IndyCar - Indianapolis Road Course

The Sonsio Grand Prix returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026, bringing the NTT IndyCar Series to the road course configuration at this historic facility. This race serves as a key moment in the month of May activities at the Speedway, featuring 85 laps over 207.315 miles on the technical 2.439-mile road course layout. Fans can watch top IndyCar drivers and teams compete on a circuit that combines portions of the famous oval with the challenging infield section.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Layout

The Indianapolis Road Course measures 2.439 miles and features 14 turns. The track uses portions of Turns 1 and 2 from the oval, along with the front straightaway. The remaining sections wind through the infield area. This FIA Grade 2 circuit demands both technical precision and high-speed bravery from drivers.

Key Sections of the Track

Turns 1 and 2 create a heavy braking zone at the end of the frontstretch. Drivers must navigate a sharp right-hand Turn 1 followed immediately by a left-hand Turn 2. The circuit then flows through Turn 3, a slight right-hander, before reaching Turn 4. Turns 5 and 6 form a quick chicane that tests car balance. Turn 7 presents a sharp left-hand corner at the end of a straight, while Turns 8 and 9 create another rapid chicane sequence. The sweeping Turn 11 leads drivers onto the short chute of the oval before Turn 12 demands heavy braking into a sharp right-hand corner.

Teams and Drivers for 2026

The 2026 entry list includes the core teams of the IndyCar Series. Team Penske fields Chevrolet-powered entries, with Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas on the roster. Andretti Global runs Honda engines and welcomes Will Power to their lineup. Arrow McLaren continues with Chevrolet power and Pato O'Ward.

Chip Ganassi Racing brings Honda-powered cars with defending champion Álex Palou among their drivers. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing adds Mick Schumacher to their Honda-powered team. Other teams include AJ Foyt Racing with Caio Collet, Dale Coyne Racing with Dennis Hauger and potential additions, Ed Carpenter Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing with Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb, and Meyer Shank Racing.

Technical Specifications

All cars use the Dallara DW12 chassis with the 2018 universal aero kit. Chevrolet and Honda supply the engines, while Firestone provides tires for all competitors. The series maintains strict regulations for engine control units, boost pressure, and fuel specifications. Teams must comply with technical inspections and use only approved parts.

New Officiating System

IndyCar introduces an independent officiating structure for 2026. INDYCAR Officiating Inc. and an Independent Officiating Board oversee race control, technical inspections, and rule enforcement. This system aims to provide consistent and transparent officiating throughout the season.

History of the Venue

Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 and earned the nickname "The Brickyard" after the surface received brick paving that same year. The modern infield road course was completed in 2000. IndyCar first raced on this road course configuration in 2014 with the creation of the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. The course has seen several design changes over the years, with the current layout representing the fastest and most technical version.

What Makes This Race Special

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course combines the heritage of the famous oval with a modern road course challenge. Drivers experience both the banked turns of the oval and the tight infield sections in a single lap. The venue offers a unique test within the IndyCar Series schedule. The facility's size allows it to accommodate massive crowds, and the road course provides numerous viewing angles for spectators. This race continues the tradition of May racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting the stage for the activities that follow at this legendary venue.