Grand Prix

IndyCar Explores A Return To Major Metropolitan City

After a year of exponential growth for IndyCar thanks to their new Fox Sports deal, the series is on the verge of expanding to more major cities across America. In this case, it would be a grand return for the American Racing Series.
Kaitlin Tucci|
Ayrton Breckenridge/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

IndyCar released their 2026 race calendar in Mid-September, announcing their return to Phoenix, Arizona and Arlington, Texas as marquee races on the schedule. Building on the momentum of a successful 2025 season, IndyCar seems to be on a clear trajectory of expansion.

That's not to say, however, that there were not significant losses to the series, including the promised Mexico City race, a fan favorite in Toronto, Canada, and the historic Iowa Speedway.

However, officials have reported that Cleveland, home to IndyCar racing in the early-2000s, is exploring a potential 'grand return' for IndyCar in 2028.

Cleveland's Racing Past Sets the Stage for a 2028 IndyCar Return

The IndyCar Series, known as CART at the time, raced the streets of Cleveland from 1982 until their final race in 2007. This race was one of the most iconic on the calendar, held squarely on the 4th of July weekend yearly.

Why did Cleveland lose their IndyCar race? It had nothing to do with lack of interest. Due to the merger of Champ Car with IndyCar,  the race promoter was unable fundraise the dollars to cover rising costs of the race.

IndyCars on the Streets of Iowa
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

That said, it appears the City of Cleveland is more than ready for a return. The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) sent out a survey to community and corporate leaders to asses the desire to sponsor and ultimately organize the race.

When asked about this survey, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commissioner commented that the city is excited to explore the race as an event that "inspires," "attracts spending," and generates "economic impact" for the City of Cleveland.

As for IndyCar, Fox Sports, and Penske Entertainment, there has been no significant details or planning shared with the public. IndyCar's Senior Director of Communications, Kate Davis, confirmed that preliminary "positive discussions" have occurred with GCSC.

Cleveland is Not The Only Target of IndyCar Expansion

The most significant change that IndyCar has seen over the past year was the entrance of Fox as their new broadcast partner. After a season that generated a 27% increase in viewership YOY, Fox additionally bought 33% of the series owner, Penske Entertainment.

In a push for continued momentum, the series has looked at further expansion of North American Races (Mexico City) and new tracks in the United States (Phoenix and Arlington). All of which have been either confirmed for the 2026 calendar or nearing a closed deal.

As for future seasons, though, Cleveland is just the newest name amongst a series of American metropolitan hubs. It has been reported that Denver and Washington D.C. have also held talks with IndyCar and Penske Entertainment for races in the coming years.

F1 Las Vegas
Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Stake F1 Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas (77) during practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

International Series such as Formula 1 have taken over American cities like Austin, Texas, Las Vegas Nevada, and Miami Florida. It seems that IndyCar is honing in on a similar approach in the coming years.

The Latest News From Grand Prix On SI

Multiple Team Owners Reportedly Shut Down Christian Horner Talks Rumors

George Russell Apologizes After Costly Error In Singapore GP Practice

Natalie Pinkham Reveals How 'Feminist' Bernie Ecclestone Stopped Upskirt Scandal From Happening

Lando Norris Bemoans "Bad" Singapore GP Friday, Reveals Cost Of Pitlane Crash

Published
Kaitlin Tucci
KAITLIN TUCCI

Kaitlin Tucci has been a fan of motorsport for close to a decade. Before joining On SI in 2025, she contributed heavily to the marketing and media efforts at FanAmp, a motorsports startup for which she was the Head of Marketing. She has contributed to a number of publications covering series such as Formula 1, IndyCar, IMSA, and more... Kaitlin graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with both a degree in Business/Marketing and Political Science. She works full time as a marketer at high-growth tech startups while spending her weekends immersed in the world of racing. Kaitlin was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, but has lived in New York City for the past 5 years with her 'giant chihuahua' Willow. You'll often catch Willow watching races alongside Kaitlin, but unfortunately she doesn't have enough airline miles to join her at the track just yet.

Home/News