Palou Aims for Historic Hat Trick at Sold-Out Long Beach Grand Prix
LONG BEACH, Calif. — NTT IndyCar Series points leader Alex Palou is chasing a rare feat this weekend: a third consecutive victory to start the season at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The two-time defending series champion has already dominated the first two races, winning the Firestone grand Prix of St. Petersburg and The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix.
Palou Eyes Third Straight Win, Joins Elite company
Winning three consecutive IndyCar races is a challenge few drivers have accomplished. Only Simon Pagenaud (2016), Scott Dixon (2020), and Palou himself (2023) have achieved this feat in the last decade. Notably, all three went on to win the series championship that same year.
“Whenever you get the chance, whenever the car feels good, whenever you have confidence in the team…you need to try and get that wave and try and surf it for as long as possible,” Palou said.
Long Beach a Familiar Challenge for Palou
Despite his recent dominance, Palou is winless in four previous Long Beach starts, though he has consistently performed well, wiht finishes of fourth, third, fifth, and third. he will start third in Sunday’s 90-lap race, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
“Being Long Beach, which is probably our second biggest race of the year, it would make it extra special. That’s the goal,” Palou stated.
Honda’s Potential Edge at Long Beach
Honda-powered drivers swept the top five starting positions, continuing a trend of strong performances at Long Beach. In 2023, Honda drivers also swept the top-five finishing positions, and finished 1-2-3-5 last year. Alexander Rossi, now driving a Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing, noted Honda’s engine architecture may provide an advantage in the track’s slow-speed corners.
However, Chevrolet is working to close the gap with software and hybrid technology adjustments. Scott McLaughlin qualified sixth, leading the Chevrolet contingent. Seven Chevrolet-powered cars will start in the top 13.
Grandstands Sold Out for 50th Anniversary Race
The popularity of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is evident, with officials announcing a complete sell-out of grandstand seating for the 50th-anniversary race.General admission tickets are still available for fans hoping to witness the action in person.
The 90-lap race will air at 4:30 p.m. ET sunday on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
indycar’s Popularity Surge: Newgarden and Herta Highlight Excitement at Long Beach
LONG BEACH, Calif. – IndyCar is experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting a new generation of fans and creating a vibrant atmosphere at races like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. As Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi gear up for significant milestones, the series’ momentum is unfeasible to ignore.
Newgarden Observes Growing Fan base, Series’ Momentum
Josef Newgarden, the 2022 long Beach winner, has observed heightened fan enthusiasm at this year’s event. According to Newgarden, this upward trend has been building for several years, with each season seemingly outdrawing the last. He notes a significant increase in young fans attending races, often introducing their parents to the sport.”Ther’s an excitement. There’s a cool factor to it,” Newgarden said, highlighting the resurgence of motorsports, particularly among younger demographics.
Herta Aims for victory from Front Row at Long Beach
Colton Herta, a California native, will start Sunday’s 90-lap race in second position, the same spot where he finished last season.Driving the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda for Andretti Global, Herta is confident in his team’s historical success at Long Beach, which includes four wins sence 2018. Herta aims to capture his second Long Beach victory, especially considering the unusual circumstances of his 2021 win, which occurred when the race served as the season finale due to COVID-19 related rescheduling.
“Historically with Andretti, four wins going back to 2018, so we do have really good race cars here,” Herta said.
Rossi Celebrates 150th IndyCar start
Alexander Rossi is set to make his 150th career NTT indycar Series start on Sunday, joining a select group of 56 drivers to reach this milestone. Rossi, now with Ed Carpenter Racing, is aiming for his third Long Beach victory. He dominated the 2018 race, leading 71 of 85 laps. Only Al Unser Jr. (six wins), Paul Tracy (four), Mario Andretti, and sebastien Bourdais (both with three) have more IndyCar Series wins at Long Beach.
Kirkwood Claims Pole Position at Long Beach, Ericsson Celebrates 100th IndyCar Start
Long Beach, CA – Kyle Kirkwood secured the pole position for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, leading an Andretti Global sweep of the top starting positions.Meanwhile, veteran driver Marcus Ericsson is set to mark his 100th IndyCar Series start at the iconic street circuit.
