2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach: Full Weekend Schedule
The 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach returns from 17 to 19 April, bringing one of the most iconic street races in motorsport back to the California coastline. Known for its rich history, tight corners, and breathtaking seaside views, Long Beach continues to stand as a cornerstone event in the IndyCar calendar.
For fans in South Africa, this race weekend offers late-night excitement, with key sessions running into the early hours. From practice sessions to the high-stakes race, every moment matters on this unforgiving street circuit. Here’s everything you need to know, including track insights, what to expect, the full 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach schedule with ET and SAST conversions, and how to watch.
Track details: The streets of Long Beach
The 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach street circuit is a temporary track built around the harbour area, combining public roads with racing infrastructure. It is widely regarded as one of the most technical and challenging circuits in IndyCar.
Stretching just under 3.2 km (1.968 miles), the track features 11 turns, including a mix of tight hairpins, sweeping corners, and a long front straight that offers one of the few overtaking opportunities. The famous Turn 11 hairpin is particularly critical, as it leads onto the main straight and can make or break a lap or race move.
What makes Long Beach unique is its constantly evolving grip levels. As a street circuit, the surface changes throughout the weekend as more rubber is laid down. Drivers must adapt quickly, balancing aggression with control.
Concrete walls line the circuit, leaving zero margin for error. A slight miscalculation can end a driver’s weekend instantly. This is where precision driving separates the best from the rest.
What to expect from the 2026 race weekend
The 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach is expected to deliver intense competition across all sessions. Street circuits reward drivers who can combine technical skill with mental focus, and Long Beach is no exception.
Practice sessions will be crucial as teams work to find the perfect setup. With limited track time and changing conditions, engineers and drivers must quickly dial in their cars. Even small adjustments can have a major impact on performance.
2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach qualifying is often the most decisive session of the weekend. Due to the narrow nature of the circuit, overtaking during the race is notoriously difficult. Securing a strong grid position can significantly increase a driver’s chances of victory.
During the race, strategy comes into play. Teams must carefully manage tyre wear, fuel loads, and pit stop timing. A well-timed caution period can shuffle the order dramatically, while mistakes in the pit lane can cost valuable positions.
Expect close battles, high tension, and possibly a few incidents as drivers push the limits on a track that offers no forgiveness.
2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach schedule (ET & SAST)
Here is the full 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach weekend schedule with Eastern Time (ET) and South African Standard Time (SAST):
- Friday, 17 April
Practice 1
6:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM SAST (Saturday) - Saturday, 18 April
Practice 2
1:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM SAST Qualifying
6:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM SAST (Sunday) - Sunday, 19 April
Warmup
1:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM SAST Race
5:30 PM ET / 11:30 PM SAST
South African viewers should take note of the late-night sessions, especially qualifying and the race, which take place after midnight or late in the evening.
How to watch in South Africa
Fans in South Africa can catch the 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach live on DStv via SuperSport, which regularly broadcasts IndyCar events.
You can typically find coverage on the following channels:
- SuperSport Motorsport
- SuperSport Grandstand
- SuperSport Variety channels (depending on scheduling)
It is always a good idea to check the DStv TV guide closer to the event to confirm the exact channel and broadcast times, as schedules may vary.
Streaming options may also be available through DStv Stream, allowing you to watch the race live on your mobile device, tablet, or smart TV.
For dedicated fans, following live timing, social media updates, and post-race highlights can enhance the viewing experience, especially during late-night sessions.
A legendary race on a legendary circuit
The 2026 IndyCar Acura GP Long Beach continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most exciting and prestigious races in the series. With its unique combination of speed, precision, and strategy, it offers something for every motorsport fan.
From the early practice sessions to the final laps of the race, Long Beach delivers drama at every turn. Whether it is a perfectly executed qualifying lap, a bold overtaking move, or a strategic masterclass, this event rarely disappoints.
For South African fans, it may mean staying up late, but the reward is a front-row seat to one of IndyCar’s most thrilling weekends. Get your schedule ready, tune in on SuperSport, and enjoy every moment of the action.
