Mark Miles Shares Their Plans for the 2026 Season and INDYCAR Fans Will Be “Amazed” Looking Forward to a “Huge Step Forward” in the Iconic Experience in 2026

In the high-octane world of open-wheel racing, where every lap counts and innovation drives the competition, INDYCAR’s leadership is gearing up for what could be its most transformative year yet. Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment—the powerhouse behind the NTT INDYCAR SERIES—recently pulled back the curtain on ambitious plans for the 2026 season. Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the series’ off-season preparations, Miles promised a “huge step forward” that will leave fans “amazed” by enhancements to the iconic race experiences that define the sport.

With a calendar already buzzing with new venues and strategic shifts, 2026 isn’t just another year on the circuit; it’s a bold leap toward redefining how millions engage with America’s premier racing series.

Miles, who has steered INDYCAR since 2012, emphasized that the focus for 2026 goes beyond adding races—it’s about elevating the spectacle. “We’re talking about a big jump in the fan experience for our marquee events,” Miles said, his enthusiasm palpable as he outlined initiatives aimed at blending cutting-edge technology with the raw thrill of live motorsport. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to immersive enhancements at cornerstone races like the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, and the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

While specifics remain under wraps to build anticipation, insiders hint at augmented reality overlays for spectators, expanded interactive zones with driver meet-and-greets via AI holograms, and sustainable upgrades to venues that prioritize eco-friendly operations without sacrificing speed.

This “huge step forward,” as Miles described it, builds on lessons from recent seasons where fan feedback has shaped the series’ evolution. The 2025 campaign, marked by record attendance at the Indianapolis 500 and a surge in digital viewership, underscored the demand for more than just cars on track. “Fans want to feel part of the story,” Miles noted, pointing to data showing a 20 percent uptick in 18-35-year-old engagement since the shift to FOX Sports broadcasting. For 2026, that means transforming passive viewing into active participation.

Imagine arriving at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix and donning smart glasses that sync with the race feed, highlighting overtakes in real-time or simulating a driver’s cockpit view. Or at Laguna Seca, where drone light shows synchronized to engine roars could cap off the championship battle under the California stars. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky ideas; they’re part of a multi-million-dollar investment in fan-centric tech, designed to make every event feel like a personal adrenaline rush.

Of course, no discussion of 2026 would be complete without diving into the revamped schedule, a 17-race odyssey that Miles calls “a blueprint for growth.” Kicking off in March with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg—now enhanced with those promised upgrades—the calendar front-loads action to build early momentum. A standout addition is the return to Phoenix Raceway in April, where INDYCAR will double-header with the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time on an oval. This groundbreaking collaboration, brokered partly through shared broadcaster FOX, aims to cross-pollinate fanbases and inject fresh energy into the series’ oval racing heritage.

“Phoenix will be electric,” Miles predicted. “Sharing the weekend with NASCAR isn’t just logistics—it’s a statement that open-wheel racing belongs in the big leagues.”

Further south, the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington in June promises to be a tentpole event, weaving a 2.73-mile, 14-turn street circuit around the glittering homes of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. This “blockbuster” partnership, announced last fall, taps into Arlington’s entertainment district, which draws 1.6 million visitors annually. Miles envisions it as more than a race: a festival blending music stages, food trucks from local legends, and VIP access to stadium suites overlooking the action.

“We’ve got a white canvas here to design the perfect INDYCAR weekend,” he said, crediting track designer Tony Cotman for crafting a layout that rewards aggressive passing while prioritizing safety. Adding to the Texas flair, the series is eyeing a return to Circuit of the Americas in Austin as a potential wildcard, though contracts are still in negotiation.

Canada gets a fresh twist too, with the Honda Indy shifting from Toronto’s bustling streets to the suburban circuits of Markham, Ontario. This move, aimed at broader accessibility and reduced urban disruptions, will feature family-friendly expansions like kid zones and e-sports simulators. Yet, amid the excitement, there are notes of caution. High-profile talks for a Mexico City race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez fell through due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s logistical stranglehold on the summer calendar. “We were quite close,” Miles admitted, expressing frustration over economic ripple effects but vowing a push for 2027.

Fans of Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, whose star power has fueled calls for a home race, will have to wait—but Miles teased billboard campaigns in Mexico to keep the momentum alive.

Looking westward, whispers of a Denver street race linger as a “work in progress,” with Miles hinting at urban circuits in dynamic markets to capture untapped audiences. “If we land Denver or another powerhouse for 2026, alongside Arlington, it’ll be terrific,” he said. These expansions align with a broader strategy: selective growth in high-impact cities, blending INDYCAR as promoter in spots like Detroit and Iowa with marquee partnerships elsewhere. The goal? A schedule that’s not only diverse—mixing ovals, road courses, and streets—but also team-friendly, minimizing travel gaps post-World Cup disruptions.

Beyond the track, Miles addressed the series’ technical horizon, confirming that a next-generation universal aero kit is on track for mid-decade introduction, promising closer racing and hybrid powertrains that echo Formula 1’s sustainability push. “This car will be a game-changer,” he assured, countering critics who decry past delays. Off the grid, international ambitions simmer, with offseason exhibition series in South America floated as a 2026 possibility to test global waters without overhauling the core North American focus.

As the 2025 season fades into memory, Miles’ blueprint for 2026 radiates optimism. It’s a season poised to honor INDYCAR’s storied past—the roar of Indy, the twists of Laguna—while hurtling toward a future where fans aren’t just spectators but co-pilots. “Expect to be amazed,” Miles reiterated, his words a rallying cry for a series that’s faster, greener, and more connected than ever. With engines firing up in just months, the countdown to this huge step forward has begun, and INDYCAR loyalists can hardly contain their excitement. In a sport built on speed, 2026 might just be the fastest year yet.