CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Grand Prix Of Long Beach
1.968-mile, 11 turn, Long Beach street circuit
Long Beach California
Race Advance
April 17-19, 2026
DETROIT (April 15, 2026) – The 2026 edition of the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach will be the 42nd NTT INDYCAR SERIES held on the Streets of Long Beach. After a small break, the Team Chevy drivers and teams are back to work on the 1.968-mile, 11 turn, Long Beach street circuit for the fifth round of 18 rounds that make up the championship.
An Important First
In 1984, the Chevrolet Indy V8, a 2.65L (162 cubic inch) turbocharged bespoke V8 racing engine began life as a contract with Ilmor to build an engine to take on the dominant engine in INDYCAR, the Cosworth DFX. While recovering from serious foot injuries suffered at Sanair in 1984, Rick Mears spent much of late 1985 and early 1986 developing the new engine through the paces at airfields in the United Kingdom.
Team Penske, with Al Unser at the wheel, debuted the first full factory-backed Chevrolet at Phoenix on April 6, 1986. Mears and Unser split development for the first half of the 1986 season, before Mears took over in the second half.
When the 1987 Championship Auto Racing Teams season opener got underway in April, three teams with five drivers were utilizing the Chevrolet Indy V8.
- Rick Mears and Danny Sullivan for Team Penske
- Kevin Cogan and Emerson Fittipaldi for Patrick Racing
- Mario Andretti for Newman Haas Racing
It became evident that the new engine was strong when Andretti qualified on pole, with Fittipaldi (3rd), Cogan (4th), and Sullivan (9th) qualifying in the top ten.
Early in the 95-lap race, Andretti was stalked closely by Fittipaldi, but went on to win by a lap when the Brazilian had a mechanical issue.
Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment
After the race, Andretti had the following things to say:
To NBC’s Gary Gerould – “Well, I tell you, the car just ran fantastic. I’m so happy, because this is the first win for the Chevy, Chevrolet Indy engine, and we have a lot of new people on board. (when asked if there were any issues) None whatsoever. The car just ran perfect. When Fittipaldi was behind me, I tried to just run his pace, tried to regulate the car the best way, and not use any more than I had to. He definitely kept me honest, but I had a little more to go if I really needed it.”
To the Indianapolis News – “I could hear the Chevrolet buzzing just perfectly. Everything was fantastic. This is what I was naturally thinking about. There was no reason we shouldn’t finish because of the testing we do. The engine ran just impeccably.”
To the Los Angeles Times – “The engine was absolutely fantastic. Toward the end of the race, when a driver usually hears funny sounds from his engine, all I heard was the Chevrolet buzzing just perfect. The chassis, the gearbox, the engine were perfect. It was just one of those days when everything goes perfectly.”
Notable Numbers
4.3 – the average starting position of David Malukas (Team Penske), who is tied for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES best with Álex Palou.
6 – the number of different countries represented by Team Chevy drivers – United States (6) – Denmark (2) – Brazil (1) – Mexico (1) – Netherlands (1) – New Zealand (1)
9 – the number of wins by current Team Chevy teams, Arrow McLaren and ECR
12 – the number of drivers representing Team Chevy at the Grand Prix Of Long Beach
13 – the number of driver championships won by Chevrolet all-time
32 – the number of spots Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren), has finished ahead of where he has started, the highest in the series
33 – the number of wins by Josef Newgarden, the winningest Team Chevy driver all-time
40 – the number of different drivers that have won INDYCAR races while powered by Chevrolet
42 – the number of different tracks that Chevrolet-powered cars have won
42 – the number of drivers that have an earned pole for Team Chevy, after David Malukas added his name to the list at Phoenix Raceway
100 – the percentage of laps Team Chevy drivers Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren), David Malukas (Team Penske), Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), Josef Newgarden (Team Penske), Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren) and Alexander Rossi (ECR) have completed this season
125 – the number of Bowtie-backed wins by Team Penske since their first at Pocono Raceway by Rick Mears in 1987
128 – the number of wins by Chevrolet since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
143 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
238 – the number of wins by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time
247 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time
365 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
681 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all
What They’re Saying
A.J. Foyt Racing
Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet:
You went back to Brazil after Barber, how did you celebrate your 24th birthday?
“I had dinner with family and friends, it was really nice.”
Since this will be your first time racing at Long Beach, how do you prepare for this weekend?
“Preparation has been focused on maximizing track knowledge before getting there. I’ve spent a lot of time on the simulator, studying onboard videos, braking references, and understanding how the track evolves over a weekend. Long Beach is very technical for a street circuit, so being precise and building confidence session by session will be key.”
Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet:
Long Beach is such a tight and technical street circuit, what’s the biggest challenge you face there compared to other tracks?
“Some of the biggest challenges in Long Beach are getting the brake zones correct. With them being so long and the track not having a lot of grip like other street circuits, it’s very easy to gain or lose time in that area.”
How important is qualifying there, and how does it change your strategy going into the race?
