The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a 100-minute event, holds significant importance for IMSA's marques and fans due to its location in Southern California's car culture. The 11-turn, 1.968-street circuit promises an action-packed sports car race from start to finish.

By the Numbers
  • Qualifying performance is crucial for track position, with overtaking being challenging on the street circuit.
  • Last year, starting position did not dictate the outcome, showcasing the importance of strategy during the race.
Yes, But

Despite the significance of qualifying, there have been instances where starting position did not determine the race's winner.

State of Play
  • Qualifying will be critical in shaping Saturday's race outcome.
  • Clean performances during "sprint" events are essential for teams to secure a strong finish.
  • Several wild cards, including notable drivers and cars, are set to compete at Long Beach.
What's Next

The strategies employed during the race, especially regarding tire management and pit stops, will play a significant role in determining the winners in the GTP and GTD classes.

Bottom Line

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach presents a unique challenge to teams and drivers, emphasizing the importance of qualifying, strategy, and performance during the sprint event.