Which Ain’t Bad, nor is it Awesome. Just feels
largely Status Quo…
I got my first whisper of impending changes to
the NTT IndyCar Series 2026 season’s schedule Monday afternoon when perusing
Oilpressure. Noting how the rumour was that Laguna Seca would be replacing
Nashville as the season finale. Which as we all know, has now been made
official.
Guessing the rush to publish next year’s
schedule was partially to put “Damage Control” upon Mexico City not being on
next year’s calendar, Ci? Which was announced in a Saturday morning press
release…
Not to mention that the rumoured Washington DC
street race is a non-starter. Although as David Land notes. It was never gonna
happen for next year, since new races take at least a year to come to fruition.
As there’s only two “surprises” for Mwah,
albeit knowing the first, i.e.; Nashville and Laguna Seca swapping spots.
Although the Nashville race will become a night event immediately following
FOX’s FIFA World cup Soccer Final. Along with being lengthened to 400 miles
distance. Making me wonder what Firestone will do about its troublesome right
front tire wear?
The other surprise is that Milwaukee returns to
a double Header, albeit we knew that Iowa was “Toast!”
As the 2026 season will begin with three races
in-a-row over three weeks. Beginning at St Pete on March 1st, Will Power’s 45th
Birthday.
Followed by a return to Phoenix, as part of a
NASCAR Double Header weekend. Although IndyCar will run on Saturday, and sounds
like they’ll play second fiddle to the Xfiniti race, Sigh. Which according to
David Land, is only a one year deal…
Then its off to Arlington, Texas for the
inaugural street race around the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadiums,
before closing the month of March out at thee Oh, so Beautiful Barber’s, nee
Barber Motorsports Park on March 29th, one month earlier than normal. Long
Beach is the lone race in April, followed by the Month of May. And then the
remainder of the schedule…
The second new venue is Oh Canada’s Streets of
Markum race in “August. Moving from Toronto, to make way for World Cup soccer
matches being contested at BMO Field’s pitch during July. With the new street
venue on a five year contract.
There’s a total of 17 races once again, with
six street circuits and six Oval races on five tracks. Along with five road
courses. Which I’ll say at least IndyCar wisely chose to not conflict with
either the 12 Hours of Sebring or 24 Hours of Le Mans. Along with also not
Bumpin’ up against the Brickyard 400.
As I’d say the only disappointment, minus the
traditional, ridiculously short season. Is ending at Laguna Seca, which has
become as David Land says. The Alex Palou victory lap parade!
While my memory seems to recall that lately
Laguna Seca has been overly processional! As didn’t Palou win recently by some
30 or more seconds?
As don’t get me wrong, I’m a Huge Fan of Laguna
Seca with its signature Corkscrew turn. But the race doesn’t seem to inspire
much passing. And it sounds like this was done to appease Corporate Sponsors
were IndyCar, nee Penske Entertainment could wine ‘n dine them…
As perhaps Scott Dixon said it best,
proclaiming that Laguna Seca is Sleepy! And just doesn’t exude the type of
energy Y’all would want for your season finale before going into winter’s
hibernation, Eh?
As Y’all can check out IndyCar’s dizzying,
glitzy, Gee Wally Ah Shucks, its the Bestest press release below.
IndyCar announces
17 race 2026 NTT IndyCar series schedule
As thars’ only 163 days to go in the El Stupidio IndyCar Offseason…
