By: Spencer Neff
April 19, 2024
For the first time since 2017, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES begins its season with two street course events. Although 27 drivers participated in the March 24 $1 Million Challenge at Thermal Club, it has been six weeks since the last points-paying race.
Before cars hit the 1.968-mile, 11-turn California venue, here’s a look at the major stories.
Headlines
After starting on pole, Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden earned a dominant victory on March 10 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Newgarden, who was also quickest during the April 10 Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, looks for his second Long Beach victory in three seasons.
Following Newgarden will be several determined racers.
After a breakout sophomore campaign that was spearheaded by his first win at this race one year ago, Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood returns looking for a third street course win. 2021 winner and teammate Colton Herta looks to snap a winless streak dating back 31 races.
After mechanical issues dropped him to 25th, Marcus Ericsson looks to continue his street course prowess. Last year’s third-place finisher has three career victories on street courses.
Former teammate Alex Palou is also in search of his first Long Beach win. Palou was the winner of the $1 Million Challenge four weeks ago.
After participating in the event at Thermal, Nolan Siegel will make his official INDYCAR debut this weekend. The INDY NXT points leader will pilot the No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing entry. Jack Harvey will occupy the No. 18 as he did at St. Petersburg.
“I was already looking forward to my first race on the streets of Long Beach, but now I’m even more excited as I get to also represent an iconic California staple,” Siegel, a native of Palo Alto expressed in the announcement of his sponsorship from local fast food icon King Taco.
“I want to thank the Martinez family for their support this weekend, I’m honored to be sporting their colors and hope to make them proud. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the No. 51 King Taco car as I take on my first full NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend in front of family and friends.”
Also making his debut this weekend is Théo Pourchaire. Pourchaire, last season’s Formula 2 Champion, will race the No. 6 for Arrow McLaren as David Malukas continues to recover from wrist surgery.
“This is an amazing opportunity to drive with such a legendary team in a legendary motorsport series like the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Pourchaire said on Thursday.
”I’ve watched INDYCAR since I was a young kid, and the racing is incredible. I was thrilled to get the call from the team. I’m grateful that Zak, Gavin and Tony thought of me for this opportunity and for the team at Sauber to allow me to get on track at Long Beach. I am also sorry that the opportunity came as David continues to recover. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I’m ready for it.”
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Fast Facts
Race weekend: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21
Track: 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street course (clockwise) in Long Beach, California
Race distance: 85 laps / 167.28 miles
Push-to-pass parameters: 200 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 20 seconds peractivation.
Firestone tire allotment: Six sets primary, four sets alternate. Rookie drivers are allowed one extra primary set for Practice 1.
Twitter: @GPLongBeach, @INDYCAR, #AGPLB, #INDYCAR
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Facebook: @GrandPrixLB, @INDYCAR, #INDYCAR
TikTok: @grandprixlongbeach, @INDYCAR, #INDYCAR
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Event website: http://www.gplb.com
INDYCAR website: http://www.indycar.com
2023 race winner: Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 AutoNation Honda)
2023 NTT P1 Award: Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 AutoNation Honda), 1:06.2878, 106.879 mph
Qualifying lap record: Colton Herta, 1:05.3095, 108.480 mph, April 9, 2022
USA Network race telecast: 3 p.m. ET Sunday, April 21, USA Network (live). Leigh Diffey is theplay-by-play announcer for NBC Sports’ coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongsideanalysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe.
Peacock Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions, qualifying and raceswill stream live on Peacock, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product.
INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the chief announcer alongside analystDavey Hamilton and turn announcers Nick Yeoman and Jake Query. Ryan Myrehn, JoelSebastianelli and Jonathan Grace are the pit reporters. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beachrace and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES practices and qualifying sessions air live on networkaffiliates, SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation 218 and SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio 85,racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
At-track schedule (all times local):
Friday, April 19
2:50-4:05 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (75-minute session), Peacock
Saturday, April 20
8:25-9:25 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 2 (45-minute session), Peacock (live)
11:25 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock (live)
Sunday, April 21
9-9:30 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock (live)
Noon – Driver introductions
Noon – USA Network on air
12:38 p.m. – Start engines command
12:45 p.m. – Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (85 laps/167.28 miles), USA Network and Peacock(live)
Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR
IndyCar1909.com 