Indy NXT - Grand Prix of Monterey

The Grand Prix of Monterey brings the INDY NXT by Firestone season finale to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. This doubleheader race weekend marks the 15th time the championship will conclude at this renowned road course. INDY NXT, previously known as Indy Lights, serves as the top level of the Road to Indy development program for drivers aiming to compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Race Format and Championship Implications

The Grand Prix of Monterey features two separate races across the weekend. This doubleheader format creates additional points opportunities for championship contenders. The season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will determine the 2026 INDY NXT champion. All practice sessions, qualifying, and races will be broadcast on FOX Sports networks, specifically FS1 or FS2.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Circuit

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca spans 2.238 miles with 11 turns. The facility opened in 1957 as a safer alternative to the Pebble Beach Road Races. The track underwent major updates in 1988 when the infield area was added, extending the circuit to its current configuration. A complete repaving project was completed in 2023, along with the installation of the Mission Foods Bridge.

The Corkscrew

Turns 8 and 8A form the Corkscrew, the circuit's most recognized feature. This section drops 59 feet over just 450 feet of track length, creating a six-story descent. The elevation continues to fall 109 feet from Turn 8 to Turn 9. This dramatic change in elevation presents a significant challenge for drivers and often creates memorable racing moments.

Track Characteristics

The 2.238-mile road course tests driver skill across varied elevation changes and corner types. The facility has continued to improve its infrastructure, with recent renovations to the timing and scoring tower, pit-side garages, hospitality suites, and track surface enhancements. These improvements support high-level competition across multiple racing series.

INDY NXT by Firestone Competitors

The 2026 INDY NXT field features emerging talent from around the globe. Several teams have announced their driver lineups for the season. Abel Motorsports will field Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, Colin Kaminsky, and Myles Rowe. Andretti Global has confirmed Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. A.J. Foyt Racing will run Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio.

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR has signed Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing will field James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports has announced Nicolas Stati and Juan Manuel Correa. Additional entries may be confirmed as the season approaches.

Technical Specifications

INDY NXT by Firestone uses spec equipment to create equal competition and highlight driver ability. All competitors use the same chassis and engine package.

Chassis and Safety Features

The Dallara IL-15 chassis has been the spec car since 2015. The carbon fiber honeycomb composite monocoque includes extensive safety features. The chassis meets or exceeds FIA specifications with INDYCAR standards. Safety equipment includes a halo device added in 2021, INDYCAR-style headrests and seats, a secondary pedal bulkhead, and Zylon anti-intrusion side panels.

Engine and Performance

Advanced Engine Research (AER) builds and tunes the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The powerplant produces 450 horsepower with an additional 50 horsepower available through the push-to-pass system. AER engines are built to last an entire season without requiring a rebuild. The car uses a 6-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

Additional Specifications

The complete car weighs approximately 1,400 pounds, excluding driver and fuel. VP Racing Fuels provides 101 RON unleaded fuel for the series. Firestone serves as the official tire supplier for INDY NXT by Firestone.

History at Laguna Seca

Indy Lights has competed at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca since at least 1992. The circuit has regularly hosted the season finale for the series. Many drivers who found success at Laguna Seca in Indy Lights advanced to compete in major open-wheel championships. Greg Moore won the 1995 season finale at the track, securing 10 wins from 12 races that year before moving to CART.

The current INDY NXT series launched in 2002 as a feeder series for the Indy Racing League. Penske Entertainment acquired the series and rebranded it as INDY NXT in 2023. The series continues to serve as the primary development path for drivers pursuing careers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Notable Aspects of the Event

The Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca holds significance as the championship decider. The doubleheader format means drivers have two opportunities to score points and potentially claim the title. California native and past winner Colton Herta has called Laguna Seca his favorite road course in the United States outside of the Indy 500.

The circuit hosts multiple major racing series throughout the year, from sports cars to motorcycles, in addition to INDY NXT and NTT INDYCAR SERIES events. The track's distinct elevation changes and technical layout create close racing. The Corkscrew has produced memorable overtaking maneuvers, including Alex Zanardi's famous pass on Bryan Herta during the 1996 CART race.

The 2026 Grand Prix of Monterey promises to deliver competitive racing as drivers battle for the INDY NXT championship. The combination of a challenging circuit, talented field, and doubleheader format creates multiple storylines to follow throughout the weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.