Indy NXT - Grand Prix of Arlington

The Grand Prix of Arlington brings Indy NXT by Firestone racing to the Streets of Arlington in Arlington, Texas. This street circuit race serves as a support series event to the NTT IndyCar Series and represents the return of Indy NXT racing to Texas for the first time since races were held at Circuit of the Americas in 2019. The event showcases open-wheel racing talent on a temporary street course that winds through Arlington's sports and entertainment district.

The Streets of Arlington Circuit

The Grand Prix of Arlington features a 14-turn, 2.73-mile temporary street circuit built specifically for this race. The course weaves through downtown Arlington and incorporates two major sporting venues into its layout. AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of MLB's Texas Rangers, both serve as prominent landmarks along the circuit. The street course configuration tests driver skill with a mix of technical corners and faster sections that flow through the urban landscape.

Indy NXT by Firestone Competition

The Grand Prix of Arlington is part of the Indy NXT by Firestone series, which serves as the primary development series for the NTT IndyCar Series. Indy NXT, previously known as Indy Lights, represents the highest level of the Road to Indy ladder system. The series operates in its fourth year under the Indy NXT name following Penske Entertainment's acquisition in 2022. The 2026 season marks the 40th year of this championship and features 17 races, the most for the series since 2021.

Series Format and Purpose

Indy NXT by Firestone uses a spec car format where all teams compete with identical chassis and engine packages. This approach emphasizes driver talent and racecraft over equipment advantages. The series prepares young drivers for advancement to the NTT IndyCar Series through competitive racing on a variety of tracks including street circuits, road courses, and ovals. Teams like Andretti Global, HMD Motorsports, A. J. Foyt Racing, and Abel Motorsports field entries in the championship.

Race Technical Aspects

The Indy NXT series utilizes advanced open-wheel racing machinery built to a common specification. All competitors use the same chassis and engine supplier to create parity across the field. The cars provide drivers with experience in high-performance open-wheel vehicles while maintaining cost controls through the spec format. Racing on the Streets of Arlington street circuit demands precision from drivers as they navigate the concrete barriers and surface changes typical of temporary urban courses.

What Makes This Event Special

The Grand Prix of Arlington represents a unique partnership between three major organizations: Penske Entertainment (owner of INDYCAR), the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment (the official events partner of the Texas Rangers). This collaboration creates a distinctive race weekend that combines motorsports with the existing sports and entertainment infrastructure in Arlington, Texas. The event marks a significant addition to the Indy NXT calendar and brings professional open-wheel racing back to Texas.

Race Weekend Format

The Grand Prix of Arlington weekend includes qualifying sessions and the main race for Indy NXT by Firestone. The event also features the NTT IndyCar Series and the Toyota GR Cup Series, offering fans multiple levels of motorsports competition. The street circuit environment adds an extra challenge for drivers competing in the indylights series, as the temporary nature of the course and urban setting create unique racing conditions compared to permanent facilities.

The inaugural running of this race establishes Arlington, Texas as a new destination on the Indy NXT schedule and provides a showcase for rising open-wheel talent competing on the Streets of Arlington.