Indianapolis Road Course

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course hosts the Sonsio Grand Prix as part of the NTT IndyCar Series. This IndyCar event takes place on the road course configuration at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a venue that combines portions of the famous oval with an infield circuit. The race offers fans a different perspective on racing at the Speedway, showcasing the versatility of this historic facility.

The Indianapolis Road Course Layout

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course measures 2.439 miles in length and features 14 turns. The circuit uses Turns 1 and 2 from the oval, along with the front straightaway, then transitions into the infield section. This design creates a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. Drivers face fast sweepers and tight hairpin turns that test their abilities across different racing disciplines.

The current layout received updates in 2014 to better suit IndyCar racing. The circuit demands precision through technical sections while also rewarding bravery in the faster portions. This combination makes the Indianapolis Road Course one of the most challenging permanent road courses on the IndyCar calendar.

Race Format and Schedule

The Sonsio Grand Prix weekend includes practice and qualifying sessions. FOX broadcasts the race to viewers across the country. The 2026 season features revised practice formats for road courses. Teams receive an initial 40-minute practice session with all cars on track. After a break, two 12-minute sessions follow, with the field split into groups based on pit box numbers. Warm-up sessions now run for 30 minutes, an increase from previous seasons.

Drivers and Teams for 2026

The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series field includes several notable drivers. Álex Palou, a four-time series champion and defending Indianapolis 500 winner, returns to competition. David Malukas has joined Team Penske for the season. Will Power now drives for Andretti. Mick Schumacher begins his rookie IndyCar season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Kyle Kirkwood currently leads the championship standings.

Team Changes

The 2026 season brings significant driver movements across the paddock. These changes create new team dynamics and rivalries throughout the season. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course race provides an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their road course capabilities.

Technical Regulations

Firestone supplies tires for all teams through at least the 2030 season. Teams competing on permanent road courses like Indianapolis must use at least one set of alternate tires during the race. Alternate tires feature either a red or green stripe for identification. These tires use a softer compound that provides better grip but wears faster than primary tires. This requirement adds strategy to race planning.

The 2026 IndyCar Series introduces safety updates across the season. Superspeedway tire ramp flaps are now mandatory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These carbon fiber components deploy during a spin or rearward moment. They disrupt airflow and reduce the chance of a car becoming airborne. Testing shows these flaps decrease the likelihood of a car lifting after a 180-degree spin by nearly 9 percent.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway History

Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909. The facility originally used 3.2 million bricks as the racing surface, earning the nickname "The Brickyard." A three-foot strip of original bricks remains at the start/finish line. Race winners traditionally kiss these bricks after victory.

A road course first appeared at the Speedway in 2000 for the United States Grand Prix. The current IndyCar Grand Prix on the road course has run annually since 2014. The layout has undergone several design changes, with the 2014 modifications specifically created for IndyCar racing.

Speedway Features

Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating racetrack in the United States. The facility seats more than 257,000 spectators in permanent seating, with total capacity exceeding 400,000. This makes it the largest sports seating facility in the world.

The Speedway grounds cover enough area to contain Vatican City, the Roman Colosseum, Yankee Stadium, and Churchill Downs within the infield. The 10-story Pagoda, inspired by Japanese architecture, serves as the control tower and media center during race events.

Unique Attractions

The Brickyard Crossing Golf Course includes four holes located inside the track's oval. This makes it one of the few golf courses globally situated within a major racetrack. The garage area is known as "Gasoline Alley," a historical reference that persists despite IndyCar racecars now using ethanol fuel.

IndyCar Series Background

IndyCar has evolved through various sanctioning bodies over its history. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and United States Auto Club (USAC) previously governed the sport. Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) also played a significant role before the formation of the current IndyCar Series. This history contributes to the depth and tradition of American open-wheel racing.

The Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course represents an important stop for teams and drivers. The race combines the prestige of the Speedway with the technical demands of road course racing. Fans can watch drivers compete on a circuit that honors tradition while providing modern racing action.