INDYCAR HEADS TO LONG BEACH FOR ROUND FOUR SHOWDOWN
The IndyCar Series is preparing for its fourth race of the season on the streets of Long Beach, in southern Los Angeles, near the Pacific Ocean.
Many drivers will fight for the win on one of the most famous and historic tracks in North America. The championship battle between Kyle Kirkwood and Alex Palou is a key storyline, but several others could also challenge for victory in the only race scheduled for April.
This fourth round, out of eighteen races, takes place at a true classic of American motorsport. Today, the start and finish line is located along Shoreline Drive.
The lap begins with heavy braking into the tight Toyota hairpin, followed by the slow Aquarium section, where drivers sometimes cut too much and run over the inside curb.
A series of sharp 90-degree corners leads onto Seaside Way, a bumpy straight that makes driving difficult. The Firestone Turn then leads into a tight parking area section, ending with the very narrow Gasometer hairpin that brings cars back onto Shoreline Drive.
In the standings, Kirkwood arrives as the leader with 156 points. He took his first IndyCar win at Long Beach in 2023 and won again there last season. Palou, a four-time champion, is just two points behind after his recent victory at Barber.
Christian Lundgaard sits third with 121 points and leads the McLaren drivers, while David Malukas is close behind with 116 points, leading the Penske group. Pato O’Ward is still searching for his first win of the season.
As in Arlington, IndyCar will use its new qualifying format in Long Beach. The Fast Six drivers will go on track one at a time in a superpole-style session. This format will also be used on other street circuits to reduce traffic and avoid blocking issues.
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