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.
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
IndyCar Explores A Return To Major Metropolitan City
