The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series heads to the hills of California for one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar: the Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Set for Sunday, July 27, the race marks a crucial moment in the championship chase, with Alex Palou firmly in command of the standings. With its historic layout and picturesque setting, Laguna Seca promises to deliver both strategic intrigue and spectacular driving moments as the series enters its summer stretch.
Laguna Seca is a fan-favorite for a reason. Nestled in the scenic Monterey Peninsula, the 2.238-mile road course features 11 turns, sweeping elevation changes, and the legendary Corkscrew — a dizzying left-right plunge that drops nearly six stories in just a few hundred feet. The track has challenged drivers since its construction in 1957, rewarding technical precision and punishing the smallest mistakes. While the layout has remained largely unchanged for decades, a recent repave has subtly altered its character, blending modern grip levels with the traditional difficulty of its narrow confines and abrasive surface.
Adding to the excitement in 2025 is a new title sponsor, with the event officially rebranded as the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey. The weekend will feature more than just on-track action, with fan engagement events including autograph sessions, a downtown street party, and premium hospitality options near the Corkscrew and pit lane. The race itself will run 95 laps — 212.6 miles — and is expected to draw a passionate crowd, many eager to see whether Palou can continue his remarkable form.
Alex Palou has been the class of the field this season, dominating with a level of consistency rarely seen in modern IndyCar. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver enters the weekend with a commanding lead in the championship, thanks to wins at Long Beach, Barber Motorsports Park, Thermal Club, and others. Palou is also no stranger to Laguna Seca success, having won there in 2024 and holding the all-time IndyCar lap record at the track, a 1:08.4168 set in 2023. His calm precision behind the wheel, combined with his team’s strategic sharpness, makes him the clear favorite this weekend.
But Laguna Seca rarely offers straightforward races. The combination of tire degradation, pit strategy, and the ever-present risk of off-track excursions ensures that nothing comes easy. Since the 2023 resurfacing, teams have had to adjust setups and tire strategies to deal with evolving grip levels. Expect strategy to play a major role on race day, with timing of pit stops and tire conservation likely to determine the outcome. Drivers like Pato O’Ward and the Team Penske trio of Josef Newgarden, Will Power, and Scott McLaughlin are all poised to challenge, especially if they can catch Palou in a vulnerable moment.
As the sun sets on the California coast this Sunday, fans can expect a thrilling contest between raw speed and racecraft. With just a handful of rounds remaining in the season, every point matters — but for now, all eyes are on Palou as he looks to tighten his grip on the 2025 IndyCar title. If history is any guide, Laguna Seca will demand the very best from every driver who wants to stand atop the podium.
Laguna Seca IndyCar Weekend Schedule
Friday July 25
1:00 pm Indy NXT Practice, TV/Streaming: FS2
2:00 pm NTT IndyCar Series Practice, TV/Streaming: FS2
3:30 pm Indy NXT Practice, TV/Streaming: FS2
Saturday July 26
8:30 am NTT IndyCar Series Practice, TV/Streaming: FS1
10:00 am Indy NXT Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS1
11:30 am NTT IndyCar Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS1
1:30 pm Indy NXT Race No. 1 (35 laps or 55 mins), TV/Streaming: FS2
Sunday July 27
9:00 am NTT IndyCar Series Warmup, TV/Streaming: FS2
10:00 am Indy NXT Race No. 2, TV/Streaming: FS1
12:00 pm NTT IndyCar Series Race, TV/Streaming: FOX
Previous Winners
IndyCar: Alex Palou (2024, 2022), Scott Dixon (2023), Colton Herta (2021, 2019)
Indy NXT: Louis Foster (swept 2024)
Weather
🌤️ Friday, July 25
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Morning: Expect low clouds to linger offshore, gradually clearing by mid-morning.
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Afternoon: Breezy conditions with a high around 69 °F (21 °C).
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Evening: Skies remain mostly clear, cooling to the mid‑50s.
🌤️ Saturday, July 26
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Morning: Similar start with cloudy skies giving way to sunshine.
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Afternoon: Breezy again, reaching a comfortable high of about 70 °F (21 °C).
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Evening: Mild and crisp with temperatures dipping to around 57 °F (14 °C).
🌤️ Sunday, July 27
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Morning: Overcast early on, clearing gradually as the day progresses.
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Afternoon: Light breeze continues; expect highs near 68 °F (20 °C).
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Evening: Cooler, dropping into the low‑50s to mid‑50s (around 12–14 °C).
🚦 Race Weekend Tips
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Wind Advisory: Afternoon breezes are common—ideal for racing, but a headwind on certain straights could affect lap times and handling.
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Layer Up: Mornings and evenings feel chilly — bring a light windbreaker or hoodie.
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Sun Protection: With much of the cloud clearing midday, sunglasses and sunscreen are smart picks.
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Track Conditions: Expect mainly dry track—no rain forecast. Optimal grip and predictable surface conditions are likely.
