck racing, moving beyond his successful Late Model background to confidently compete at a higher level.

During that race, Riggs found himself struggling in 15th place, unable to get his truck to handle as desired due to an overly tight setup. A crucial adjustment made by his crew chief, Dylan Capello, which involved lowering the track bar and further tightening the truck, proved counterintuitive yet highly effective. This unexpected change provided Riggs with the stability and confidence to push the truck harder, ultimately propelling him to a fifth-place finish. This 'aha' moment underscored the unique demands of truck racing, emphasizing the need for robust handling to maximize performance.

Since this revelation, Riggs and his team at Front Row Motorsports have consistently performed at a high level. Approaching his 50th career start, he has emerged as a formidable challenger to Corey Heim and Tricon Garage, maintaining second place in the standings with a strong average finish. Riggs expresses immense pride in his personal growth and the team's progress, highlighting their ability to contend for wins. He remains patient about his future aspirations in the Cup Series, focusing on continuous improvement and learning from top drivers while recognizing the importance of finding the perfect opportunity rather than rushing his ascent.

This journey underscores the importance of adaptability, trust in one's team, and a relentless pursuit of understanding in achieving peak performance. Riggs' story is a testament to how crucial insights, even counterintuitive ones, can unlock new levels of potential and drive success in highly competitive environments.