IndyCar returns to Long Beach for the fifth race of 2026
IndyCar is set to compete once again at Long Beach, marking the fifth round of the 2026 season and one of the series’ most iconic events. The race takes place in California along the Pacific coast on a legendary street circuit. During the same weekend, IMSA will also hold a race, adding to the excitement.
The challenge for teams and drivers will be intense. Success will depend heavily on race strategy, particularly fuel and tire management. Additionally, any caution periods will have significant impact. As with all street races, the qualifying format includes the Fast Six knockout session for a one-lap shootout to determine the top grid positions.
After the first four races, Kyle Kirkwood leads the championship with 156 points, narrowly ahead of Alex Palou by two points. Christian Lundgaard sits third with 121 points, followed by David Malukas (116), Josef Newgarden (113), Pato O’Ward (106), Scott McLaughlin (99), Marcus Ericsson (99), Marcus Armstrong (98), and Scott Dixon (85). In the manufacturers’ standings, Honda holds 344 points, leading Ilmor-Chevrolet with 297.
The Long Beach circuit
The 1.698-mile (3.167 km) Long Beach street circuit features eleven turns and challenges drivers over 90 laps, totaling 177.12 miles (285.047 km). This technical track is often affected by a dirty and uneven surface, with close walls demanding precision and smooth driving lines. Drivers must skillfully use curbs to gain optimal lap times.
Managing throttle application is crucial, especially when exiting slow corners to maintain traction. Though short, the circuit is intense and requires particular attention in the second sector.
The start/finish line is on East Shoreline Drive, a sweeping right-hand corner that leads drivers to sixth gear. The first heavy braking zone is the Acura turn, where gear shifts from sixth to first must be perfectly timed. This initiates a very slow section, marked by the iconic bronze Three Dolphins Fountain. Drivers juggle throttle and brake pedals through the second, third (O’Reilly), and fourth corners, shifting between first and second gears.
The Three Dolphins Fountain remains one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks during the 2026 IndyCar season – Travis Hinkle/NTT IndyCar Series Credits
After a short acceleration, the 5th turn is a second-gear right-hander. Drivers then shift through two gears on West Shoreline Drive before heavy braking for turn 6, the Tecate Turn, approached in second gear. Turn 7 is a slight left bend onto Pine Avenue, leading to turn 8’s braking zone, also taken in second gear.
Accelerating near the inside curb, drivers tackle the opposite straight along Seaside Way, reaching fifth gear before braking for turn 9, the 90-degree Firestone corner. Drivers drop down to second gear here.
Firestone corner and final sector
Exiting Firestone corner leads into the final toboggan section, set in the aquarium parking lot along the paddock. Following turn 9, drivers upshift one gear to attack the long left-hand sweeping turn 10, known as Indy Left. They lightly use the inside curb while decelerating in preparation for the final corner.
The last corner, number 11, is a very slow hairpin taken in first gear at about 50 km/h, feeding back onto the main straight.
The 2026 IndyCar fifth race of the season will be held at Long Beach – Official NTT IndyCar Series Website Credits
Statistics and records
Long Beach has been a marquee event since the CART/Champ Car days from 1984 to 2008. Notably, the last Champ Car race ever was held here 17 years ago, marking the end of that series before the unified North American open-wheel championship emerged.
Al Unser Jr. holds the record with six victories (1988-1991, 1994, 1995). Paul Tracy won four times (1993, 2000, 2003, 2004), while Mario Andretti claimed three wins. Andretti also won the 1977 Formula 1 Grand Prix here, driving a Ford-powered Lotus 78.
Since 2009 (with no race in 2020 due to COVID-19), prominent winners include Mike Conway (2011, 2014) and Alexander Rossi (2018, 2019). Colton Herta won in 2021, Josef Newgarden in 2022, Scott Dixon in 2022, and Kyle Kirkwood clinched victories in both 2023 and the previous year from pole position.
TV schedule and streaming
In Italy, the Long Beach Grand Prix will be broadcast live exclusively on Sky Sport, covering the entire IndyCar season. Commentary will be provided by Matteo Pittaccio and Bagio Maglienti.
All other sessions, including practice, qualifying, and warm-up, can be watched live on IndyCar Live with a subscription. Live timing references are also available at racecontrol.indycar.com.
The schedule below lists Italian local times (California is nine hours behind) to follow all sessions over the three days of the event.
Saturday, April 18
00:00 – Practice 1 – Live on IndyCar Live
19:30 – Practice 2 – Live on IndyCar Live
Sunday, April 19
00:30 – Qualifying – Live on IndyCar Live
19:00 – Warm Up – Live on IndyCar Live
23:30 – Race – Live on Sky Sport F1 (Green Flag at 23:57)
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Cover photo: Joe Skibinski / Official NTT IndyCar Series Website Credits