The NTT IndyCar Series is set to rev its engines for the iconic Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend, April 17-19, with a revamped qualifying format and a field packed with past champions and hungry contenders. This 42nd annual event on the historic Streets of Long Beach carries significant weight and is often considered the second-biggest race on the IndyCar circuit behind the Indy 500.
The Firestone Fast Six qualifying format has been updated for the remaining street-circuit events of the 2026 season, further highlighting the precision and skill required to secure a front-row starting position. This updated format, featuring single-car, single-lap runs, debuted earlier in the season at the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. Coverage of Saturday’s qualifying from Long Beach is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and INDYCAR Radio. Sunday’s race coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and INDYCAR Radio.
The entry list for Long Beach boasts remarkable talent, with multiple drivers having multiple wins on this challenging street circuit. Will Power, Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, and reigning Long Beach winner Kyle Kirkwood have each claimed two victories on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn course. Josef Newgarden also has a win at Long Beach to his name.
The current championship standings see Kirkwood at the top, followed closely by Alex Palou and Christian Lundgaard. Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, is considered a slight favorite for this weekend’s race, according to odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 14. Kirkwood, who won last year’s Long Beach Grand Prix after starting from the pole and leading 46 laps, is also among the top contenders. Lundgaard, who has one series win on a street circuit, will be looking to improve on his past strong performances at Long Beach, where he finished third last year.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature special liveries from several teams. Mick Schumacher will drive in a striking livery featuring Liquid Death, while Felix Rosenqvist’s car will celebrate the punk rock band Green Day. Alex Palou’s car will sport an all-black design highlighting his partnership with OpenAI.
In other racing news, the NASCAR Cup Series is heading to Kansas Speedway for the AdventHealth 400 on Sunday, April 19, with Denny Hamlin listed as the favorite to win, followed by Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson. Meanwhile, in Formula 1 news, Max Verstappen has undergone X-rays on his hands after a crash during Australian Grand Prix qualifying.
The INDY NXT by Firestone series also held a group test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with series leader Nikita Johnson topping the timesheets.
