‘This place is perfection’ | INDYCAR drivers are really loving the track in Arlington

As drivers finished practice rounds Friday and Saturday, it seems the Grand Prix of Arlington is a Texas-sized success.

ARLINGTON, Texas — The INDYCAR street course constructed through Arlington’s entertainment district, featuring 14 turns along a 2.73-mile track, has seemingly been a massive hit with the drivers. 

INDYCAR Driver Scott McLaughlin, in an interview after his Friday practice run, called the course “his favorite street circuit ever.” In a post on X sharing that interview, McLaughlin said “this place is epic.”

This place is epic. https://t.co/DIQRf8mSqJ

— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) March 14, 2026

A video posted to X by INDYCAR showed a view from Alexander Rossi’s car as he sped through the course, with the commentators noting how bumpy it seemed. In response, Rossi said “this place is perfection.”

This place is perfection. @javahouse https://t.co/jn1nsMJtVw

— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) March 14, 2026

Alex Palou Montalbo added on to the positive messaging, saying “Love this track. See y’all tomorrow.”

Love this track. See y’all tomorrow. 🏇 pic.twitter.com/ubZBf2JIyx

— Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) March 13, 2026

Conor Daly said: “Can confirm, track is really cool. There are definitely some bumps but we had the same bumps at belle isle for years, hah.”

Can confirm, track is really cool. There are definitely some bumps but we had the same bumps at belle isle for years, hah. @IndyCar uber driver today. @Arlington_GP #indycar pic.twitter.com/1wjiGerfw3

— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) March 14, 2026

“Damn it’s fun out here! Bring on tomorrow,” said Will Power.

Damn it’s fun out here! Bring on tomorrow. #INDYCAR 🤠 #ArlingtonGP pic.twitter.com/wyt5JAEIab

— Will Power (@26WillPower_) March 14, 2026

This is the first time in over 40 years an open-wheel Grand Prix race has come to North Texas. On July 8, 1984, the Formula 1 racing circuit’s Dallas Grand Prix was held at Fair Park on a 2.4-mile course that looped around the Cotton Bowl and along South Second Avenue.

The sentiment surrounding that 1984 F1 race was not as well-received, though. Temperatures hit triple-digits and drivers called the driving surface “disgustingly bad.”

Looks like INDYCAR is having a much better experience in the spring, instead of the summer, 42 years later.

Click here for our IndyCar race guide.