The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach takes place from 17 to 19 April on the iconic Long Beach street circuit in California. Round five of the NTT IndyCar Series season, this prestigious street race draws over 200,000 spectators across the weekend and remains one of the most coveted victories in American open-wheel racing.
What is the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most historic events on the IndyCar calendar and the longest-running major street circuit race in North America. First held in 1975 as a Formula 5000 event, it became a Formula One race (the United States Grand Prix West) from 1976 before transitioning to CART/Champ Car from 1984 to 2008, and then joining the IndyCar Series in 2009. It is the second-oldest continuously running event in American open-wheel racing, behind only the Indianapolis 500.
The 2026 edition is the 51st running of the event. Drivers compete over 90 laps of the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit that encircles the Long Beach Convention Center and Aquarium of the Pacific. The weekend also features support races from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Formula Drift Super Drift Challenge, Stadium Super Trucks, Porsche Carrera Cup, and historic sports cars.
When is the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach runs from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April. Practice and qualifying sessions take place on Friday and Saturday, with the main IndyCar race scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 2:45 pm to 5:00 pm Pacific Time (10:45 pm BST). Support race sessions run throughout the weekend.
Where is the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
The race takes place on the Long Beach Street Circuit in Long Beach, California, approximately 40 kilometres south of downtown Los Angeles. The 1.968-mile temporary circuit is laid out on public roads along the city’s waterfront, featuring two long parallel straights connected by tight, twisting corners at each end. The paddock area is located adjacent to the Long Beach Convention Center. Long Beach is well served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Long Beach Airport (LGB).
Key Contenders
Defending Long Beach champion Kyle Kirkwood is the driver to beat. The Andretti Global driver won the 50th anniversary race in 2025 from pole position, cruising to a dominant 2.6-second victory over Alex Palou. It was Kirkwood’s second Long Beach win in three years, and he enters the 2026 race leading the championship standings after a consistent start to the season.
Four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing sits just two points behind Kirkwood in the standings after winning at both St. Petersburg and Barber. Palou finished runner-up at Long Beach in 2025 and will be determined to go one better. Team Penske have shown strong early-season pace, with Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin both in the championship picture, while David Malukas has enjoyed a career-best start. Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren has also emerged as a contender after a string of podium finishes.
How to Watch
In the United States, the Grand Prix of Long Beach is broadcast live on FOX as part of IndyCar’s multi-year broadcast deal. All 17 races of the 2026 season air on the FOX network, with streaming available through the FOX Sports app or via live TV streaming services including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage of every IndyCar race, with the Long Beach race airing on Sunday evening (10:45 pm BST). Sky customers can also watch via the Sky Sports app, while NOW TV offers streaming access to the full Sky Sports package. Practice sessions and races are additionally available on IndyCar Live, with replays accessible seven days after broadcast.
Internationally, IndyCar expanded its global broadcast presence for 2026, with coverage available in over 200 territories worldwide.
History and Records
The Grand Prix of Long Beach was founded in 1975 by promoter Chris Pook, with the inaugural Formula 5000 race attracting 46,000 spectators. The event quickly grew in stature, hosting Formula One from 1976 to 1983 before becoming a cornerstone of American open-wheel racing. Al Unser Jr. holds the all-time record with six victories, including four consecutive wins from 1988 to 1991, earning him the nickname “King of the Beach.” In the IndyCar era, both Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske have recorded seven victories as constructors. Six-time champion Scott Dixon claimed his first Long Beach win in 2015 and won again in 2024, while the closest finish in event history saw Simon Pagenaud edge Dixon by just 0.3032 seconds.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach are on sale now through the official website at gplb.com or by calling (888) 827-7333. Prices start from $56 for a Friday general admission ticket, with Saturday admission from $104. Three-day packages with reserved grandstand seating in upper levels are available from $221. Paddock passes, pre-paid parking, hospitality packages, and Super Photo tickets are also available. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, though a Junior ticket is required for grandstand seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Grand Prix of Long Beach start?
The 2026 event runs from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April, with the main IndyCar race on Sunday at 2:45 pm Pacific Time.
Where is the Grand Prix of Long Beach held?
The race takes place on the Long Beach Street Circuit, a temporary 1.968-mile course on public roads in Long Beach, California.
How can I watch the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
In the US, the race airs live on FOX. In the UK, Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage. Streaming is available via the FOX Sports app (US) and NOW TV (UK).
Who won the Grand Prix of Long Beach last year?
Kyle Kirkwood won the 2025 race from pole position, finishing 2.6 seconds ahead of Alex Palou in a flag-to-flag victory for Andretti Global.