IndyCar making progress on Denver and Mexico races

The IndyCar Series has gained significant momentum this offseason and that could grow even further as it pushes towards a presence in Denver, Colorado, and Mexico. 

The possibility of adding a race in either or both markets comes after the open-wheel series’ announcement last October of the Grand Prix of Arlington for 2026. A race on the Streets of Denver was a longstanding rumour that quieted down after the Arlington news, while an overdue return to Mexico has continued to build over the last four months.  

While nothing is confirmed for either race at the time of writing, Mark Miles, the president and CEO of Penske Entertainment, shared in an exclusive interview with Autosport, that things are a work in progress.

“A new race isn’t added until everything’s done right, contracted for and all of that follows on us being convinced that we would have the right partnerships or promoters in the right markets,” Miles said. 

“It’s too early to declare victory on any of the possibilities that you mentioned, but it is true that both of those markets are a work in progress. Look, if we land one of the two for as early as 2026 that’d be terrific, along with Arlington.”

North America’s premier open-wheel championship hasn’t had a presence in Mexico since 2007, which came during the Champ Car era at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. Additionally, Pikes Peak International Raceway, which is 85 miles south of Denver, previously hosted IndyCar — under the Indy Racing League (IRL) banner — from 1997-2005. 

Part of the backbone surrounding the buzz with the Grand Prix of Arlington is in the partners that are involved, namely one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports in the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. REV Entertainment, the official events partner of MLB’s Texas Rangers, is also involved in the partnership group. 

Will Power (AUS) Team Australia. Champ Car World Series, Rd14, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico, 11 November 2007.

Photo by: Andre Vor / Sutton Images

Having the IndyCar Series link up with partners of that magnitude could have a continued impact on growing other events, including Denver and Mexico. It also doesn’t hurt that all 17 rounds for this upcoming season will be available on broadcast television, courtesy of new media rights partner FOX Sports. 

“I think it all builds on itself,” Miles said. “Who knows what the Arlington announcement may bring us in addition, subsequently. I think the Fox news was probably one of the biggest things, but it’s all part of an announced strategy where we decided we’re prepared to promote more races ourselves — we want to be opportunistic about that, but where it’s important and allows us to get into a market sooner than it might happen otherwise. 

“We’ve said we look forward to opportunities to partner with really strong partners like the Cowboys and the Rangers. We’ve said we want to be in some more hot, new urban markets. So, you lay all that out, it allows us to be quite intentional about where we look and I think articulating it has caused some to call us. So, I hope that the progress will continue to accelerate.”