MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 5, 2026 — The field is set for Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with Scott McLaughlin leading the way after a thrilling qualifying session that saw the top three separated by just five-hundredths of a second.
McLaughlin captured the pole for the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey with a lap of 1:09.1363 at 116.535 mph around the legendary 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course.
Five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou will start alongside McLaughlin on the front row, while 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist will start third. With just 0.05 seconds separating the top three, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey takes the green flag at 12:05 p.m. Sunday, live on FOX.
Friday Recap
Friday morning delivered an emotional and historic moment at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as the iconic Corkscrew was officially dedicated as The Zanardi Corkscrew, forever honoring two-time INDYCAR champion Alex Zanardi and his extraordinary connection to the circuit. Watch the full dedication video.
Know Before You Go: Sunday’s Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey
The stage is set for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Fans heading to the track Sunday are encouraged to arrive early and plan ahead for a full day of racing, entertainment and championship celebrations.
Entering and Exiting WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Public gates open at 7 a.m. Traffic is expected to be heavy; all spectators should enter via South Boundary Road. Review directions to the raceway before departing.
WRLS Ticket Will Call
Will Call is located at the track’s South Boundary Road entrance. Please note that you cannot access South Boundary Road if you enter from Highway 68. Will Call will be open from 6 a.m. to noon on race day.
INDYCAR Ticket Will Call
INDYCAR registration is located at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, Calif.
Rideshares (Uber and Lyft)
Rideshare pickup and drop-off is at the designated location inside the Lakebed. Please let your driver know which entrance to take ahead of time, then follow the signage once on-site.
Sunday Schedule
| Begin | End | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | 8:20 a.m. | Historic INDYCAR Exhibition |
| 8:40 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. | Car Corral Laps |
| 9:31 a.m. | — | Drivers, start your engines command |
| 9:38 a.m. | 10:28 a.m. | Race No. 2 — INDY NXT, 30 laps or 50 minutes |
| 10:45 a.m. | 10:55 a.m. | Indy Autonomous |
| 11:00 a.m. | 11:08 a.m. | Historic INDYCAR Exhibition — Parade Lap |
| 11:48 a.m. | 11:51 a.m. | Invocation and National Anthem |
| 11:58 a.m. | — | Drivers, start your engines command |
| 12:05 p.m. | 2:10 p.m. | Green Flag — Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey, NTT INDYCAR SERIES |
| 2:10 p.m. | 3:10 p.m. | NTT INDYCAR Post-Race |
| 2:50 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | Race No. 2 — Porsche Sprint Challenge |
Race Time
The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey takes the green flag at 12:05 p.m., with the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES battling around the legendary 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course. The race will air live on FOX.
Arrive Early
A large race-day crowd is expected. Fans are encouraged to allow extra time for traffic, parking and entry into the facility. Arriving early also gives fans the opportunity to explore the paddock, Fan Zone and activities throughout the raceway before the main event.
More Than the Main Event
Sunday offers much more than the NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale, with additional on-track action and fan activities throughout the day. Fans can get an up-close look at the cars and teams in the paddock and experience the sights and sounds of Championship Weekend throughout the facility.
Star Power on the Grid
The excitement will build before the green flag with multi-platinum rock band Nickelback joining the festivities as honorary guests on the starting grid for Sunday’s Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey. Adding to the pre-race celebration, Kyndal Inskeep, known for her standout appearances on the television shows The Voice and American Idol, will perform the National Anthem before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field takes to the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca circuit for the season finale.
Flyover
The pre-race flyover will feature two F-15s from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, Calif., piloted by Capt. Ian “Shuffle” Diebert and 1st Lt. Elijah “Grind” Edwards.
Be Prepared
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with sunscreen, a hat and layers for changing Central California Coast weather. Fans should review the latest facility policies and permitted and prohibited items at WeatherTechRaceway.com before departing for the track.
Don’t Miss the Finale
Tickets are still available, and Sunday promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California, operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The 2.238-mile raceway features 11 challenging turns and approximately 180 feet of elevation change, including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at FriendsOfLagunaSeca.org.
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The Zanardi Corkscrew Officially Dedicated at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca