The electrifying world of Formula E racing is gearing up to illuminate the streets of Phoenix by 2026, a significant move in its quest for a second racing event on American soil. The capital city of Arizona, which served as a host for Formula 1 races between 1989 to 1991, is at the negotiation table with Formula E to breathe life into a new street race. This development comes after the city’s initial expression of interest at the 2023 Portland E-Prix.
Phoenix, with its rich motorsport history centered around the Phoenix International Raceway oval – a long-standing venue for NASCAR and CART/IndyCar – is no stranger to the thrill of racing. The city council demonstrated its commitment to bring a Formula E event to Phoenix in October 2023, approving the funding of an initial feasibility study. Key representatives from this initiative also attended the Portland E-Prix that same year, signaling their fervent interest in hosting the world’s only electric world championship in the fifth-largest city in the US.
The discussions, which have continued ever since, saw a major development earlier this month when Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds visited Phoenix to meet with invested parties. “We’re in talks with several cities, and Phoenix is definitely on the list,” Dodds stated. He further praised Phoenix for its vibrant sports culture and robust economy, marking it as an intriguing US city.
Dodds refrained from divulging specific potential locations for the race within Phoenix or its surrounding regions, mentioning the city itself, its neighboring Scottsdale, and other nearby areas. He also acknowledged the city’s picturesque landscapes, including the stunning backdrop of red rocks and mountains, suggesting that the race would likely be set in a true street circuit.
As the next phase of this project kicks off, the focus will turn to the more technical aspects. Both parties will have to crunch the numbers, assess potential locations, and examine the overall calendar logistics. Dodds stated, “The real work begins now. There’s mutual interest, and now we need to delve into the details.”
To ensure a consistent racing schedule for 2025-26, Formula E is determined to avoid the lengthy pauses that marked its previous calendars. The Race has learned that the organization aims to submit a complete calendar by May, possibly featuring at least 18 races across 12 locations. Dodds confirmed this, adding, “We want to have a named calendar in May, and there’s enough time to achieve that.”
When questioned about the likelihood of a second US event for the upcoming season, Dodds responded, “We’ll see how Miami fares [its debut at Homestead in April]. But that’s definitely a possibility.” Other prospective additions to the regular events are rumored to include Chiang Mai in Thailand, and potential comebacks in Santiago and Cape Town, possibly on previously raced tracks in these cities.