Alexander Rossi Prepares for Home Race at Laguna Seca Grand Prix

Alexander Rossi, a veteran driver for Ed Carpenter Racing, is gearing up for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a track he considers home. The 33-year-old from Nevada City, California, has a long history with the circuit, first visiting at the age of three, which sparked his passion for motorsports. "That's just something we did every year -- go to the CART race at Laguna," Rossi reminisced. "I fell in love with the sport." This weekend's race is particularly significant as Java House is not only Rossi's primary sponsor but also the title sponsor of the event, adding to the excitement and pressure of competing in front of family and local supporters.

The Java House Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, promises to be competitive, especially following the first practice session on Friday, where drivers faced challenges on the notoriously abrasive track surface. The track, which underwent a repave in 2023, has demonstrated its difficulty anew as drivers experienced increased tire wear, with Rossi himself hitting the Turn 6 barrier during practice. Despite this setback, Rossi remains optimistic about his performance, citing a solid track record at Laguna Seca, including a third-place finish in the previous year’s race.

Rossi is currently 18th in the championship standings with four top-10 finishes from 13 races this season. He shared the challenges of balancing race preparations with the demands of being a local figure and spokesperson for his sponsor. "It’s busier. It’s kind of reminiscent of a week of May schedule in some respects. But it’s also a good problem to have," he stated, highlighting the support from his team in ensuring he remains focused on racing.

The practice session revealed a competitive field, with Pato O’Ward leading the opening practice and championship points leader Alex Palou finishing fourth. Palou and Colton Herta have dominated recent races at Laguna Seca, each securing multiple wins in the last five events. Herta was the second fastest during Friday’s practice, indicating strong potential for the upcoming race.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is also looking to make waves this weekend, with team owner Bobby Rahal, the all-time winningest driver at Laguna Seca, hopeful for a strong showing from his son, Graham Rahal, who has been consistently competitive in recent races. Bobby Rahal's legacy at the track adds a layer of historical significance to the event.

In preparation for the race, drivers will participate in an additional practice session on Saturday, followed by the NTT P1 Award qualifying session, which is crucial as 23 of the last 27 races at Laguna Seca have been won from a top-three starting position. The importance of qualifying well cannot be overstated, as drivers like Alex Palou have shown that a solid starting position is often key to victory.

In related developments, Arrow McLaren has begun renovations on its new headquarters, previously owned by Andretti Global, aiming to expand its operational capacity ahead of the 2026 season. This move reflects the team's ambition to enhance its competitive edge in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

As the weekend unfolds, fans and teams alike eagerly anticipate the Java House Grand Prix, a race that promises thrilling competition and the potential for dramatic outcomes on the picturesque Laguna Seca circuit.