IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey 2026 Preview
The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca venue has produced memorable IndyCar races for decades, with its combination of heavy braking zones, flowing sections and dramatic changes in elevation making it one of the series’ most distinctive road courses.
The 2026 Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey was the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale, with the event taking place from September 4 to September 6. Scott McLaughlin ultimately claimed victory for Team Penske, ending a lengthy winless run in the process.
When Is The IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey?
The 2026 event ran from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. It served as the final round of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
Friday featured the opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice session, while Saturday included a second practice, qualifying and final practice. The race itself took place on Sunday, September 6, with the green flag scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.
For viewers in the UK, the race began at 7:30 p.m. BST on Sunday. Coverage was available through FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and INDYCAR Radio in the United States.
The 2026 race has now been completed, with Scott McLaughlin converting pole position into victory. He led 87 of the 95 laps and beat Kyle Kirkwood by 1.3739 seconds, while Alexander Rossi completed the podium.
Where Is The IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey Held?
The race is held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a circuit located in Monterey, California. The track is 2.238 miles (3.602 km) long and features 11 corners. The 2026 IndyCar race covered 95 laps, equivalent to 212.61 miles.
Turns 8 and 8A form the famous Corkscrew, a dramatic left-right sequence featuring a six-storey drop over approximately 450 feet. The rapid change in elevation makes the section one of the most recognisable and demanding sequences in American motorsport.
Originally constructed in 1957 to provide a safer alternative after the Pebble Beach Road Races, Laguna Seca has since become a major venue for a wide range of racing categories. Its mixture of slow corners, fast approaches, elevation changes and limited margins for error makes setup and consistency particularly important.
The circuit again provided a demanding test in 2026, with qualifying proving especially significant. Scott McLaughlin took pole with a lap of 1:09.1363, edging five-time series champion Alex Palou.
Who Won The IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey 2025?
Álex Palou won the 2025 race at Laguna Seca for Chip Ganassi Racing, leading 84 of the 95 laps and completing the race in just over two hours and five minutes.
The 2025 podium was:
1st: Álex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing)
2nd: Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren)
3rd: Colton Herta (Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian)
Palou started from pole position and controlled the race for much of the afternoon. Lundgaard recovered from seventh on the grid to finish second, while Herta maintained his starting position to take third. Pato O’Ward finished fourth.
Palou’s 2025 victory also made him the defending winner heading into the 2026 season finale. However, he was unable to repeat that result, with Scott McLaughlin taking the 2026 victory after starting from pole.
Who Is Favourite To Win The IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey?
Before the 2026 race, Álex Palou was naturally one of the leading contenders. The five-time series champion had already demonstrated strong form at Laguna Seca and entered the weekend with the opportunity to add another victory to his record.
Scott McLaughlin was another major contender after setting the pace in practice and taking pole position. His qualifying performance was particularly significant, as pole winners had won 18 of the previous 28 IndyCar races held at the circuit.
Felix Rosenqvist also showed strong pace during the weekend, finishing second in the second practice session before qualifying third. Other leading drivers included Kyle Kirkwood, Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard, all of whom had demonstrated competitive form during the 2026 season.
In the end, McLaughlin proved the strongest of the leading contenders. He delivered a dominant performance to secure his first IndyCar victory since 2024, finishing ahead of Kirkwood and Rossi.
Bet on the IndyCar Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey at Bet442
The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey offers a range of potential betting markets, including the outright winner and finishing positions.
Whether you are a long-time motorsport fan or simply enjoy keeping up with major sporting events, Bet442 offers a range of markets to explore.
Bet442 is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a safe and secure betting experience.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.