Phoenix Raceway isn’t just another stop on the NASCAR calendar. Instead, it’s a track with history, grit, and a legacy of high-stakes drama. Nestled in the desert, this one-mile oval has been the backdrop for countless championship showdowns, photo finishes, and unforgettable moments that shaped NASCAR’s modern era. Fans know it as the place where titles are won, rivalries heat up, and tempers flare under the Arizona sun.

Beyond NASCAR, Phoenix has also been a home for open-wheel racing, adding another layer to its motorsport prestige. Now, with the 2025 season shaking things up, Phoenix is gearing up for a weekend next year that could be one of its most memorable yet. And this time, it’s about more than just crowning champions.

Phoenix prepares for an explosive NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader

The 2026 motorsports calendar is heating up with a landmark NASCAR and IndyCar doubleheader weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Scheduled for March 6-8, this rare alignment will feature the IndyCar Series racing on Saturday, March 7, followed by NASCAR’s Cup Series event on Sunday. It marks IndyCar’s return to the reconfigured one-mile Phoenix oval after a seven-year hiatus, promising fans an electric weekend showcasing the distinct styles and speeds of open-wheel and stock car racing. Carla Metts captured the excitement, saying, “I think it’s great. Each sport benefits from the other being there and I think it’s more exposure for each other.”

NASCAR’s large, loyal fan base offers IndyCar a valuable platform, while IndyCar brings fresh appeal and global attention that enhances NASCAR’s reach. The partnership represents a win-win balance, enriching fan experiences and broadening viewership for both series. Phoenix Raceway, known for hosting vibrant events like the TicketGuardian 500 and NASCAR’s last races, is an ideal venue. Metts adds, “I’m certainly happy for a place like Phoenix who does throw like really great events.”

Although Phoenix won’t host the NASCAR championship race in 2026 (which moves to Homestead-Miami Speedway to finalize the season), this doubleheader weekend offers the track a prime opportunity to shine early in the year and attract heightened attention. Drivers themselves are enthusiastic. “It’s going to be fantastic, and I like that INDYCAR is going back to Phoenix,” said former champion Ryan Blaney. “It’s been a while since they’ve run in Phoenix, and I think it will put on a really good show.” Metts notes, “Even if you’re a driver, you’re excited.”

The chance to share the weekend with a sister series, to connect with fans and fellow competitors, adds a dynamic edge to what’s normally a solo pursuit. This weekend promises a celebration of American motorsport at its finest, combining spectacle, rivalry, and camaraderie in the Arizona desert.

How the NASCAR–IndyCar doubleheader came to life

The upcoming NASCAR–IndyCar weekend at Phoenix didn’t just fall out of the sky. Rather, it’s the product of months of behind-the-scenes discussions and a shared vision to make something big happen. IndyCar President Doug Boles revealed that the first key talks happened in July, setting the stage for Phoenix to land a coveted spot on the 2026 NASCAR schedule. For IndyCar, the timing was perfect. The series wanted more races in March and April, and adding an oval event before the Indianapolis 500 checked a major box.

Television played a big role, too. With both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT INDYCAR Series races airing on FOX Sports, the doubleheader made sense for fans and broadcasters alike. The synergy means viewers get an entire weekend of top-tier racing without changing the channel. A win for ratings and exposure.

Behind the scenes, Firestone has already committed to a tire test at Phoenix, with the possibility of a full-field test before the season starts to ensure the cars are dialed in for the unique one-mile oval. INDYCAR’s testing rules will also let teams schedule additional test dates, giving them plenty of prep time to make the on-track product as competitive as possible.

Phoenix is no stranger to open-wheel racing, with a long history of INDYCAR and sprint car events. Many former drivers still live in the area, which adds to the sense of homecoming for the series. Boles summed it up best: “Phoenix is an INDYCAR community, so the fact that INDYCAR is coming back to Phoenix, I think, is also going to help the NASCAR event on that Saturday.”

If this inaugural doubleheader is a hit, both in attendance and logistics, Boles hinted it could become a recurring highlight on the calendar, further cementing Phoenix as a must-visit motorsports destination. For fans, that means the chance to witness two of America’s premier racing series share the same stage could become a yearly tradition. One that turns an early March weekend into a true motorsport festival in the desert.