Mission Grand Prix of Monterey

The Mission Grand Prix of Monterey serves as the season finale for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California will determine the series champion. The event takes place over Labor Day weekend and features 95 laps covering 212.61 miles. Fox broadcasts all 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, including this championship-deciding event.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Circuit

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca sits on the Monterey Peninsula, approximately 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. This permanent road course measures 2.238 miles and contains 11 turns. The track presents a significant challenge for indycar drivers who compete for the championship title.

The Corkscrew Section

The Corkscrew stands as one of the most recognizable features at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This section creates a dramatic test for drivers. At Turn 8, the road drops 12 percent, then increases to an 18 percent drop at Turn 8A. The track descends 59 feet over just 450 feet of distance. This equals the height of a five-and-a-half-story building. The famous "Pass" by Alex Zanardi in 1996 happened here, where he completed an overtake with four wheels in the dirt.

Championship Battle and Participants

The 2026 Mission Grand Prix of Monterey brings together drivers from 10 full-time organizations. Alex Palou leads the championship points entering the finale. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver has won four series championships and holds defending champion status. Palou also won the 2026 Indianapolis 500. Kyle Kirkwood holds second place in the championship standings.

Team and Driver Lineup

Chip Ganassi Racing fields multiple cars at the Mission Grand Prix of Monterey. The team includes four-time champion Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Kyffin Simpson. Andretti Global competes with Marcus Ericsson. Arrow McLaren maintains a partnership with Mission Foods, the title sponsor of this indycar event. Katherine Legge races for A. J. Foyt Racing in 2026.

Technical Specifications

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES uses the Dallara IR-18 chassis. This chassis features a wheelbase of 3,400 mm and a width of 1,900 mm. The base chassis weighs 1,693 lbs, with specific weights for different track types. Road courses like WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca require cars to weigh 1,700 pounds.

Engine and Performance

Teams choose between Honda and Chevrolet 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines. These power units produce 650-700 horsepower. A hybrid unit adds up to 150 horsepower, bringing total output above 700 horsepower. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES promotes itself as "The Fastest Racing on Earth," with cars reaching speeds over 240 mph.

Aerodynamics and Tires

Teams in 2026 can design active aerodynamics for front and rear wings. The front features a two-element flap while the rear uses three elements. These changes support closer racing at circuits like Monterey, California. Firestone supplies all tires for the series through 2030. The 2026 tires are narrower than previous years and use 18-inch wheels.

History of IndyCar at Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca opened in 1957 after sports car races at Pebble Beach in the 1950s. The track has hosted the INDYCAR SERIES championship finale multiple times, including 1989-96, 2019, and 2022-23. The 2026 Mission Grand Prix of Monterey marks the 29th visit by the INDYCAR SERIES to this Monterey, California facility.

Mission Foods Sponsorship

Mission Foods became the title sponsor of the Mission Grand Prix of Monterey. The company also sponsors the Start/Finish Bridge at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mission Foods partners with Arrow McLaren in the indycar series.

What Makes This Race Special

The Mission Grand Prix of Monterey decides the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. The circuit at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca tests drivers with elevation changes and technical corners. The Corkscrew section creates opportunities for bold passing moves. Fans watch as drivers compete under pressure with a championship at stake. The combination of a challenging course and high stakes produces memorable racing action.

Future Development

While teams race the IR-18 chassis at the 2026 Mission Grand Prix of Monterey, the series prepares for future changes. The new IR-28 chassis will debut in 2028 with a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine producing up to 760 horsepower. Initial testing for the IR-28 began in 2026, showing the series' commitment to evolution.