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Phoenix, AZ – The desert metropolis of Phoenix is poised to become the epicenter of American motorsports this weekend, as NASCAR and IndyCar converge for a historic doubleheader at the ISM Raceway. This marks the first time in over a decade that both premier racing series will share a single event weekend, promising a feast of speed and competition for fans. The unique scheduling arrangement, set to unfold from Thursday, March 5th, through Sunday, March 8th, features a compelling slate of on-track action, including races for the ARCA Menards Series, IndyCar Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Series, and the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, March 5th, with the ARCA Menards Series taking to the track for a 150-lap event, broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 1 at 6:00 PM EST. This series often serves as a proving ground for future stars in both NASCAR and IndyCar, offering an early glimpse of emerging talent.
Friday, March 6th, is dedicated to IndyCar’s preparations. Three practice sessions and qualifying are scheduled, all airing on FOX SPORTS 2. The first practice session begins at 10:00 AM EST, followed by qualifying at 2:00 PM EST, and a final practice at 4:30 PM EST. This concentrated track time is crucial for IndyCar teams as they adapt to the 1-mile oval, a track that has not hosted an IndyCar race since the 2018 season. The return to Phoenix represents a strategic move to capture a broader audience and provide a unique challenge for the open-wheel drivers.
NASCAR’s premier series will begin their on-track activities on Friday afternoon. The NASCAR O’Reilly Series will have a practice session at 7:00 PM EST, followed by qualifying at 8:05 PM EST, both broadcast via the CW APP. This provides a crucial opportunity for drivers and teams to dial in their machines for the upcoming race.
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Saturday, March 7th, will be a day of intense competition, featuring both the NASCAR Cup Series and the IndyCar Series in race action. The NASCAR Cup Series will hit the track for practice at 12:00 PM EST, with qualifying to follow at 1:10 PM EST, both exclusively on PRIME VIDEO. This provides a vital window for the Cup Series regulars to fine-tune their setups for Sunday’s main event.
The first major race of the weekend will be the IndyCar Series 250-lap event, scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM EST and broadcast live on FOX. This race is particularly noteworthy given IndyCar’s hiatus from Phoenix. The series’ return to the challenging desert oval is expected to test the mettle of drivers accustomed to a variety of track types. Notably, four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou has already signaled his intent to dominate the season, having secured a commanding victory in the season-opener at St. Petersburg by over ten seconds, demonstrating his formidable form. The field also includes drivers like Colton Herta, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O’Ward, all capable of challenging for victory on any given Sunday. The return to Phoenix could also reignite rivalries and showcase different strategic approaches compared to more traditional IndyCar venues.
Following the IndyCar action, the NASCAR O’Reilly Series will take center stage with their 200-lap race at 7:30 PM EST, broadcast on THE CW. This race is often a thrilling display of raw talent and determination, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming drivers vying for crucial points and bragging rights.
Sunday, March 8th, is headlined by the NASCAR Cup Series 312-lap race, scheduled to start at 3:30 PM EST on FOX SPORTS 1. This race is of particular interest due to the current form of Tyler Reddick. The 23XI Racing driver has achieved an unprecedented feat to open the 2026 season, securing three consecutive victories. This remarkable run places him at the top of the championship standings and sets a new benchmark in NASCAR history. Reddick’s streak of wins will undoubtedly draw significant attention as he aims to extend his dominance at Phoenix.
The NASCAR Cup Series field at Phoenix is expected to be robust, with 36 chartered entries and one open entry. Among the notable competitors will be reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Series champion Austin Hill, who will pilot the #33 for Richard Childress Racing. Hill’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to the Cup Series event, potentially disrupting the established order. Other top contenders include Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott, all seasoned drivers with proven track records at Phoenix. The unique track configuration at ISM Raceway, known for its challenging turns and abrasive surface, often leads to close racing and strategic battles, making it a popular season finale but also a critical early-season test.
The presence of both premier series in Phoenix is a significant event for motorsports in the United States. The convergence aims to leverage the fan bases of both NASCAR and IndyCar, creating a larger spectacle and potentially attracting new followers to each discipline. The scheduling ensures fans can witness a wide spectrum of racing, from the raw power of stock cars to the precision of open-wheel machines.
Detailed Weekend Schedule:
Thursday, March 5
- 6:00 PM EST: ARCA Menards Series Race (150 laps) – FOX SPORTS 1
Friday, March 6
- 10:00 AM EST: IndyCar Practice #1 – FOX SPORTS 2
- 2:00 PM EST: IndyCar Qualifying – FOX SPORTS 2
- 4:30 PM EST: IndyCar Practice #2 – FOX SPORTS 2
- 7:00 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Practice – CW APP
- 8:05 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Qualifying – CW APP
Saturday, March 7
- 12:00 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Practice – PRIME VIDEO
- 1:10 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Qualifying – PRIME VIDEO
- 3:00 PM EST: IndyCar Series Race (250 laps) – FOX
- 7:30 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Series Race (200 laps) – THE CW
Sunday, March 8
- 3:30 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series Race (312 laps) – FOX SPORTS 1
The unprecedented nature of this doubleheader weekend in Phoenix underscores the evolving landscape of motorsports promotion, aiming to create a concentrated showcase of American racing talent and machinery. Fans can anticipate a weekend filled with high-octane action, strategic battles, and the potential for history to be made across multiple racing disciplines.
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