MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 29, 2026 — Labor Day weekend is about to get a whole lot faster as Championship Week roars into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, September 4–6, for the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey and the thrilling conclusion of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. With a championship on the line and the stars of INDYCAR taking on one of the world’s most iconic circuits, fans can make the weekend their own with everything from elevated VIP hospitality and individual or group ticket options to trackside camping for the ultimate race-weekend getaway. Car enthusiasts can join fellow owners in dedicated marque car corrals and even take their own cars on the legendary Laguna Seca circuit, while autograph sessions, trackside forums, historic INDYCAR exhibitions and more bring fans closer to the drivers and action throughout the weekend. And there’s more to come, with additional Championship Week experiences and special announcements still ahead.
Championship Stakes on the Line for INDYCAR Stars
The stakes could not be higher as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship battle comes down to its final rounds. Will two-time defending Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey winner and four-time series champion Alex Palou once again conquer Laguna Seca and add another championship to his remarkable résumé? Christian Lundgaard, runner-up at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 2025, arrives riding a hot streak after another impressive second-place finish on the streets of Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Kyle Kirkwood, currently second in the championship standings, has made it clear he intends to fight to the very end, coming off an incredible victory in the Freedom 250—the longest street-circuit race in INDYCAR history at 250 miles—proving he has the physical and mental endurance to contend when everything is on the line.
End of an Era—Dixie’s Last Start With Chip Ganassi Racing
The weekend will also mark the end of an extraordinary era, as INDYCAR legend Scott Dixon makes his final start with Chip Ganassi Racing after 24 seasons together—a historic partnership that produced six INDYCAR SERIES championships, 58 race wins and 32 pole positions and helped define a generation of American open-wheel racing.
In a Historic First, Legendary INDYCARs Come Roaring Back to Life at High Speed
Racing history comes alive throughout Championship Weekend with the raceway’s first exhibition of historically significant INDYCARs, celebrating legendary drivers and their defining moments that have shaped American open-wheel racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Highlights include a 1996 Reynard from Alex Zanardi’s remarkable rookie season—the year of his legendary Laguna Seca victory and unforgettable move through the Corkscrew known worldwide as “The Pass”—along with the car driven by Teo Fabi to the first INDYCAR victory at Laguna Seca. Fans will have the rare opportunity to see these historic machines back at speed around the legendary circuit, with iconic drivers behind the wheel, creating a powerful connection between the legends who shaped the sport and today’s stars battling for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.
For tickets, the complete event schedule and additional information, please visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.
Video: Mick Schumacher, Santino Ferrucci and Caio Collet describe the Corkscrew in three words at a recent test: watch the video on YouTube.
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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