Palou's Title Secured, Laguna Seca Hosts INDYCAR's 2026 Finale
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES closes its 2026 season Sunday, Sept. 6, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, with the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey. Race coverage on FOX and FOX One begins at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the green flag set for approximately 3 p.m. ET, pending broadcast changes. Practice and qualifying air Friday on FS2.
The championship was already decided before the field reaches California. Alex Palou clinched his fifth series title, and fourth consecutive, at the Milwaukee Mile on Aug. 30, becoming the first driver in INDYCAR history to win five championships within a six-year span. Despite the title being settled, the finale carries weight further down the standings: Pato O'Ward swept both races of the Milwaukee doubleheader, becoming the first INDYCAR driver to win two races in a single day since 1981, and arrives at Laguna Seca with momentum in the fight for the remaining top championship positions. cebl betting lines
Race 17 of 17 will run 95 laps across the 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course, which includes the circuit's signature Corkscrew section and has hosted racing since 1957. Palou won last year's edition at Laguna Seca, the 2025 Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, on July 27, 2025. Will Buxton calls the race for FOX alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe, with Georgia Henneberry, Kevin Lee and Jack Harvey reporting from pit road.
Fans can stream the full weekend, including practice, qualifying and the race, through FOX One, FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, with a three-day free trial available on FOX One. The Monterey weekend marks the final race of the 2026 campaign before teams shift focus to preparations for next season.
