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IndyCar and NASCAR Plan More Doubleheader Events After Phoenix Success
IndyCar and NASCAR Look Ahead to More Shared Race Weekends
After a successful joint event at Phoenix Raceway, leaders from IndyCar and NASCAR are exploring further opportunities for doubleheader weekends that bring both series together. The momentum from their recent collaboration has sparked interest in continuing the crossover experience for fans and teams alike.
Highlights from the Phoenix Desert Double Weekend
The Desert Double weekend held in March at Phoenix Raceway featured a dramatic 250-lap IndyCar race packed with 565 total passes and 18 lead changes among 11 drivers. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden clinched a late win on Saturday, preceding the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race that evening. Sunday wrapped up with the marquee NASCAR Cup Series event.
This joint format will return to Phoenix from March 12–14, 2027, where IndyCar and the O'Reilly Series will again share the Saturday schedule before Sunday’s Cup race. There is even talk that next year’s IndyCar race might be the prime attraction of the day.
A History of Cross-Series Collaboration
Such shared weekends are not new; they first emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. That year, IndyCar and the then-Xfinity (now O'Reilly) Series raced on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's infield road course on Saturday ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. This format stayed in place through 2023 until NASCAR brought the Brickyard 400 back to the oval track.
Insights from Executives on the Benefits and Challenges
Jonathan Gibson, Executive VP of Marketing and Business Development at Penske Corporation, noted the surge in ticket sales and fan interest from these combined events.
"Phoenix wasn’t our first attempt; we started at Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course in 2021," Gibson said. "Last year’s Saturday at Phoenix saw a 100% increase in ticket sales with IndyCar and the O'Reilly Series together. Drivers enjoy the shared atmosphere, and fans really respond to it. We won't do this every weekend, but Phoenix is back on the calendar, and there could be other chances to collaborate."
Tim Clark, Executive VP and Chief Brand Officer at NASCAR, also expressed enthusiasm about the crossover’s appeal to competitors and fans.
"It was fascinating to see. Usually, when our drivers aren’t racing, they relax, but during the IndyCar sessions, everyone was watching," Clark explained. "For motorsports fans, it’s great to witness different disciplines so close together. The IndyCar race was followed shortly by the O'Reilly Series. This side-by-side comparison benefits the sport overall. There’s definitely more to come between NASCAR and IndyCar."
Upcoming Events and Future Prospects
The success at Phoenix Raceway signals a promising path forward for these two major North American racing series. Fans can expect another thrilling weekend in March 2027 and potentially more joint events in the future, blending the excitement of open-wheel and stock car racing.
- Event: Desert Double Weekend
- Location: Phoenix Raceway
- Dates: March 12–14, 2027
- Races: IndyCar & O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday; NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday
- Notable Stats from 2026 Event: 250-lap IndyCar race, 565 passes, 18 lead changes, 11 different leaders
