Balance Going Back to Cali: IndyCar’s Laguna Seca Finale!

IndyCar is going back to Cali for one final ride in 2026! Derek Vance from the Push to Pass Podcast, our official IndyCar contributor, joins The Balance as the series rolls into legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Although Alex Palou has already secured the championship, Christian Lundgaard, Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O’Ward enter the finale separated by only four points in the battle for second. And speaking of Pato—things are getting spicy at Arrow McLaren! We break down his blunt response to Christian Lundgaard’s comments about the team’s oval development, what it reveals about their relationship and whether teammate tension could spill onto the track. Plus, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is returning full-time in 2027, Conor Daly is the leading choice to get that seat, and the new IR-28 prepares for its first major oval test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The championship may be decided—but IndyCar still has plenty of unfinished business!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-balance--6491129/support.