ARLINGTON — Keep in mind that World Sequence parade by means of the Arlington Leisure District final November?
Now think about open-wheel racing vehicles going 180km/h reasonably than slow-moving pick-ups loaded with celebrated Rangers. The race for the brand new Grand Prix of Arlington, proven Tuesday on Texas Reside!, will run over a lot of the identical pavement in March 2026 that the World Sequence champions ran over final 12 months. The race will convey collectively the Rangers, Cowboys and Penske Leisure.
“I've received to pinch myself,” Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones mentioned on stage Tuesday at an announcement celebrating the occasion. “I jumped on the probability to be part of it.”
He actually jumped. As a result of whereas the occasion was introduced on Tuesday with a nifty video that included shout-outs from Michael Irvin, a crisp animation of the proposed circuit and a racing helmet that featured a Cowboys star on one aspect and a Rangers “T” on the the opposite, many particulars are nonetheless to be finalized.
With that in thoughts, listed here are 5 issues to know concerning the occasion:
when is it
March 2026, though the date continues to be being finalized. Officers mentioned it gained't have an effect on the Rangers' potential season opener. The 2026 baseball schedule has not but been finalized, however the Rangers will open at residence on the final weekend in March for the third straight season in 2025.
The INDYCAR Sequence started in recent times with The Streets of St. Petersburg and the Thermal Membership in Thermal, California. These occasions are scheduled for February 28-March 2 and March 21-23, respectively, in 2025. The 2026 schedule has not but been finalized.
What number of followers will the monitor accommodate?
Whereas monitor renderings present the seats, INDYCAR officers mentioned they’re nonetheless engaged on last logistics. In different main markets, the three-day occasion drew crowds of as much as 150,000 attendees. Officers are optimistic that the Arlington occasion might be in that time-frame.
What stands out on the monitor?
The two.73-mile monitor, which can wrap round AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Area and in addition run by means of the portion of Randol Mill Highway between Choctaw Stadium and Texas Reside!, may have a straight line of zero.9 miles. It’s designed to be the longest on the INDYCAR schedule, which ought to permit drivers to speed up in extra of 180 mph.
“It's going to be enjoyable and quick,” mentioned three-time INDYCAR Sequence champion Álex Palou. “If we may compete subsequent week, I'd like to go for it. With that straight, he may hit greater than 180.”
When was the final time the INDYCAR Sequence got here to North Texas?
The INDYCAR Sequence ran an annual occasion at Texas Motor Speedway from its opening in 1997 till 2023. It was dropped from the 2024 schedule after the Speedway and INDYCAR couldn’t agree on a date. The race had typically been the primary race after the Indianapolis 500, however was moved to March 20 for 2022 and April 2 for 2023. Josef Newgarden, the two-time defending winner of the Indianapolis 500, gained every of the final two races at Texas Motor Speedway. .
What drivers say
“I believe the Arlington Grand Prix can be one of many signature occasions you wish to strive in your calendar to win. I do know that is going to be an enormous deal.” – Josef Newgarden, who gained the final two INDYCAR Sequence races at Texas Motor Speedway.
For extra sports activities protection from The Dallas Morning Information, click on right here.
To view subscription choices for The Information and SportsDay, click on right here.