There’s something different about racing on a street course.
The idea of NTT INDYCAR SERIES machinery ripping through the same intersection many folks drive through on the way to school, the grocery store, the doctor’s office or work is a sight to behold.
Doing so at speeds at least double the daily speed limit, while operating machinery without power steering, is a challenge.
Ovals and road courses ask fans to travel to the racing. Street courses bring the racing to them.
This season, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES introduced three brand-new street courses, welcoming Arlington, Texas; Markham, Ontario; and the Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C.
Arlington was a unique moment and one that set the tone for the rest of the season’s new-venue rollout.
The inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington in March gave folks their first taste of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing through their own streets, temporarily transforming them into a 2.73-mile, 14-turn street circuit.
The event blended sport, entertainment and community engagement while elevating Arlington’s international profile. An estimated 75,000 to 80,000 attendees filled the Entertainment District, with guests traveling from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. Grandstands reached full capacity on race weekend, marking a sellout for the inaugural race.
With multiple overtaking zones and tight corners, the circuit challenged drivers while providing spectators with strong vantage points. Its successful debut positioned Arlington as a compelling new destination on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar.
The series returns to the Arlington Entertainment District March 19-21, 2027. To receive updates and event information, register for emails at gparlington.com.
One of the most compelling features of the Arlington race weekend was the speed trap at Stadium Drive and Randol Mill Road, a stretch that transformed a familiar city roadway into one of the fastest sections of the circuit. In race conditions, drivers reached speeds approaching 195 mph, making the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington the fastest street course on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.
There’s also a pattern worth noting.
All three inaugural street races were won by Andretti Global drivers. Kyle Kirkwood won at Arlington and Washington, D.C., in the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda, while teammate Marcus Ericsson won at Markham in the No. 28 Acura Honda.
Three brand-new circuits, zero setup data and the same team on top at each one.
What did Andretti Global know that everyone else didn’t?
Kirkwood’s season deserves its own mention, even without a championship to show for it. He spent much of the year in the title fight, ultimately finishing an INDYCAR SERIES career-best second in the standings.
Alex Palou, runner-up to Kirkwood in Arlington, earned his fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. Four of those titles came in succession, tying Sébastien Bourdais’ run from 2004-07 as the only drivers in series history to win four consecutive championships.
And no season recap is complete without the Indianapolis 500.
This year’s race lived up to every bit of its reputation: rain delays, a late red flag following a hard crash and a final-lap duel that came down to 0.0233 seconds -- the closest finish in Indy 500 history.
Congratulations to Felix Rosenqvist and Meyer Shank Racing on the victory in the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Three new street courses. A historic champion and an Indianapolis 500 finish nobody will forget.
That’s the story of 2026.
