IndyCar champ Alex Palou will get a home race as the series announces 2027 stop in Spain

The NTT IndyCar Series will visit Spain for the first time in two decades in 2027, adding a race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on July 18. This marks the series' first European race since 2013 and its first since 2007, predating the merger that formed today's IndyCar Series.

The announcement comes as part of the second phase of the 2027 season schedule, which will be broadcast on Fox for the third consecutive year. The decision to expand internationally is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the global appeal of a generationally talented driver like Alex Palou.

Palou, a native of Spain, is the defending five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion. His presence is expected to generate significant interest in the inaugural race, potentially drawing large crowds to the Barcelona track.

Track details and race implications

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a well-known venue that has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar and hosts MotoGP events. While the track has been criticized in F1 for a lack of on-track overtaking, IndyCars are better suited for such conditions, promising a competitive and exciting race.

The addition of the Spanish race required the removal of another event from the 2027 calendar. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix at the Nashville Superspeedway, which was marketed as a one-off event, will not take place in 2027.

Next steps for the series

The focus now shifts to the inaugural race in Spain, which is set to be a landmark moment for IndyCar's international expansion.