P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The third race on the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule is set for a 1-hour and 40-minute sprint race,
The upcoming Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature a grid of 27 entries, including 10 GTPs and 17 GTDs, setting the stage for an intense race with a larger car field and all four categories present. The narrow street circuit at Long Beach demands precision from drivers to optimize their lap times, maintain consistent race pace, and avoid collisions with the concrete walls lining the track. With limited room for errors and only a few run-off areas, the racing becomes even more challenging, especially without the additional GTD Pro class this year. Traffic management will be crucial as faster GTP cars might catch up to GTDs, potentially causing delays or advantages depending on the situation, making patience a key virtue on the track. IMSA into its third round and the championship title narrative building up, the race at Long Beach becomes not just an exciting event for fans but also a significant battleground for the leading teams, such as #7 Porsche Penske and #40 WTRAndretti, who are currently tied at the top of the GTP standings. The GTD class, led by the #57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, promises close competition with seven more cars than GTP, ensuring a thrilling battle for class supremacy.
