What Is 2019 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey was an IndyCar Series race held on September 22, 2019, at Laguna Seca Raceway in California, marking the season finale where Josef Newgarden won after a dramatic final lap pass on Colton Herta.

Key Facts

Race date: September 22, 2019
Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California
Winner: Josef Newgarden
Final lap pass: Newgarden overtook Colton Herta on Turn 11
IndyCar Series season finale

Overview

The 2019 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey was the 17th and final round of the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season, held on September 22, 2019, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. This race concluded a highly competitive season, with championship implications for drivers and teams despite the title already being secured by Josef Newgarden earlier in the year.

The event drew a strong crowd and significant media attention due to the track’s historic layout and challenging elevation changes. Known for its iconic Turn 11, the Corkscrew, the race delivered dramatic moments and a thrilling finish that fans remember as one of the most exciting in recent IndyCar history.

Full race distance: The race covered 95 laps, totaling approximately 174.7 miles around the 2.238-mile road course, testing both speed and endurance.
Weather conditions: The race took place under partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 68°F, providing near-ideal conditions for high-performance driving.
Attendance: Over 45,000 spectators attended the weekend events, making it one of the best-attended IndyCar finales of the season.
Television audience: The race drew an average of 1.2 million viewers on NBCSN, peaking at 1.5 million during the final laps.
Historic venue: Laguna Seca has hosted major motorsport events since 1960 and is considered one of the most technically demanding tracks in North America.

How It Works

The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey combines technical driving skill, strategic pit stops, and tire management across a complex road course. Drivers must navigate elevation changes, tight corners, and high-speed straights, all while managing fuel and tire wear over 95 laps.

Track Layout: The 2.238-mile circuit features 11 turns, including the famous downhill Turn 8, known as the Corkscrew, which drops 59 feet in elevation.
Qualifying Format: The top 12 drivers advanced to a three-group knockout session, with pole position won by Colton Herta in 1:10.7350.
Tire Supplier: Firestone provided two compounds—red-walled alternate (softer) and black-walled primary (harder)—strategically used during pit cycles.
Points System: The race awarded full IndyCar Series points, with 50 points to the winner and 1 point for last place among finishers.
Championship Implications: Though Newgarden had already clinched the title, the race determined final standings, with Alexander Rossi finishing second in points.
Final Lap Drama: On lap 95, Josef Newgarden passed Colton Herta on the inside of the Corkscrew, a move widely praised for its precision and bravery.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Firestone Grand Prix compared to previous years and other season finales:

Race Year	Winner	Track Length	Margin of Victory	Viewers (millions)
2019	Josef Newgarden	2.238 miles	0.987 seconds	1.2
2018	Will Power	2.238 miles	1.342 seconds	1.0
2017	Hélio Castroneves	2.238 miles	2.103 seconds	0.9
2016	Simon Pagenaud	2.238 miles	1.876 seconds	0.85
2015	Will Power	2.238 miles	0.654 seconds	0.78

The 2019 race stood out for its tighter finish and higher viewership, reflecting growing interest in the series. The consistent track length allowed for accurate performance comparisons, and the narrowing margins of victory highlighted increased competition among drivers.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey had lasting impacts on the IndyCar Series, both in terms of legacy and fan engagement. Its dramatic conclusion and high production value set a benchmark for future season finales.

Legacy of the Corkscrew: The final lap pass at Turn 8 reinforced the Corkscrew’s status as one of motorsport’s most iconic corners.
Boost to Newgarden’s reputation: The win solidified Josef Newgarden’s standing as a clutch performer under pressure.
Increased viewership trend: The 1.2 million average viewers marked a 20% increase from 2018, signaling broader audience growth.
Importance of road courses: The race highlighted the strategic complexity of road courses compared to ovals.
Firestone’s role: As title sponsor and tire supplier, Firestone reinforced its long-standing partnership with IndyCar.
Future of Laguna Seca: The event’s success helped secure Laguna Seca’s place on the IndyCar calendar through 2023.

Overall, the 2019 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey exemplified the excitement and unpredictability that define modern IndyCar racing, ensuring its place in the sport’s history.