Jerry Jones Teams Up With IndyCar And Roger Penske For Arlington Grand Prix In 2026

In a groundbreaking development for motorsport enthusiasts, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has officially partnered with IndyCar and renowned motorsport figure Roger Penske. This exciting collaboration is set to unveil a new race in the 2026 IndyCar season, known as the IndyCar Arlington Grand Prix. The race will take place at the Texas Live! complex in Arlington, featuring a remarkable 2.73-mile street circuit, which is expected to be the longest on the IndyCar schedule.

The IndyCar Arlington Grand Prix not only promises thrilling racing action but also aims to inject fresh economic vitality into the Texas racing scene. With the support of the Texas Rangers, this initiative signifies a major leap forward in creating a vibrant motorsport culture in the region.

Jones and Penske's relationship is rooted in a partnership that dates back to 2006, when Penske played a significant role in bringing the NFL Super Bowl to Detroit. Jerry Jones has often described Penske as a mentor and credited him with providing valuable insights into transforming competitive sports into viable economic opportunities. Jones remarked, “Bottom line is that Roger has really been a model for me in terms of how he has taken competitive racing and nailed that into an economic scenario that works.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in both Jones' and Penske's careers, as they work together to elevate motorsport in Texas. The IndyCar Arlington Grand Prix is expected to become a landmark event, offering a challenging track layout with 14 turns, a double-sided pit lane, and a unique horseshoe-style carousel. With speeds projected to exceed 180 mph on a .9-mile straightaway, fans can look forward to exhilarating racing experiences.

Promotion for the event has already kicked off, aligning with the 2024 NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions, leveraging the immense popularity of professional football to garner attention for the race. This strategy is further enhanced by a partnership with Fox Sports, ensuring extensive broadcast coverage and promotion.

The announcement of this exciting collaboration was celebrated with appearances from Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, the Texas Rangers' Six Shooters Squad, and notable sports figures, including Hall of Famers DeMarcus Ware and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. IndyCar champions Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden also joined in the festivities, highlighting the star-studded nature of the event.

Newgarden shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “When I was a young kid and I wanted to be a race car driver, I dreamed of winning iconic events like the Indianapolis 500. And I think the Grand Prix of Arlington will be one of those events that you want to circle that you have to win every single year.”

As excitement builds around the IndyCar Arlington Grand Prix, Jerry Jones is confident in the turnout: “They'll all be here for this race and we’ll make sure they know about it.” Penske echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the credibility that the partnership brings to the IndyCar series, stating, “When you take the Cowboys and the Rangers and put them with our series, I think it gives us such credibility.”