IndyCar - Barber Motorsports Park

The Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Powered by AmFirst brings NTT IndyCar Series competition to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama for the 2026 season. This IndyCar race takes place on the 2.38-mile road course that has hosted open-wheel racing since 2010. FOX Sports will broadcast the event. Fans can purchase tickets, garage passes, parking, and camping options through www.indyalabama.com.

The Circuit at Barber Motorsports Park

Barber Motorsports Park sits on the eastern edge of Birmingham, Alabama. The track opened in 2003 after George W. Barber consulted with racing legends John Surtees and Dan Gurney on the design. Architect Alan Wilson created a 2.38-mile clockwise circuit with 17 turns that follows the natural topography of the land.

The asphalt surface measures 45 feet wide and features elevation changes of over 80 feet. This creates a challenging combination of fast flowing sections and technical corners. The Turn 5/6 complex, known as "Charlotte's Web," tests driver precision. The track holds an FIA Grade 2 rating. Pato O'Ward set the race lap record of 1:06.8182 in 2021.

The pit lane runs along the outside of the course, parallel to the front straightaway. A multi-level paddock provides team operations space. A tunnel beneath Turn 12 allows emergency and maintenance vehicle access to the infield. The circuit includes two cutoff turns that can shorten the course for testing purposes.

NTT IndyCar Series Competition

The 2026 IndyCar field features several notable driver changes. David Malukas joins Team Penske, while Will Power moves to Andretti Global. Dennis Hauger drives for Dale Coyne Racing. Rinus VeeKay competes with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Mick Schumacher races for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Caio Collet represents A.J. Foyt Racing.

Chevrolet and Honda supply engines for the series. Firestone serves as the sole tire supplier for IndyCar through at least 2030. The combination of tire strategy and fuel management plays a significant role on this road course.

Barber Motorsports Park Facility

The 880-acre facility includes much more than the racing circuit. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles and racing cars. This makes it the world's largest motorcycle museum. The collection also includes a substantial number of Lotus race cars.

Sculptures dot the grounds throughout the property. A large steel spider stands as one of the prominent art installations. The landscaping and aesthetic presentation have earned the venue recognition, with some calling it the "Augusta National of Motorsports." A 0.7-mile vintage motocross course and the Barber Proving Ground for defensive driving and vehicle testing round out the complex.

Viewing Areas and Spectator Experience

The main spectator area stretches along the back section between Turns 8 and 11. Additional viewing locations exist outside Turns 2, 3, and 14. These positions offer fans different perspectives on IndyCar racing action. The natural elevation changes provide sightlines to multiple sections of the circuit from certain vantage points.

ZOOM Motorsports operates the facility. The venue combines professional racing infrastructure with museum exhibits and artistic elements. Visitors can explore the motorcycle collection and view the sculptures while attending the IndyCar race weekend.

Alabama's Premier IndyCar Event

The Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix represents the state's top IndyCar event. Barber Motorsports Park has built a reputation for close racing and competitive IndyCar competition since the series first visited in 2010. Team Penske has achieved strong results at this circuit over the years.

The 2026 edition features the current generation of IndyCar machinery on a circuit that rewards both driver skill and car setup. The technical nature of Barber Motorsports Park creates opportunities for position changes throughout the race distance. FOX Sports coverage allows fans to follow all the action from this Alabama road course.