IMSA Preview: Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Written by Sean McKean

Credit: Jake Galstad / LAT Images & IMSA

Now away from the “36 Hours of Florida,” the IMSA field travels across the country for round three of the season in Long Beach. This is the first street race of the season, and what better than to travel to one that’s been a main-stay since 2006. 

This event is the first of the season that will not feature all classes. There are 27 entries expected: 11 in GTP and 16 in GTD.

With its 100-minute length, the race will not only be a one-stop, but the optimal strategy may be to not take tyres in pit stops. We saw this strategy work wonders last year, with the No. 10 Acura squad stretching their tyres and fuel to take their first win in well over a year.

Although the first two races of the season have been swept by the No. 7 Porsche, the No. 6 Porsche on the other side of the garage – piloted by Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet – will surely have a point to prove. This pair was not too far off their fellow car, finishing second and third respectively to open the season. That first win will surely come their way sooner rather than later.

Notably, the No. 23 Aston Martin Valkyrie will make its first street laps this weekend. Piloted by the steady hands of Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn, this team will want to improve on what was a disappointing first race in Sebring – wherein they finished down in ninth.

The GTDs are much more of a mixed bag. The one that sticks out the most is the No. 27 Aston Martin piloted by Tom Gamble and Casper Stevenson. Although they have yet to take a victory (or even a top-two finish), their consistency with getting on the podium will spell wonders if they ace the strategy.

It would be foolish, though, to ignore the No. 57 Mercedes driven by Philip Ellis and Russell Ward. The pair have opened the season strong, taking fourth in Daytona and class victory in Sebring. They will seek to continue this momentum this weekend.