In the upcoming 50th Grand Prix of Long Beach, five Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams are set to compete in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and SRO GT America powered by AWS. This event takes place from April 11 to 13, where Winward Racing and Korthoff Competition Motors will participate in a 100-minute race, while CrowdStrike by Riley, CRP Racing, and Regulator Racing engage in two 40-minute sprint races. The teams arrive with momentum from recent victories, aiming for further success on this challenging street circuit.

Excitement Builds as Mercedes-AMG Teams Gear Up for Sprint Races

In the heart of California's vibrant racing scene, the 50th Grand Prix of Long Beach is set to unfold over an exhilarating weekend. As spring graces the coast with its golden hues, renowned teams like Winward Racing and Korthoff Competition Motors prepare to battle it out in the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Simultaneously, CrowdStrike by Riley, CRP Racing, and Regulator Racing enter the fray in the SRO GT America series, showcasing their prowess in high-speed sprints.

This historic event marks the first sprint race of the season for these teams. Winward Racing, fresh off a dominant victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, aims to secure their first win at Long Beach. With seasoned drivers Russell Ward and Philip Ellis at the helm, they seek to maintain their championship lead. Meanwhile, Korthoff Competition Motors introduces Kenton Koch and Seth Lucas, who are eager to make their mark on this iconic street course.

In the GT America series, fierce competition looms between Jason Daskalos of CRP Racing and George Kurtz of CrowdStrike by Riley. Last year, Daskalos claimed victory after Kurtz stepped away due to personal matters, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch. Additionally, NASCAR veteran Jeff Burton joins the fray with Regulator Racing, bringing his own winning streak into play.

As practice and qualifying sessions commence on Friday, April 11, anticipation builds for Saturday’s 100-minute IMSA race starting at 2:05 p.m. PDT. Fans can tune in via NBC’s Peacock or the IMSA YouTube channel. For GT America enthusiasts, thrilling action unfolds on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, broadcast live on SRO’s official YouTube channel.

Drivers express a mix of excitement and determination heading into the weekend. Philip Ellis of Winward Racing emphasizes the importance of securing strong qualifying positions given the track's narrow layout. Kenton Koch reflects on his childhood dreams of racing at Long Beach, now realized as he steps onto the track alongside rookie teammate Seth Lucas.

From a journalist's perspective, this Grand Prix exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence within motorsport. Each team brings unique strengths and strategies, contributing to a spectacle that captivates audiences worldwide. The ability to adapt swiftly during sprint races highlights the skill and precision required at such a demanding venue. As fans watch these elite drivers navigate the twists and turns of Long Beach, they witness not only individual triumphs but also the collective spirit driving competitive racing forward.