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Failure at Iowa sparks latest 2026 IndyCar schedule question: Will Penske Entertainment be able to promote?

IndyCar Rumors Heat Up: Iowa's Woes, Potential Returns to Iconic Tracks, and Schedule Shake-Ups on the Horizon

In the ever-evolving world of IndyCar racing, the rumor mill is spinning faster than a Dallara chassis at full throttle. As the series looks ahead to its 2025 schedule and beyond, discussions are swirling around the challenges faced by current venues like Iowa Speedway, while whispers of triumphant returns to beloved tracks such as Phoenix, Richmond, Homestead-Miami, Mexico City, and even a potential revival in Denver are gaining traction. These developments come at a pivotal time for IndyCar, which continues to balance tradition with innovation in its quest to expand its fanbase and deliver compelling racing action. With the series under the stewardship of Penske Entertainment, every scheduling decision carries weight, influencing everything from television ratings to sponsor investments.

Let's start with the elephant in the room: Iowa Speedway. Once hailed as a crown jewel for its high-speed oval racing and passionate Midwest fanbase, the 0.875-mile track in Newton has been grappling with significant struggles in recent seasons. Attendance figures have dipped noticeably, with reports indicating that the doubleheader weekend in 2024 drew crowds far below the venue's capacity of around 30,000. Insiders point to a combination of factors contributing to this decline. The racing product itself has come under scrutiny; while the track's banking allows for blistering speeds, the aero kits on modern Indy cars have led to processional races where passing is at a premium. Drivers like Scott Dixon have publicly noted the difficulty in overtaking, describing the events as "follow-the-leader" affairs that fail to capture the excitement fans crave.

Beyond the on-track action, logistical and promotional issues have compounded Iowa's woes. The track's rural location, while charming, poses accessibility challenges for out-of-state fans, and marketing efforts have been criticized as lackluster compared to high-profile events like the Indianapolis 500. There's also the matter of competition from other entertainment options in the region, including NASCAR's presence at nearby tracks. Rumors suggest that IndyCar officials are seriously contemplating a reduction in Iowa's role on the calendar—perhaps shifting from a doubleheader to a single race or even dropping it altogether for 2026. One anonymous team owner told sources that "Iowa has been a staple, but if it doesn't evolve, it might not survive the cut." Penske Entertainment has remained tight-lipped, but the speculation is fueling debates among fans on social media, with some advocating for track modifications like variable banking or hybrid engine tweaks to spice up the competition.

Amid these concerns, the buzz is building around potential returns to tracks that have long been absent from the IndyCar schedule, offering a nostalgic yet forward-looking counterpoint. Phoenix Raceway, formerly known as ISM Raceway, stands out as a prime candidate. The 1-mile oval in Avondale, Arizona, hosted IndyCar events from 1964 until 2018, producing memorable moments like Tony Kanaan's 2004 victory and the intense battles of the CART era. Its departure was largely due to declining attendance and a shift toward more road and street courses, but recent renovations—including improved fan amenities and LED lighting for night racing—have reignited interest. Sources indicate that discussions between IndyCar and track officials are in advanced stages, with a possible return slotted for early 2025 as a season opener. The appeal is clear: Phoenix's tri-oval layout suits the current car's handling, and its proximity to major markets like Los Angeles could boost West Coast viewership. "Phoenix has unfinished business with IndyCar," one series insider remarked. "The fans there are hungry for open-wheel racing again."

Not far behind in the rumor rankings is Richmond Raceway, the 0.75-mile D-shaped oval in Virginia that last saw IndyCar action in 2009. Known for its short-track intensity, Richmond provided edge-of-your-seat racing during its brief stint from 2001 to 2009, with winners like Sam Hornish Jr. and Dan Wheldon etching their names in history. The track's exclusion stemmed from economic factors and a crowded NASCAR calendar, but with IndyCar seeking to diversify its oval-heavy slate, a comeback could be on the cards. Proponents argue that Richmond's banking and compact size would encourage aggressive passing, addressing some of the complaints leveled at tracks like Iowa. However, challenges remain, including coordinating dates with NASCAR's dominance at the venue. Rumors suggest a test session might be planned for late 2024 to gauge feasibility, with team principals expressing optimism. "Richmond could be the shot in the arm our ovals need," said a veteran engineer, highlighting the potential for multi-car drafts and photo finishes.

Further south, Homestead-Miami Speedway is another oval generating excitement. This 1.5-mile track in Florida was a fixture on the IndyCar calendar from 1996 to 2010, serving as the season finale for several years and hosting dramatic championship deciders. Its variable banking and warm-weather locale made it a favorite, but rising costs and competition from Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix led to its hiatus. Now, with IndyCar eyeing expansion in the Southeast, Homestead's return is being floated as a way to tap into the region's growing motorsport enthusiasm. Insiders whisper of a potential double-duty weekend with IMSA or even a joint event with NASCAR, leveraging the track's versatility for both oval and road course configurations. The economic incentives are compelling, too—Florida's tourism boom could draw international crowds, especially if paired with nearby attractions.

On the international front, Mexico City is emerging as a hot topic. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, famous for its high-altitude challenges and passionate crowds during Formula 1 events, hosted IndyCar's predecessor series in the past but has yet to welcome the modern iteration. With Mexico's Pato O'Ward rising as a star driver for Arrow McLaren, the timing feels right for a return. Rumors point to negotiations for a 2025 street or circuit race, capitalizing on O'Ward's popularity to fill grandstands and boost TV ratings in Latin America. "Bringing IndyCar to Mexico City would be a game-changer," O'Ward himself has hinted in interviews, emphasizing the cultural ties and potential for cross-promotion with F1.

Perhaps the most intriguing wildcard is Denver, where a street circuit revival is being discussed. The Mile High City hosted a successful Grand Prix from 1990 to 1991 and again in 2002-2006 under the Champ Car banner, drawing massive crowds to its downtown layout around the Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena). The events were known for their festive atmosphere and challenging course, featuring long straights and tight corners. However, noise complaints and logistical hurdles ended the run. Now, with urban racing on the rise—think Nashville's success—Denver's return could inject fresh energy into the schedule. Proponents envision a late-summer event tying into the city's vibrant music and arts scene, potentially attracting younger demographics. Challenges include city approvals and infrastructure updates, but early talks with local officials are reportedly positive.

As these rumors swirl, the broader implications for IndyCar's schedule are profound. The series currently features a mix of 17-18 races, blending ovals, road courses, and streets, but there's a push to reach 20 events by 2026 to enhance visibility amid competition from NASCAR and Formula E. Balancing fan favorites with new markets is key, and any changes must consider broadcast partner NBC's input for optimal time slots. While Iowa's future hangs in the balance, the potential influx of Phoenix, Richmond, Homestead, Mexico City, and Denver could create a more dynamic calendar, fostering rivalries and expanding the series' global footprint.

Of course, not all rumors pan out—IndyCar has flirted with international expansions before, only to pull back due to financial or political hurdles. Yet, the enthusiasm from drivers, teams, and fans is palpable. As one prominent driver put it, "We need tracks that challenge us and excite the crowds. If these returns happen, it could be the start of a new golden era." With official announcements expected in the coming months, the IndyCar community is on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting a schedule that honors the past while racing toward the future. Whether it's bidding farewell to struggling venues or welcoming back old friends, the series is poised for transformation, ensuring that the thrill of open-wheel racing remains as unpredictable as ever. (Word count: 1,248)

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