IndyCar 2026: Power's SHOCK Move & a DC Race?! What Will Happen?!

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The engines are revving, the smell of burning rubber is in the air, and INDYCAR is back! This Friday marks the start of the 2026 season, with drivers hitting the track for practice ahead of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg season opener. And boy, is there a lot to unpack this year.

IndyCar 2026: Power's SHOCK Move & a DC Race?! Wha...

Sunday’s race (Noon ET on FOX) isn’t just another start to a new season; it's the dawn of a new era for some. Most notably, it’s Will Power’s first race behind the wheel for Andretti Global after a long and successful 17-year run with Team Penske. Can he recapture his championship form in a new environment? That's just one of the compelling storylines bubbling up as we head into the weekend.

Beyond Power’s move, the chase for the Astor Cup is sure to be thrilling. Scott Dixon is aiming for an absolutely unprecedented seventh INDYCAR title in 2026. That's a feat that would cement his legacy even further. And let's not forget McLaren’s strategy for the Indy 500. They've chosen a driver who's *already* tasted victory at the Brickyard, Ryan Hunter-Reay, rather than going for a big-name driver from another series just for the publicity. RHR almost pulled off a miracle last year with a part-time team and a barely-there car, so he knows what it takes to compete at Indy.

Hunter-Reay himself seems eager to contribute beyond just driving. "I really look forward to contributing here," he said. "I want to come in here, I'm not just on the receiving end. I want to give. ... My years of experience at Indianapolis will hopefully allow that to happen." It'll be interesting to see what kind of insight he can bring to McLaren, especially considering his near-win with limited resources last year.

One thing that’s still missing from the calendar is a race in Mexico. A Mexico City event seemed like a done deal for 2026, but unfortunately, it didn’t materialize. Whether it was the World Cup or other logistical challenges, it's a shame. INDYCAR needs to get back to Mexico, especially with Pato O’Ward's huge popularity down there. Here's hoping they can seal the deal for 2027.

Looking further down the road, we finally have a timeline for the new INDYCAR car, slated for 2028. Testing is expected to ramp up later this year, with a focus on improving weight distribution, enhancing safety features, and ultimately, making the racing even better. INDYCAR President Doug Boles confirmed that manufacturers should have their cars for testing soon and that team testing will begin next summer. Exciting times ahead!

There are some rule tweaks too – like the increased number of laps near the end of a race where lapped cars will be moved to the back, setting up for more potential restarts and overtaking opportunities. This could certainly add some drama to the closing stages of races.

While he's not on the INDYCAR grid this year, Colton Herta's Formula 2 stint is also something to watch. He carries the hopes of the entire paddock, hoping to prove that INDYCAR drivers can compete at the highest levels of motorsport. A successful transition for Herta could really elevate INDYCAR's reputation and open doors for other top drivers to get noticed by Formula 1 teams. Plus, keep an eye on Christian Rasmussen to lead the charge for ECR this season, and the always-interesting dynamic between McLaren and Ganassi after the Alex Palou saga.

Finally, on street circuits, teams are now required to use at least two sets of the softer compound tires, which should spice things up strategically. All in all, 2026 promises to be a season filled with drama, competition, and plenty of storylines to follow. Get ready to buckle up!