The NTT INDYCAR SERIES kicks off its first doubleheader weekend at the 200 MPH Southern California Beach Party.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running street circuit in North America, is the most anticipated race on the 2024 calendar outside the Indianapolis 500. Originating in 1975, created by Christopher Pook, the event initially featured Formula 5000 racing. By the following year, it had transitioned to a Formula One race, known as the USA Grand Prix West. INDYCAR took over in 1984, with Mario Andretti capturing the first INDYCAR win on these streets. This weekend marks 40 years of racing at this iconic street circuit.
Originally designed to mimic the Monaco Grand Prix, the event was intended to bring a touch of European glitz and glamour to the U.S. Situated just 30 miles from Hollywood, Long Beach was the perfect location for such a spectacle. This race remains a coveted victory for drivers, second only to the Indianapolis 500. With numerous racing series sharing the track this weekend, teams are tackling their first doubleheader of the season, with May just around the corner.
Will We See A Repeat Winner in Long Beach For The First Time Since 2019?
Last year, Kyle Kirkwood claimed his maiden win at Long Beach. He felt at home among the sun, beach, and palm trees. Together with Andretti Global, he turned the NTT P1 Pole Award into a victory. This achievement is rare in the history of Long Beach. The driver of car 27 aims to repeat last year’s success. He hopes to become the first back-to-back winner here since Alexander Rossi in 2018-2019.
Will Power, the only other current driver with multiple Long Beach wins (2008 and 2012), is also competing. He joins contenders like Scott Dixon, Colton Herta, and Josef Newgarden. Each seeks their second victory at this venue.
The Weekend of Many Firsts
Pietro Fittipaldi and four rookie drivers — Tom Blomqvist, Linus Lundqvist, Christian Rasmussen, and Kyffin Simpson — will take on this 85-lap street circuit for the first time. A late entry, Theo Pourchaire, has a unique opportunity to drive the No. 6 Arrow McLaren car.
David Malukas, sidelined by a wrist injury, has yet to race this season. In his absence, Callum Illot has filled in. Illot, who raced full-time with Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2023, moved to the World Endurance Championship after losing his INDYCAR seat. As Illot is committed to the WEC season opener this weekend, Arrow McLaren’s Zak Brown and Gavin Ward had to find a temporary replacement for the No. 6 car. Enter Theo Pourchaire, the 2023 F2 Champion.
Although unfamiliar with the INDYCAR SERIES, Pourchaire’s track record of success, including commitments to the 2024 Super Formula Championship and reserve driver duties with the Sauber F1 team, made him a compelling choice. His participation at Long Beach, although challenging, presents a valuable chance to impress potential teams for a full-time ride in 2025.
The availability of the Arrow McLaren No. 6 car for next weekend’s race at Barber remains uncertain, with rumors suggesting Malukas, Illot, and even Pourchaire could be considered for upcoming races.
Additions And Adjustments
The INDYCAR SERIES has modified the new 75-minute split group practice format introduced at St. Pete. Drivers will be split by their even and odd-numbered pit boxes for a 10-minute segment, following a 45-minute session open to all cars. Notably, rookies will participate in both sessions and receive an extra set of Primary Firestone Black Tires. Additionally, a new lightweight aeroscreen is debuting, reducing the car’s weight by 11.1 lbs and decreasing downforce by approximately 35 pounds, while adding vents and enhanced hand protection.
Key Takeaways Heading Into The Weekend
While Kirkwood is eager to repeat his 2023 performance, watch for strong showings from other contenders like Romain Grosjean, who has finished second here the past two years, and Marcus Ericsson, now with Andretti Global. Josef Newgarden, fresh off a dominant performance in St. Pete, is familiar with the Long Beach podium and is approaching his 200th INDYCAR race start.
Theo Pourchaire’s debut in the Dallara chassis offers a glimpse of his potential on the international stage. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Alex Palou, who, despite winning the 2021 championship at Long Beach, has never won the actual Grand Prix here.
A High-Speed Action Packed Weekend
The 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach promises excitement with a mix of seasoned champions and eager newcomers. This event, a highlight on the INDYCAR calendar, draws celebrities and motorsport enthusiasts alike, all eager to witness who will claim victory on these storied streets. Don’t miss the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Saturday, featuring a 100-minute shootout between the GTD and GTP classes, marking one of the shortest races on their 2024 calendar.