IndyCar drivers Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward are preparing for a unique crossover weekend with NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway from March 6 to 8, marking an exciting return to the oval for IndyCar after an eight-year break. This event offers a rare chance for fans to witness both series competing on the same track during the same weekend, as they aim to engage new audiences and showcase their racing talents.
Returning to Phoenix After an Eight-Year Hiatus
IndyCar last competed at Phoenix International Raceway in 2018, creating anticipation for the series’ comeback to the one-mile oval. The crossover in 2026 will be the first shared weekend between IndyCar and NASCAR since 2023, when NASCAR raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. In preparation, IndyCar is conducting a two-day preseason test on February 17 and 18 to fine-tune setups and gather data on the track’s conditions.
During the preseason test, Palou and O’Ward spoke with media about their expectations for the joint event. O’Ward described the NASCAR Cup Series team environment as “very loud,” referencing the high energy around the NASCAR paddock. He stated,
“I know that weekend that we’re here is a NASCAR weekend, which is why we’re racing on Saturday afternoon, but even in the past when we’ve had weekends with them, we obviously see them around, but we don’t really — we’ve got our own kind of hectic schedule going on. So there really isn’t much crossover, rather than just hearing them in engineering meetings on the track. [They are] very loud.”
– Pato O’Ward, IndyCar Driver
In contrast, Palou expressed optimism about the crossover’s potential to attract NASCAR fans and raise awareness about IndyCar’s speed and excitement. He commented,
“I mean, I think it’s great that hopefully we get new fans engaged with IndyCar and discovering the — I think here it’s going to be very visually, the speed. I think a lot of people don’t realize the speed that Indy cars have, so hopefully when they can see a NASCAR, a Cup car or an Xfinity car, then the Indy car hopefully is going — maybe not, I don’t know. It’s cool.”
– Alex Palou, IndyCar Champion
Schedule and Format for the Shared Race Weekend
IndyCar will run its Good Ranchers 250 race on Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m. ET, followed by NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Govx 200 at 7 p.m. ET. The NASCAR Cup Series will conclude the weekend with its race scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. This arrangement allows IndyCar to showcase its open-wheel racing within a NASCAR-driven weekend, offering fans an action-packed motorsport experience.
Scott Dixon Anticipates a Thrilling Collaboration with NASCAR
Veteran racer Scott Dixon, a six-time IndyCar champion and the only current driver with experience racing at Phoenix prior to 2016, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming crossover. He is notably the first competitor to win at Phoenix after IndyCar’s 11-year absence from the venue. Following a recent Firestone tire test at the track, Dixon emphasized the importance of the event for both racing communities.
Dixon remarked,
“I think the coolest thing for us is when we do come back here to race, it is with Cup (NASCAR Cup Series). It’s gonna be a fantastic weekend, a great partnership, I think, between NASCAR and IndyCar.”
– Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
He further highlighted the crossover’s benefits for fans and competitors alike:
“Honestly, it’s just fantastic for the fans. For us as race car drivers or teams, I think, we love racing and doing our day job, no matter where we are. I think picking the right circumstances, the right series, this combo, is big for us attracting NASCAR fans and vice versa. So there are really no downsides.”
– Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
While Dixon’s experience gives him an edge at the circuit, the growing depth of talent on the 2026 IndyCar grid presents a stiff challenge for victory, underscoring the competitive nature of the upcoming race.
What This Crossover Means for Motorsports Fans
The joint weekend at Phoenix International Raceway represents a significant moment for American motorsports, bringing two of the sport’s major series together to share a venue and fanbase. For IndyCar, it is an opportunity to showcase its unique style of racing and attract enthusiasts who mainly follow NASCAR. For NASCAR, it provides a chance to engage with fans who appreciate the speed and precision of open-wheel racing.
As the first crossover of its kind since 2023, this collaboration could set a precedent for future shared events, potentially broadening the appeal and visibility of both series. Teams and drivers alike will be eager to make the most of the occasion, while fans anticipate a weekend packed with diverse, high-speed racing action.
