Full speed ahead, the 16th Indy Grand Prix will be here before you know it! This Friday through Sunday, March 27–March 29, racecars will be speeding through the 2.3 mile 17-turn road course at Barber Motorsports Park (6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds). The race weekend will consist of practice sessions, qualifying sessions (which determine the starting grid), and then the final official race on Sunday at 12:17 p.m.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will involve 90 laps / 207 miles; the INDY NXT by Firestone will have two races, the first consisting of 35 laps / 80.5 miles, and the second race just 30 laps / 69 miles. In the first INDY NXT doubleheader of the season, each driver will be competing to take home a trophy (and championship points). The event is sure to be a huge hit—2024 boasted the largest crowd since the inaugural event. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been every year since the beginning, join over 85,000 fans in cheering on your favorites!
SHOULD I BRING MY KID?
Yes and yes! First and foremost, kids 15 and under get in free. Beyond that fabulous reason, there are also loads of fun activities your kids are bound to love. Not only will they get to see dozens of cars zoom around the track during each race, there’s a Kids Zone, Ferris Wheel, driver autograph sessions, and vintage car display. If you get hungry, you can stop by one of the many food trucks or snag a drink from Trackside Social, the beer garden and bourbon bar. The Atlanta Braves baseball team will even be in attendance in the free Fan Zone. Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves legend, will be the 2026 Grand Marshal. You can check out other cool fan activities on the race website.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
The Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park represents the fourth series race this month—which is actually pretty rare. If you’re not an IndyCar expert (like, ahem, me), you might be wondering what makes this race worth checking out. Here are a few reasons:
1. George Barber Tribute Race
There will be a tribute race to George Barber at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday since this Indy Grand Prix is the first major event since his passing. He invested $200+ million into the park and museum, making it one of the largest individual philanthropic projects in Alabama history.
2. Experienced, Intense Competition
Twenty-two of the 25 drivers planning to race have competed in NTT INDYCAR SERIES races at Barber Motorsports Park. Aka, they’re experienced in driving this course, which will heighten the competition. Throw in some solid, developing rookies like Australian Nicolas Stati, who’s just 17 years old, and you’ve got quite the show.
3. Watch Drivers Make History
Marcus Armstrong will attempt to make his 50th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start and Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 360th consecutive start, which would be the longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history. Who doesn’t love watching history play out before their eyes?!
4. Anyone Could Take Home the Trophy
Seven drivers have already won this race from the pole in past years, including Will Power in 2011, Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2013, Simon Pagenaud in 2016, Josef Newgarden in 2018, Takuma Sato in 2019, Scott McLaughlin in 2024, and Alex Palou in 2025. In essence, the trophy could go to anyone. (It’s always more nerve-wracking but also more exciting when anyone could win!)
“This year, I have a much better understanding of the car, the tires, and how a full race weekend unfolds compared to my previous season. I’ve learned how to manage each session, adapt more quickly, and really maximize the tools around me,” says driver Juan Manuel Correa. “Of course results matter, but for me a strong race is about executing well, being consistently quick, and knowing I got everything possible out of the car. If I can walk away feeling like I maximized the weekend and kept improving, that’s what defines a good race for me.”
5. Support Children’s of Alabama
Part of the proceeds goes to Children’s of Alabama, one of the leading children’s hospitals in the nation. In 2024, the event raised over $400,000 for Children’s of Alabama! Nothing like having fun and making a difference at the same time.
6. It’s Local + Family Friendly… Why Not?
It’s so close! It’s a family-friendly event and whether you go all weekend or just for a few hours, Barber Motorsports is just right up the road. I bet your kids would love to brag to their friends about their cool weekend plans.
Tickets start at $37. You can purchase your tickets and learn more on indyalabama.com.
