Graham Rahal Leads Surprising Long Beach Warmup in Cool Conditions
This morning’s warmup session for the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach brought a wave of unpredictability. The session set an exciting stage for the race this afternoon. With cooler temperatures and a surprise leader, the session was anything but ordinary.
Graham Rahal, who qualified 16th in the 27-car field, surged to the top during the final practice, clocking in at 1 minute, 8.0151 seconds. The session unfolded under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 50s on the 11-turn, 1.968-mile temporary street circuit. As anticipation builds for the 90-lap race at 4:30 p.m. ET, all eyes are on the drivers and their strategies.
The Surprise Leader: Graham Rahal
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Graham Rahal’s performance this morning was nothing short of spectacular. Despite qualifying 16th, Rahal managed to clock the fastest time in the final practice session. Driving the No. 15 Fleet Cost & Care Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Rahal’s time of 1:08.0151 seconds stunned both fans and competitors alike. This unexpected turn of events has certainly added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming race.
Rahal’s Strategy and Performance
Rahal’s impressive lap time was achieved under cooler conditions, which can often be challenging for drivers. The cooler temperatures in the high 50s meant that tire grip and car handling were crucial factors. Rahal’s ability to navigate these conditions successfully speaks volumes about his skill and the team’s strategy. As the race approaches, it will be interesting to see how Rahal leverages this momentum.
Top Contenders to Watch
While Rahal’s performance was the highlight, other top contenders also made their mark during the warmup session. Notably, two-time and reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden rebounded from a frustrating qualifying session to secure the second-fastest time. Newgarden’s lap of 1:08.3474 in the No. 3 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet positions him as a strong competitor for the race.
Josef Newgarden’s Rebound
Newgarden’s recovery from a disappointing qualifying session showcases his resilience and determination. Qualifying 15th, Newgarden managed to post the second-fastest lap during the warmup, demonstrating his capability to adapt and overcome challenges. His performance today will undoubtedly be a key factor in the race.
Marcus Armstrong’s Consistency
Another noteworthy performance came from Marcus Armstrong, who posted the third-quickest lap at 1:08.4736 in the No. 66 SiriusXM/Root Insurance Honda for Meyer Shank Racing. Armstrong’s consistent performance throughout the weekend has positioned him as a serious contender for the race. His ability to maintain this consistency will be crucial as the competition heats up.
Reigning Champions and Pole Winners
Reigning Long Beach winner Scott Dixon and pole winner Kyle Kirkwood also had notable performances during the warmup session. Dixon, driving the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, secured the fourth-fastest lap at 1:08.6648. Meanwhile, Kirkwood, who will start from pole position, ended up sixth with a lap time of 1:08.9668.
Scott Dixon’s Experience
Dixon’s experience and previous success at Long Beach make him a formidable competitor. His fourth-place finish in the warmup session indicates that he is in good form and ready to defend his title. Dixon’s strategic approach and racecraft will be critical as he aims for another victory.
Kyle Kirkwood’s Pole Position
Kirkwood’s pole position is a significant advantage, but his sixth-place finish in the warmup session suggests that there may be challenges ahead. Driving the No. 27 PreFab Honda for Andretti Global, Kirkwood will need to leverage his starting position effectively to stay ahead of the competition. His teammate, Colton Herta, who is starting second, also faced challenges during the warmup.
Incidents and Penalties
The warmup session was not without its incidents. Colton Herta, driving the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, had a collision with rookie Jacob Abel’s No. 51 Abel Construction Honda. This incident near the pit entrance triggered the only red flag of the session. Herta’s car sustained damage, and he was penalized for five minutes, ending up 19th with a lap time of 1:10.0892.
Impact on Herta’s Race
Herta’s collision and subsequent penalty could impact his performance in the race. Starting second, Herta will need to recover quickly and focus on executing a flawless race strategy. The damage to his car and the lost practice time may pose additional challenges, but Herta’s skill and determination will be key factors in overcoming these obstacles.
Race Day Expectations
As the drivers prepare for the 90-lap race, the air temperature is expected to climb into the high 60s by the green flag. These changing conditions will add another layer of complexity to the race. Drivers and teams will need to adapt their strategies accordingly to optimize performance.
Weather and Track Conditions
The increase in temperature could affect tire performance and car handling, making it crucial for teams to monitor and adjust their setups. The partly cloudy skies and the iconic 11-turn, 1.968-mile temporary street circuit will provide a challenging yet thrilling environment for the drivers.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the action live on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach promises to be a memorable event, with a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars.
For more detailed information on the warmup session and race day coverage, visit INDYCAR News.
