Long Beach Classic Kicks Off 2026 IndyCar Season

The iconic street circuit in California hosts the first race of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the fast-paced action and technical nature of the Long Beach IndyCar race.The iconic Long Beach street circuit provides a challenging backdrop for the start of the 2026 IndyCar season.Long Beach Today

The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season will kick off on April 19 with the annual race on the Streets of Long Beach, California. The iconic street circuit has hosted IndyCar racing for over 40 years and is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar, featuring the world's top open-wheel drivers competing on the challenging temporary course.

Why it matters

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a legendary event that has been a fixture on the IndyCar schedule since 1984. As one of the most popular and well-attended races of the season, the Long Beach race is a crucial early-season event that sets the tone for the rest of the championship fight.

The details

The 2026 IndyCar season will feature 16 races across North America, including the iconic Indianapolis 500. The season opens on the Streets of Long Beach, where drivers will navigate the tight, technical circuit that winds through the seaside city. Long Beach has hosted IndyCar racing for over 40 years, making it one of the longest-running events on the schedule.

  • The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season kicks off on April 19 with the race on the Streets of Long Beach, California.
  • The Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in motorsports, will take place on May 27.
  • The season will conclude on September 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California.

The players

NTT IndyCar Series

The premier open-wheel auto racing series in North America, featuring the world's top drivers competing on a variety of circuits.

Streets of Long Beach

A challenging temporary street circuit in Long Beach, California that has hosted the IndyCar Series since 1984.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The iconic racetrack in Speedway, Indiana that hosts the legendary Indianapolis 500 each Memorial Day weekend.

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What they’re saying

“The Streets of Long Beach is one of the most iconic and challenging races on the IndyCar calendar. It's an honor to compete on this historic circuit in front of the passionate fans.”

— Alex Palou, Four-time IndyCar Series Champion

“There's nothing quite like the roar of the engines and the energy of the crowd at the Long Beach Grand Prix. It's a race I always look forward to every season.”

— Will Power, Two-time IndyCar Series Champion

What’s next

Fans can tune in to FOX on April 19 to watch the 2026 IndyCar season opener from the Streets of Long Beach. The full 2026 IndyCar schedule, including the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, can be found on IndyCar.com.

The takeaway

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a legendary event that has been a fixture on the IndyCar schedule for over 40 years. As one of the most popular and well-attended races of the season, the Long Beach race is a crucial early-season event that sets the tone for the rest of the championship fight.