IndyCar - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

The INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey brings the NTT IndyCar Series season finale to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. This race serves as the championship conclusion, where drivers compete on one of North America's most challenging road courses. The event features the full IndyCar Series grid battling across 95 laps and 212.61 miles of technical racing.

About the Race

The INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey represents the final opportunity for drivers to claim the series championship. Java House is expected to sponsor the event, continuing its support of IndyCar racing at this venue. Fox will broadcast all 2026 IndyCar Series races, including this season-ending contest. The race weekend typically includes a pre-race street party in downtown Monterey, bringing fans and teams together before competition begins.

Fans can select from various ticket options, including grandstand seating and hospitality packages. Reserve camping is available for those who want to stay close to the action throughout the weekend.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Circuit

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca sits in Monterey County, near Monterey and Salinas, California. The paved road racing track measures 2.238 miles in length and contains 11 turns. The circuit features dramatic elevation changes, with a total climb and descent of approximately 180 feet.

The Corkscrew

The Corkscrew stands as the track's most recognizable feature. This left-right combination at Turns 8 and 8A drops 59 feet in just 450 feet of track length. The descent equals a 5½-story building, creating a unique challenge for drivers as they navigate the blind corner at high speed.

Other Key Turns

Turn 2 bears the name "Andretti Hairpin," honoring former Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti. Turn 9 is called "Rainey Curve" after motorcycle racing legend Wayne Rainey. These corners test driver skill and car setup throughout the race distance.

Track Specifications

The circuit received a complete repaving in 2023, providing a smooth surface for competition. The FIA classifies WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as a Grade 2 circuit. The track name "Laguna Seca" translates from Spanish as "dry lake," reflecting its construction around a dry lake bed.

2026 IndyCar Series Participants

The 2026 IndyCar Series grid includes top teams such as Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Global, Meyer Shank Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Championship Contenders

Defending champion Álex Palou enters the season with four series championships to his name. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver won at Laguna Seca previously and will aim for another strong finish. Other championship contenders include Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Kyle Kirkwood, and Pato O'Ward.

New Drivers for 2026

Several drivers join the series this year. Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger makes his IndyCar debut with Dale Coyne Racing. Former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher joins Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, bringing international experience to the grid. Caio Collet drives for A.J. Foyt Enterprises.

Driver Changes

Romain Grosjean returns to IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing. David Malukas has moved to Team Penske, while Rinus VeeKay now competes for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Marco Andretti announced his retirement from motor racing, ending his career in the sport.

Technical Regulations for 2026

IndyCar Series cars use a spec Dallara IR-18 chassis. The cars feature twin-turbocharged V6 engines from either Chevrolet or Honda. Firestone supplies all tires for the series through at least the 2030 season. Road course events like the race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca use a specific aerodynamic package that maximizes downforce and handling.

New Tire Regulations

Drivers must use Firestone's alternate tire compounds twice during every street and road course race. They also must complete a single stint on the primary compound. Each tire set requires at least two green-flag laps. This rule adds strategic elements to race planning and execution.

Officiating Changes

A new independent, not-for-profit body called INDYCAR Officiating now oversees all competition officiating. A three-person Independent Officiating Board governs this organization, providing independent oversight of race control decisions.

Practice and Race Procedures

Practice sessions for road and street courses begin with a 40-minute segment, followed by two 12-minute group runs. Late-race procedures for clearing lapped cars before restarts have expanded at most events. These changes affect race strategy and on-track positioning.

Circuit History

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 after officials discontinued the dangerous Pebble Beach Road Races. The first race took place on November 9, 1957. Indy cars first competed at the venue in 1983.

The track hosted various premier racing series throughout its history, including USRRC, Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, IMSA GT, and MotoGP. The facility operated as Laguna Seca Raceway from 1957 to 2001, then as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca from 2002 to 2017. It adopted the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca name in April 2018.

Notable IndyCar Moments

Alex Zanardi made "The Pass" on Bryan Herta at the Corkscrew on the final lap of the 1996 CART race, securing victory in one of the series' most memorable overtakes. Bobby Rahal holds the record for most IndyCar wins at the track with four consecutive victories from 1984 to 1987. Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing share the team record with six wins each. Colton Herta, son of Bryan Herta, won when the IndyCar Series returned to the track in 2019.

Visiting the Area

The track sits within the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, a county park that offers camping facilities and recreational opportunities. The Monterey Peninsula features attractions including Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur. Visitors often combine race attendance with exploring the scenic coastal region.

What to Expect

The race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca delivers close competition on a technical circuit. The elevation changes and corner variety create opportunities for overtaking and strategic racing. The season finale format adds championship pressure, often producing dramatic racing as drivers compete for the title or final standings positions. The 95-lap distance tests both driver stamina and car reliability across the demanding layout.