arlington grand prix plans changed Saturday as INDYCAR and event officials moved Sunday’s race start up to noon ET in response to forecast high winds expected to reach North Texas later in the afternoon. The decision was announced Saturday, setting an earlier timetable for the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington on the temporary street circuit around AT& T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The schedule shift lands after a separate on-track disruption earlier on the new Arlington course, where Practice Two was stopped under red flag when workers were still crossing the track as cars were released.
Race start moved up as forecast winds push organizers to adjust Sunday timeline
Officials set the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race start for noon ET Sunday (11 a. m. local time) because of the wind forecast for later in the day. The broadcast for the third NTT INDYCAR SERIES race of the 2026 season will begin at 11: 30 a. m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
The morning also includes a 20-minute warmup scheduled for 9: 50–10: 10 a. m. ET, with live coverage listed from 9: 30–10: 30 a. m. ET on FS1, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls. Weather effects extend beyond the main event: the start time for the Grand Prix of Arlington for INDY NXT by Firestone is also shifting, with live coverage beginning at 10: 30 a. m. ET on FS1, FOX One, the FOX Sports App, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
The event is described as a joint venture between Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment, the official events partner of the Texas Rangers. The course is a 14-turn, 2. 73-mile temporary street circuit winding around AT& T Stadium and Globe Life Field in Arlington’s sports district.
Red flag in Practice Two after workers cross hot track
Saturday’s preparations on the new Arlington course were also marked by an early safety interruption in Practice Two. As the first group of drivers was being released onto the track, broadcast personnel and INDYCAR officials spotted members of a catering crew still crossing the active racing surface, prompting a red flag.
With the track stopped, stewards went out to check entries and corners to confirm there were no additional workers on course. INDYCAR officials addressed the situation over team radio: “Okay, everybody, this was a serious breach of security to have people crossing the track while we were in session, ”. “So we’re going to send safety around the course to check everything we have here. That’s how serious this was. Once we have a secure course that we’re comfortable with, we’ll give you a count-in. ”
Once practice resumed, additional on-track trouble followed: early issues involved Will Power and Scott Dixon after Power hit Dixon in Turn 4, creating a blockage with a down tire and triggering a yellow as competitors bottled up. Andretti’s Kyle Kirkwood and Chip Ganassi’s Alex Palou topped practice ahead of qualifying, which was scheduled for 2: 35 p. m. ET on the 2. 73-mile circuit through Arlington’s sports district.
What’s next for Sunday after schedule and safety alarms
Sunday’s focus now turns to execution: a compressed morning schedule, wind concerns later in the day, and heightened attention to track security after the Practice Two breach. Officials have already locked in the earlier start; teams will use the 9: 50–10: 10 a. m. ET warmup window to fine-tune setups before the green flag at noon ET. For fans and crews, the day now runs on an earlier clock—and the arlington grand prix heads into race morning with both weather and operational discipline under the microscope.
