IndyCar’s Unexpected Contenders: Analyzing Long Beach Upsets
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has a history of surprising results. In 10 of the last 12 years, the race winner wasn’t a championship frontrunner entering the event. This year, experts are eyeing drivers outside the current top five in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings as potential victors. But who has the edge?
Will Power’s Strategic Advantage
Curt Cavin highlights Will Power as a strong contender. Power, currently 13th in the standings, benefits from racing with a team – Andretti Global – that has dominated street races recently, securing six wins in the last 14 such events. Although Power is a two-time Long Beach winner, he hasn’t secured a street race victory since 2022. Cavin believes this is poised to change, suggesting a shift in fortune for the veteran driver.
Marcus Ericsson: A Consistent Performer
Eric Smith champions Marcus Ericsson, currently eighth in points, as a prime candidate for a Long Beach win. Ericsson’s consistent performance on street circuits – with an average starting position of 1.5 this season – and previous podium finishes at Long Beach (third in 2023, fifth in 2024) make him a serious threat. He has three career victories, all on different street circuits.
Scott Dixon: Master of Strategy
Arni Sribhen points to Scott Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion, as a driver who fits the “underdog” profile. Dixon, a two-time Long Beach winner (including a victory in 2024), excels in races requiring strategic pit stops and tire management. The 2025 race’s tire rules, mandating at least two pit stops, could play directly into Dixon’s strengths.
Scott McLaughlin: Early Season Momentum
Paul Kelly leans towards Scott McLaughlin, citing his strong performance on the streets of St. Petersburg earlier in the season, where he secured the NTT P1 Award and finished second. While McLaughlin has only one career win on a street circuit, Kelly believes his early-season speed gives him an edge over Pato O’Ward, despite O’Ward’s history of success on street courses.
The Role of Team Dynamics
A recurring theme among the experts is the importance of team performance. Andretti Global’s recent dominance on street circuits is a significant factor, with Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta contributing to their success. Arrow McLaren is also considered a potential contender, with experts suggesting they are due for a win this season.
Street Circuit Expertise: A Key Differentiator
The experts consistently emphasize the importance of experience and success on street circuits. Drivers like Power, Ericsson, and Dixon have demonstrated a knack for navigating the challenges of temporary street courses, making them strong contenders at Long Beach.
FAQ
Q: What makes the Long Beach Grand Prix unique?
A: The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a temporary street circuit, presenting unique challenges for drivers and teams due to its tight corners and limited passing opportunities.
Q: How many laps is the Long Beach Grand Prix?
A: The race is contested over 90 laps, covering a distance of 177.12 miles.
Q: Which team has been most successful at Long Beach recently?
A: Andretti Global has won five of the last seven Long Beach races.
Q: What is the significance of the tire rules in the 2025 race?
A: The requirement for at least two pit stops adds a strategic element to the race, potentially favoring drivers skilled in fuel and tire management, like Scott Dixon.
Did you know? Kyle Kirkwood won the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on qualifying results. The 1.968-mile Long Beach Street Circuit offers limited overtaking opportunities, making starting position crucial.
Want to learn more about the NTT INDYCAR SERIES? Visit the official IndyCar website for schedules, results, and driver profiles.
What are your predictions for the Long Beach Grand Prix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
