NASCAR and INDYCAR are joining forces to deliver doubleheader race weekends, with Phoenix Raceway hosting a marquee event featuring both series. According to Fox Sports, the collaboration aims to create a unique motorsports experience by showcasing intense driver rivalries and a blend of racing styles during the same weekend.
While some drivers, including INDYCAR’s Pato O’Ward, have expressed mixed feelings about INDYCAR serving as a support series to NASCAR at Phoenix, others like Will Buxton consider the doubleheaders a positive development. Buxton highlighted that combining the events can expand the fan base and demonstrate top-tier racing competition, despite differing race formats and audiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, the INDYCAR season will include 18 races with an expanded calendar featuring new venues such as Phoenix, Arlington, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., alongside traditional tracks. Fox Sports reports driver movements like Will Power’s switch to Andretti Global and Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR debut, with the field maintaining about 25 full-time cars amidst pending team lineup decisions.
During the Phoenix weekend, Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton provided analysis and previewed the 2026 INDYCAR season on the SPEED broadcast, discussing the evolving synergy between NASCAR and INDYCAR. This two-week collaboration period is expected to deepen ties between the series, creating opportunities for fan engagement and cross-promotion.
As the INDYCAR-NASCAR partnership develops, attention will focus on how doubleheader events impact viewership and fan experience. Upcoming races and further details on scheduling and team confirmations for the 2026 season will be closely watched for their influence on the future of American open-wheel and stock car racing.
Phoenix Raceway
IndyCar
St. Petersburg
Alex Palou
NASCAR
Pato O’Ward
Kyle Kirkwood
Will Buxton
Phoenix
FOX
