The late addition of the Freedom 250 took IndyCar to 18 races for 2026. Is further expansion on the cards? It depends, says series CEO Doug Boles.

“Certainly the momentum, with our partnership with FOX, was a big part of how we approached this year thinking about, ‘How do we start the season with three races in a row, versus having a race and then having a mini-offseason before you have your next race?’”

The IndyCar Series has modified its final round of qualifying on Saturday at the Java House Arlington Grand Prix, which will be settled with single-car runs.

An Evening with Alex Palou" will be held on Tuesday, April 21.

After a trial at last year's Indy GP, IndyCar is doubling the number of required stints on alternate tires on street courses this year.

IndyCar Series President Doug Boles, GM performance and motorsports VP Jim Campbell, and Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters fielded a range of questions regarding the contract extensions and manufacturer charters that were recently executed.

Hopes have dimmed for the IndyCar Series to continue its trend of having at least 27 cars to open the season and run at capacity for the entirety of the championship.

With a paddock-wide test in place for Monday and Tuesday at Sebring’s short course, an official test on the Phoenix oval the following week, and opening practice for the first race of the season just three weeks away at St. Petersburg, the clock is ticking for PREMA to fill the 26th and 27th grid positions for the IndyCar Series.

The future of IndyCar is being built on a blend of tradition, technology and long-term vision, according to Doug Boles, president of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), who shared an in-depth look at the series’ direction during Race Industry Week.

Penske Entertainment set aside $31.9 million in 2025 for structured payouts to IndyCar Series team owners in possession of Leaders Circle contracts, and has added $11 million to the total for 2026.