The third consecutive race weekend and third race of the 2026 IndyCar series brings us to a brand new street circuit in Arlington, Texas! The circuit is a complete 2.73 mile mystery, on paper it looks interesting with some flat out sections and a fun 180° turn 6 but until cars actually start making laps we’ll all just have to wait and see. It should be noted that we are going to see single lap qualifying for the fast 6, so the there are definitely concerns of being too narrow and overtaking being quite a challenge.
The Key Stories thus Far
Penske’s Resurgence
Few predicted Team Penske to continue their horrid 2025 run but I don’t think many expected them to return to winning ways this quickly! Newgarden leads the championship after victory in Phenoix. McLaughlin sits 3rd in the standings and was flying in St. Pete. Malukas took pole and a podium in the desert, and his 13th place at St. Pete was not a great representation of his performance thus far.
Power’s Struggles
The blockbuster move has not gotten off to a great start, crash in FP2 and the Race to open things up in St. Pete. Another crash in Quali at Phoenix and late contact with Rasmussen leaves Will Power 22nd in points. But there is promise, leading on merit late on in the desert, his skill is still there just the transition is taking time.
Rookies to Watch
So far so good for our rookies, Hauger impressed many with a top 3 start and top 10 on debut, plus an outstanding save in Phoenix. Mick was top 4 in quali at Phoenix, unfortunately the races haven’t quite gone to plan but once they do he’ll be set. Collett has been quiet, but still alright, give it time.
Who should we watch for?
Andretti Global
The Andretti trio has my attention, they are traditionally the best at street circuits, bringing the best speed and with strong drivers as well. Each driver has a strong case for a good day as well. Kirkwood was the Street Champion in 2025 and has won the Long Beach GP twice. Ericsson had so much pace in St. Pete and if this race turns into a messy affair, the “Super Swede” will be there to capitalize, if you remember back to Nashville 2022 he was the victor. Power is the only question mark but sooner or later he and Andretti will provide the goods, it’s been a rough start but I see no reason this weekend will be the same.
Alex Palou
The dominant force of the last several years, winner of St. Pete and motivated to bounce back from a disaster in the Arizona desert. It’s a scary thought for the field if Palou bounces back.
Christian Lundgaard
His only career win was at Toronto 2023 in a Rahal car, now with McLaren machinery he has been a consistent contender across all races.
Rinus Veekay
In 2025 he massively outperformed his equipment to finish 11th in the streetcourse standings. He finished 9th in St. Pete two weeks ago in his Juncos debut and even had speed at Phoenix. I’m sure Veekay will be the underdog to watch.
FunFacts that are good to know
The Grand Prix of Arlington will be the first IndyCar event on the streets of Arlington. However, it’s not the first time that IndyCar cars have raced in Arlington, Texas. Arlington Downs Racetrack, a 1-mile dirt oval whose site is less than a half-mile from the current racetrack, held three points-paying races and two non-championship sweepstakes races from 1947 to 1950.
The Streets of Arlington is also the fourth road or street circuit to debut on the IndyCar calendar since 2021. Chip Ganassi Racing drivers won the previous three debut races. Marcus Ericsson won the inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville in 2021. Alex Palou won the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear when it debuted its new course in downtown Detroit in 2023 and at The Thermal Club in 2025.
How can we Watch?
Friday
Practice 1 – 4pm EST
Saturday
Practice 2 – 9:30am EST
Qualifying – 2:30pm EST
Sunday
Race – 12:30pm EST
In the USA you can catch Practice and Quali through the FOX affiliated networks and the IndyCar Live app, while the race will be broadcast on big FOX.
In Canada, you can watch the race on TSN or TSN+
In Europe, you can check Sky Sports F1, Ziggo Sports (NLD), ViaPlay and Canal+ , depending on the country
written by Carlos Faria // Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
