Newgarden Fastest in IndyCar Warmup for Long Beach GP

Several drivers expect a two-stop strategy to be optimal for the 90-lap race.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an IndyCar race scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, capturing the dynamic energy and tactical complexity of the event.A cubist interpretation of the high-speed action and strategic decisions at play during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.Long Beach Today

Josef Newgarden of Team Penske was the fastest driver in the morning warmup session ahead of the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist, Alex Palou, and Graham Rahal rounded out the top five in the session. Teams are considering a two-stop strategy for the 90-lap race due to the exceptionally long pit lane at the Long Beach circuit.

Why it matters

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most prestigious and historic races on the IndyCar calendar. With the new tire rule in effect, teams will have to carefully manage their pit stop strategy to maximize their chances of success.

The details

Josef Newgarden, driving the No. 2 Astemo Chevrolet for Team Penske, was the fastest driver in the morning warmup session. Scott Dixon, the two-time winner at Long Beach, was second fastest in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Polesitter Felix Rosenqvist was third fastest in the No. 60 Sirius/XM/Acura Honda for Meyer Shank Racing, followed by 2025 champion Alex Palou in the No. 10 OpenAI Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and Graham Rahal in the No. 15 One Cure Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

  • The 90-lap race is scheduled for 2:30 pm PT, with the green flag flying at 2:57 pm.

The players

Josef Newgarden

A driver for Team Penske who was fastest in the morning warmup session.

Scott Dixon

A two-time winner of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Felix Rosenqvist

The polesitter for the race, driving for Meyer Shank Racing.

Alex Palou

The 2025 IndyCar champion, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Graham Rahal

A veteran driver making his 19th start on the streets of Long Beach, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

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What’s next

The 90-lap Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is scheduled to start at 2:57 pm PT and will be broadcast live on FOX.

The takeaway

The morning warmup session has set the stage for an exciting race at the historic Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, with teams weighing the pros and cons of a two-stop strategy to navigate the long pit lane and new tire rules.