“Qualifying is crucial. Last year I got into the wall and we had to start last, and we only ended up 11th primarily because of strategy and pace. It would be much better to start in the front and stay up front at this track.”
You’ve had some strong, aggressive drives on street circuits, how does the unique layout of Long Beach suit your driving style compared to other tracks?
“This track in particular is good for me because I do well with 90° corners and big brake zones. We have been struggling a little bit this year under braking, but it seems like in Barber, we’ve started to sort that out a little bit. We still have a little bit of work there and some gains to be made, but overall, I’m very confident in what we can bring this weekend.”
Arrow McLaren
Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“Long Beach fans always show up in a big way, and the atmosphere is amazing every time we come here. This circuit has always been a challenge for myself and the team. We know it won’t be an easy breeze of a weekend, but I’m looking forward to getting back into the car and making it a good one.”
Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“I’m looking forward to returning to my home state and to race at such a historic event in Long Beach. Last year, we earned a good starting position but fell short of a result that I felt we were capable of. We’ll look to capture that pace again and make our way forward.”
Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“We’re building really good momentum with the 7 car group, and I’m excited to head back to Long Beach after finishing on the podium there last year. The goal is to be in the fight at the front again and take that next step. We’ve been close to that first win, and everyone is pushing hard to make it happen.”
ECR
Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Liquid Science Orange Chevrolet:
“Racing in Long Beach is one of the things I look forward to the most each season! The event has an amazing atmosphere, and the track is awesome to drive. To top it off, being from California, this is a pseudo-home race for me, so it’s really great to be able to put on a show for friends and family.”
Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 ECR Liquid Science Arctic Freeze Chevrolet:
“We’ve shown strong pace to start the season, we just haven’t been able to put together the results yet. Long Beach feels like the perfect place to change that! It’s such a historic and iconic event, and I’m excited to be back in the Liquid Science car and ready for a strong weekend.”
Tune-In Guide
Friday
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 6pm (ET)/5pm (CT)/4pm (MT)/3pm (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Saturday
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 6:30pm (ET)/5:30pm (CT)/4:30pm (MT)/3:30pm (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Sunday
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Grand Prix Of Long Beach (90 laps) – 5:30pm (ET)/4:30pm (CT)/3:30pm (MT)/2:30pm (PT) – – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Chevrolet History on the Streets of Long Beach
Wins – 12
2022 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske
2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske
2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing
2014 – Mike Conway – ECR
2012 – Will Power – Team Penske
1993 – Paul Tracy – Team Penske
1992 – Danny Sullivan – Galles Racing
1991 – Al Unser Jr.. – Galles Racing
1990 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing
1989 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing
1988 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing
1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
Poles – 10
2021 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske
2017 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske
2016 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske
2015 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske
2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske
1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
1990 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing
1989 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing
1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske
1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
Chevrolet Podiums: 32
Driver Podiums: Josef Newgarden (4), Al Unser Jr. (4), Emerson Fittipaldi (3), Will Power (3), Bob Rahal (3), Helio Castroneves (2), Scott Dixon (2), Danny Sullivan (2), Mario Andretti (1), Michael Andretti (1), Eddie Cheever (1), Mike Conway (1), James Hinchcliffe (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Juan Montoya (1), Simon Pagenaud (1), Paul Tracy (1)
Team Podiums: Team Penske (15), Galles Racing (6), Chip Ganassi Racing (3), Newman Haas Racing (2), Rahal Hogan Racing (2), Andretti Global (1), Arrow McLaren (1), ECR (1), Patrick Racing (1)
Chevrolet Laps Led: 991
Driver Laps Led: Al Unser Jr. (395), Mario Andretti (108), Josef Newgarden (101), Paul Tracy (81), Helio Castroneves (78), Scott Dixon (68), Will Power (42), Simon Pagenaud (28), Christian Lundgaard (26), Danny Sullivan (24), Sting Ray Robb (12), Michael Andretti (5), Ryan Briscoe (5), Ryan Hunter-Reay (5), Augustin Canapino (3), Mike Conway (3), Charlie Kimball (3), Sebastian Saavedra (3), Sebastien Bourdais (1),
Team Laps Led: Galles Racing (402), Team Penske (352), Newman Haas Racing (113), Chip Ganassi Racing (71), Arrow McLaren (26), Juncos Hollinger Racing (15), Andretti Global (5), KV Racing Technology (4), ECR (3)
Manufacturer History on the Streets Of Long Beach
Wins (with competition)
15 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996)
12 – Chevrolet (2022, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)
3 – Cosworth (1986, 1985, 1984)
1 – Ilmor (1994)
1 – Mercedes (1995)
Poles (with competition)
13 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996)
10 – Chevrolet (2021, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)
5 – Ford (2002, 1998, 1995, 1993, 1992)
3 – Cosworth (1986, 1985, 1984)
1 – Ilmor (1994)
Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information
- INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)
- Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)
- Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time
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