IndyCar Roars Into Long Beach: 2026 Acura Grand Prix Start Times, TV Details, and What to Watch

The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach returns as one of the marquee events on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar, offering fans a blend of high-speed action and West Coast spectacle. With a storied history dating back to 1975, Long Beach remains a fan-favorite street circuit that tests both driver skill and team strategy. This year's edition brings fresh storylines, packed grandstands, and a full weekend of racing excitement.

• Event: 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
• Location: Long Beach street circuit, Long Beach, California
• Track layout: 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street course

How to Watch: Start Times and TV Coverage

Fans can catch all the action live across multiple platforms as IndyCar and its broadcast partners bring the Grand Prix weekend to homes nationwide. Both traditional TV and streaming options are available, ensuring no one misses a lap from this iconic circuit.

• Qualifying: Scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Official start time and TV channel are typically announced mid-week prior to the event. Coverage generally begins around 3:00 p.m. ET.
• Race Day: The main event runs on Sunday, with the green flag expected in the early afternoon. Previous editions have started at 3:30 p.m. ET, but fans are encouraged to check local listings for the latest details.
• TV Broadcast: The race will be televised nationally, with qualifying often available on both TV and official streaming services.
• Streaming: Live streaming is available through official IndyCar digital platforms and select network partners, offering full coverage for cord-cutters.

For up-to-date information on exact start times and channel assignments, fans are advised to visit the official IndyCar schedule page and check their TV provider's listings.

Weekend Schedule: More Than Just the Main Event

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a multi-day festival, featuring practice sessions, qualifying, support races, and fan events. According to multiple reports, the weekend typically unfolds as follows:

• Friday: Opening practice sessions for IndyCar and support series
• Saturday: Final practice and official qualifying for the Grand Prix grid
• Sunday: Warm-up session, pre-race festivities, and the main event

In addition to the NTT IndyCar Series race, the weekend features a variety of support races, celebrity appearances, and interactive experiences for fans attending in person.

Why Long Beach Matters in the IndyCar Season

As one of the longest-running street races in American motorsports, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach holds a special place on the calendar. The race is renowned for its challenging layout, tight corners, and unforgiving walls, demanding precision from drivers and flawless execution from teams. With championship implications, Long Beach often serves as an early-season measuring stick for title contenders.

• Past winners at Long Beach include some of the biggest names in open-wheel racing.
• The event consistently draws one of the largest crowds on the IndyCar circuit.
• The unique street course layout creates unpredictable racing and frequent lead changes.

For fans tracking the championship, Long Beach can provide crucial momentum heading deeper into the season. Consistency and adaptability on street circuits often separate the true contenders from the rest of the field.

With anticipation building, the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach promises another chapter of drama and high stakes as the world's best open-wheel drivers chase glory under the California sun.