Andretti Global Dominates Qualifying
Andretti Global showcased its strength at Long Beach,with Kirkwood leading teammates Colton Herta and marcus Ericsson to secure three of the top five starting positions.Andretti Global has a strong track record here, having won four of the last six Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach races.
Ericsson Reaches Milestone: 100 IndyCar Starts
Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 indianapolis 500 winner, will celebrate his 100th IndyCar Series start at Long beach. The former Formula One driver has found a home in IndyCar, and expresses his excitement to make Indianapolis home with his wife. He made 97 Formula One starts before transitioning to IndyCar in 2019.
Long Beach: A Blend of Indy 500 and Racing History
Thirteen drivers have achieved the distinction of winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. This elite group includes legendary names such as mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves, and recent winners like Will Power, Alexander Rossi, and Josef Newgarden.
Ganassi’s Long Beach Record
chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou starts third, continuing a tradition. CGR drivers have finished third in six of the last seven Long Beach races.
Tributes and Celebrations at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature a flyover by helicopters from L.A. County Fire, L.A. City Fire, Cal Fire, L.A. County Sheriff, the L.A. Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department after the national anthem. First responders from various departments will also participate in the pre-race parade lap riding in the back of pickup trucks along with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers, honoring their service to the community.
Urgent Support Needed: Red Cross Faces critical Blood Shortage
WASHINGTON (AP) — The American Red Cross is grappling with a concerning blood shortage, issuing an urgent call for eligible individuals to donate blood and platelets. the dwindling supply threatens the organization’s ability to provide essential support for patients across the nation.
Blood Supply Dwindles, Prompting Red Cross Appeal
The Red Cross reports a significant drop in blood donations in recent weeks, leading to a critical need for all blood types, especially type O. This shortage compromises the organization’s capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments.
Why Blood Donations are Crucial
Blood is a vital resource with no substitute, essential for treating accident victims, cancer patients, individuals with blood disorders, and those undergoing surgery. A stable blood supply is essential to a functioning healthcare system.
How You Can Help: Donate Blood and Platelets
The Red Cross urges healthy individuals to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment immediately. Donating blood is a safe and straightforward process that can considerably impact lives. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a donation center or blood drive near you and make an appointment.
Red Cross: More Than Just blood
Beyond blood donation, the American Red Cross provides crucial services during disasters, offering shelter, food, and comfort to affected communities. They also offer training in life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid, and support military families. Financial contributions further bolster these disaster relief efforts.
Is the Long Beach Grand Prix a difficult track for drivers?
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: Your Burning Questions Answered
Get ready for the excitement of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach! We’ve compiled a Q&A to give you all the essential details about this thrilling indycar event, from drivers to the impact on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key drivers to watch?
- alex Palou: The points leader is aiming for a third consecutive win,a feat rarely achieved in IndyCar history. He starts third.
- Colton Herta: The California native starts in second place, aiming for his second Long Beach victory.
- Alexander Rossi: Celebrating his 150th IndyCar start, Rossi is aiming for his third win at Long Beach.
- Kyle Kirkwood: Secured the pole position for the race.
- Marcus ericsson: Reaching his 100th IndyCar start.
When adn where can I watch the race?
The 90-lap race will air on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network [[1](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2025/04/11/indycar-at-long-beach-start-time-tv-streaming-radio-expert-prediction/82755742007/)]
What makes the Long Beach Grand Prix special?
- Historic Meaning: this year marks the 50th anniversary of the race.
- Elite Company: Thirteen drivers have won both the Indianapolis 500 and the Long Beach Grand Prix.
- Honda’s Advantage: Honda-powered cars have shown strong performance, perhaps due to the track’s slow corners.
- Fan Frenzy: The grandstands are completely sold out, highlighting the event’s popularity.
Who is benefiting from the event?
The event features a flyover by various departments as well as the participation of first responders in pre-race activities. the Red Cross faces a critical blood shortage. They are urging healthy individuals to schedule blood or platelet donation appointments instantly. visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a donation center or blood drive near you.
Final Thoughts
As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach gears up,the stage is set for a weekend of thrilling racing and community spirit. Be sure to tune in and witness the action!
