Indy NXT - Laguna I

The Laguna I indylights race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca represents the championship finale for the 2026 Indy NXT by Firestone season. This doubleheader event features two races that will determine the series champion. The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey takes place alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend at this California venue. Race 1 airs on FS2 at 6:30 p.m. ET, while Race 2 broadcasts on FS1 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Laguna Seca has hosted the series championship celebration 15 times, making it a familiar venue for title decisions.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Circuit Details

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca sits in Monterey County, California, near the cities of Monterey and Salinas. The paved road racing track opened in 1957 and takes its name from the Spanish words for "dry lake," as the area once was a lakebed. The circuit earned FIA Grade 2 classification for its safety standards and design.

Track Specifications

The circuit measures 2.238 miles (3.602 km) in length and contains 11 turns. The track features 180 feet (55 meters) of elevation change, which creates a challenging environment for drivers. This variation in height makes Laguna Seca one of the most demanding tracks in North American motorsports.

The Corkscrew

Turns 8 and 8A form the Corkscrew, a downhill combination that drops 59 feet over just 450 feet of track length. This descent equals the height of a five-and-a-half-story building. The steepest section features an 18% grade, which tests both driver skill and car setup. The Corkscrew stands as the most recognizable section of the circuit.

Other Key Sections

Turn 2, known as the Andretti Hairpin, presents a difficult double-apex corner that requires precise braking and positioning. The straight between Turns 6 and 7 carries the name Rahal Straight, honoring Bobby Rahal's four consecutive Champ Car victories. These named sections reflect the track's rich racing heritage.

Indy NXT Series Overview

Indy NXT by Firestone serves as the primary development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The series began in 2002 as the Infiniti Pro Series and underwent several name changes before becoming Indy NXT by Firestone in 2023. It functions as the top tier of the Road to Indy ladder system, which helps drivers progress to IndyCar competition.

2026 Season Format

The 2026 Indy NXT calendar includes 17 races, an increase from 14 in 2025. The schedule features five doubleheader weekends across oval, road course, and street circuit venues. The Laguna I event at Laguna Seca marks the final doubleheader and concludes the season.

Teams and Drivers for 2026

The 2026 season introduces a rule change that limits teams to a maximum of four cars. Technical partnerships and co-entry programs allow larger operations to support additional entries beyond this limit. Andretti Global, HMD Motorsports, Abel Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing plan to field multi-car entries. A. J. Foyt Racing will enter two cars through an alliance with HMD Motorsports.

Sebastian Murray joins Andretti Global for the 2026 season. Dennis Hauger, who won the 2025 Indy NXT championship, moves up to IndyCar competition for 2026. The series continues to serve as a crucial stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach the highest level of American open-wheel racing.

Technical Specifications

Indy NXT operates as a spec series, which means all teams use identical equipment. This format emphasizes driver talent and team strategy over engineering advantages.

Chassis and Engine

All teams use the Dallara IL-15 chassis, which entered service in 2015. The series added the halo safety device in 2021 as a major protection update. The chassis includes paddle shifters and push-to-pass systems for road and street courses. A spec AER 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the cars. This engine lasts an entire season without rebuilding, which helps control costs.

2026 Updates

A new semi-automatic shifting system debuts for the 2026 season, replacing the previous six-speed transmission. This change modernizes the car's operation and better prepares drivers for IndyCar equipment.

Safety Features

The Dallara IL-15 meets or exceeds FIA specifications with INDYCAR standards. Safety equipment includes INDYCAR-style headrests and seats, a secondary pedal bulkhead for oval racing, and Zylon anti-intrusion side panels. Firestone provides all tires as the official and exclusive supplier.

Championship Implications

The Laguna I indylights doubleheader at Laguna Seca will determine the 2026 series champion. Two races provide competitors with multiple opportunities to score points and secure the title. The champion receives a scholarship package that supports their progression to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This package includes funding for two IndyCar tests and entries for two races, including the Indianapolis 500.

Spec Racing Philosophy

Unlike the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, which uses different aerodynamic packages for various track types, Indy NXT maintains the same spec car for both oval and road courses. This consistency allows teams to focus on setup refinements rather than major configuration changes. The approach creates close competition and develops well-rounded drivers who must adapt to different track types with similar equipment.

Laguna Seca Racing History

Laguna Seca has a long connection to American open-wheel racing. The circuit hosted the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship weekend during 1989-96, 2019, and 2022-23. This history demonstrates the track's importance in determining champions. The venue's demanding layout and natural amphitheater setting create a distinctive racing environment.

What Makes This Event Notable

The combination of championship pressure and the Laguna Seca circuit creates a stern test for Indy NXT competitors. The track's elevation changes and technical corners require precision driving. The doubleheader format means drivers must perform consistently across two races to maximize their championship position. The Corkscrew section often produces dramatic moments as drivers push for every advantage.

The Laguna I indylights event offers fans close competition between emerging talents in American open-wheel racing. The race showcases the next generation of drivers as they compete for a championship that can launch their careers to the IndyCar level. The California setting and challenging circuit provide a fitting conclusion to the 2026 season.