IndyCar Plans Mexico City Race to Replace Iowa in 2026

The IndyCar Series is gearing up for some pretty big changes in 2026. The biggest headline? Iowa Speedway is out, and Mexico City is in.

Fans and insiders have been buzzing about this ever since the announcement. Some are pumped, others not so much—it’s a real mix of excitement and letdown.

IndyCar wants to grow its international reach, and Mexico’s got a deep motorsport tradition. There’s a ton of passion for racing there, so it makes sense they’d want to tap into that energy.

The new race will happen at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which is a legendary spot. That track’s famous for its tough corners and wild crowds.

Swapping Iowa Speedway for Mexico City hasn’t exactly gone over smoothly. Iowa’s been a fan favorite for ages, especially with its short oval that always seems to deliver edge-of-your-seat action.

But let’s be real—attendance at Iowa has dropped, and the place has struggled financially. IndyCar’s betting that Mexico City will give the series a jolt of excitement and maybe even some much-needed momentum.

The motorsport world’s been pretty divided on the news. Some drivers and fans are genuinely excited to see IndyCar go global, but others are already missing that classic American track vibe.

Drivers have chimed in, too. They get why IndyCar’s making the move, but you can tell there’s some nostalgia for Iowa.

Fans haven’t held back online. Mexican fans are absolutely thrilled to finally get a home race, and you can feel their enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, a lot of American fans are bummed about losing Iowa. Still, there’s this cautious optimism that maybe the new venue will shake things up in a good way.

Adding Mexico City is part of a bigger plan to keep IndyCar growing and relevant. The series wants to reach more people, pull in fresh sponsors, and just keep things moving forward.

If it works, this could open the door to even more international races down the road. That could really cement IndyCar as a top-tier global series—well, that’s the hope, anyway.

Potential Benefits

So, what’s in it for IndyCar?

• Increased Viewership: The Mexico City race should draw a huge TV audience, both locally and worldwide.
• Economic Impact: Expect a nice bump for the local economy—hotels, restaurants, you name it.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: New markets mean new sponsors, which could help keep the series financially solid.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are some real hurdles to clear.

Getting the teams and all their gear to Mexico City won’t be simple. Logistics will take some serious effort and coordination.

IndyCar will also have to work closely with local officials to make sure everyone stays safe and things run smoothly. And, honestly, figuring out how to keep the old-school American fans happy while chasing new ones abroad? That’s a tricky balance.

Conclusion

Adding Mexico City to the 2026 IndyCar schedule feels like a bold and strategic leap. The move aims to push the series further onto the international stage.

Some folks aren’t thrilled about Iowa Speedway getting replaced, and honestly, that’s understandable. Still, there’s a definite buzz—people seem mostly optimistic and excited.

If you’re curious and want more details, check out the full announcement here.