Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey

The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey represents the championship finale for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This race takes place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, where the series champion will be crowned after a 17-race campaign. The circuit stands as one of America's premier road courses and hosts open-wheel racing at its highest level.

About the Race

The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey brings three days of competition to the California coast. The weekend features practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the championship-deciding race. Teams and drivers compete on a 2.238-mile road course that challenges every aspect of their skill and machinery. The race determines the season champion and concludes another year of IndyCar competition.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca sits approximately 10 miles inland from Monterey within the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. The circuit was constructed in 1957 on a dry lakebed, taking just 60 days to build. The track earned its name from the Spanish words for "dry lake," reflecting its location on an ancient lakebed. The facility holds FIA Grade 2 certification and underwent complete repaving in 2023.

The Corkscrew

The circuit's most famous section is The Corkscrew, a combination of Turns 8 and 8A. This sequence drops 59 feet over just 450 feet of track length—equivalent to falling from a 5.5-story building. From Turn 8 to Turn 9, the total elevation change reaches 109 feet. Drivers must navigate this blind, downhill section while transitioning from left to right, making it one of motorsport's most demanding corners.

Track Layout

The 2.238-mile circuit contains 11 turns and features significant elevation changes throughout. The lap begins with a fast left kink over a rise at the start-finish line. Drivers brake hard while descending into the Andretti Hairpin at Turn 2. The track flattens briefly before climbing uphill through Turn 5. The layout then continues through various elevation changes before returning to the dramatic Corkscrew section. The track expanded to its current configuration in 1988, adding what are now Turns 3, 4, and 5.

2026 Series Updates

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES implements several technical and procedural changes for 2026. All competitors use the Dallara DW12 chassis with universal aero kits. Firestone serves as the exclusive tire supplier through at least 2030. Chevrolet and Honda provide the engines, with both manufacturers committed through the upcoming switch to 2.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 units in 2028.

Practice sessions follow a new 40/12/12 format. Teams receive 40 minutes of combined running, then split into two groups for separate 12-minute sessions. Pre-race warm-up periods extend from 25 to 30 minutes. The Push-to-Pass system now operates on all road and street courses, including during restarts after the green flag. Teams must still manage total Push-to-Pass usage limits throughout each race.

New superspeedway flaps sit atop the rear tire ramps. These deploy during spins or rearward moments to reduce the chance of cars becoming airborne. A new independent organization, INDYCAR Officiating, oversees all competition officiating under the guidance of a three-person Independent Officiating Board.

Participants

The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey features the top teams and drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Organizations like Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren regularly compete at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The field includes open-wheel racing's most skilled drivers, all vying for the series championship in this season-ending race.

Beyond the Main Race

The weekend includes support series competition alongside the main IndyCar race. INDY NXT showcases developing talent in the series' official development category. The Porsche Sprint Challenge adds multi-make sports car racing to the program. A free Mission Foods Street Party takes place in Downtown Monterey, featuring IndyCar drivers, race cars, entertainment, and giveaways for fans.

Spectators can choose from various viewing options. Grandstand seating provides elevated views of key corners. Camping options allow fans to stay on-site throughout the weekend. Premium hospitality packages offer additional amenities for those seeking enhanced race-day experiences.

Track History

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca opened on November 9, 1957. The circuit was built after the dangerous Pebble Beach Road Races, held from 1950 to 1956, required replacement with a safer permanent facility. The U.S. Army leased land within Fort Ord for the project. Monterey County Parks Department has operated the facility since 1974.

The IndyCar series visits Laguna Seca for the 29th time. The track previously hosted championship-deciding weekends in 1989-96, 2019, and 2022-23 under various sanctioning bodies including CART and Champ Car. The circuit hosts multiple major motorsports events throughout the year, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, MotoAmerica, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The track appears in numerous films and video games, cementing its place in popular culture.

The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca delivers high-stakes racing action as teams battle for the championship. The combination of a challenging circuit, championship implications, and California setting makes this race a marquee event on the IndyCar calendar. Fans can witness the crowning of the series champion on one of motorsport's most demanding courses.