News Summary
IndyCar will stage a doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile in 2026, marking the series’ significant return to Wisconsin State Fair Park. Scheduled for August 29-30, the event will consist of two races, vital to the championship season. The Milwaukee races are among the last events of the season, enhancing the competition’s intensity. The series aims to expand its fanbase with additional exciting venues and events, showcasing a blend of traditional and new racing experiences for enthusiasts.
Milwaukee, WI – IndyCar will make a significant return to the Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park in 2026, hosting a doubleheader on the weekend of August 29-30. This highly anticipated event will feature two races, enhancing the excitement of the NTT IndyCar Series in its next season.
The two races held during the weekend will be broadcast on FOX. Specific start times will be announced closer to the event date. The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series will encompass a total of 17 races, starting on March 1 and culminating on September 6, with the Milwaukee races being key events in the championship season.
John Yingling, chairman of the State Fair Park board, has expressed intentions to seek an extension for IndyCar to continue racing in Milwaukee following the conclusion of the current three-year contract. The upcoming races in Milwaukee are pivotal as they will be the third and second to last racing events of the 2026 season, playing a critical role in determining the championship outcome.
Additional Highlights of the IndyCar 2026 Season
In addition to the Milwaukee doubleheader, the 2026 schedule includes a race at Road America in Elkhart Lake on June 21, coinciding with Father’s Day. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course race will take place over the Independence Day weekend, further elevating the holiday celebrations for fans.
The previous season of 2025 saw significant growth in viewership for IndyCar, with a remarkable 27% increase compared to the prior year, averaging 1.36 million viewers. Mark Miles, the CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., highlighted the sport’s expanding fan base and successful collaboration with FOX Sports as contributing factors to this increase.
The 2026 IndyCar schedule is designed to combine fan-favorite weekends with exciting events at new venues. This year will also witness the return of the Phoenix Raceway and the introduction of a new street race in Arlington, Texas. The schedule aims to provide an engaging mix for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport.
Background Context on Milwaukee Mile
The Milwaukee Mile has a storied history in IndyCar racing, hosting its first race more than a century ago. The venue returned to the IndyCar circuit in 2024 after an eight-year hiatus, during which significant investments were made to revitalize the events and facilities. The 2024 season featured a double-header format, followed by a single race in 2025, showcasing a growing interest in the series.
The 2026 series will culminate with the final race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, rounding out a season packed with thrilling races and compelling narratives. Furthermore, the schedule for the Indy NXT by Firestone, IndyCar’s developmental series, is expected to be announced in the near future, highlighting its progression and importance in fostering new talent within the sport.
With the announcement of the 2026 schedule, IndyCar reiterates its commitment to expanding its footprint across various venues while ensuring a competitive and exciting racing experience for fans everywhere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Channel 3000
- Biz Times
- IndyStar
- Fox 11 Online
- Wikipedia: IndyCar Series
- Google Search: IndyCar
- Google Scholar: IndyCar series
- Encyclopedia Britannica: IndyCar
- Google News: IndyCar 2026 schedule
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
