IMSA - Long Beach

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns to the Streets of Long Beach for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. This race marks the third round of the 2026 season and features a 100-minute sprint race on the challenging street circuit that winds through downtown Long Beach. The event showcases two premier classes competing on the same weekend as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, creating a celebration of motorsports on the California coast.

The Long Beach Street Circuit

The Long Beach Street Circuit spans 1.968 miles with 11 turns laid out on city streets surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center. The FIA Grade Two circuit features a sweeping curve along Shoreline Drive and a distinctive sharp hairpin turn that tests driver skill. The temporary road course transforms the streets of Long Beach into a racing venue that brings professional motorsports directly to the urban center. The pit paddock utilizes the Convention Center facilities.

Racing Classes and Participants

The IMSA race at Long Beach features two classes in 2026: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) and GT Daytona (GTD). The GTP class showcases LMDh and LMH hybrid prototypes from manufacturers including Acura, Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW. These purpose-built race cars represent the pinnacle of sports car racing technology.

GTD Class Entries

The GTD class brings global GT3 competition to the Streets of Long Beach. Pfaff Motorsports enters a Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Zachary Vanier. The Heart of Racing team fields Aston Martin Vantage entries with Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis in the No. 23 car, while Dudu Barrichello pilots the No. 27 Vantage. Additional entries will be confirmed as the full entry list becomes available.

Technical Regulations

The 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship operates under specific technical regulations for each class. GTP cars utilize hybrid technology within their LMDh and LMH platforms. The GTD class follows global GT3 specifications, and IMSA applies its Balance of Performance system to ensure competitive racing among different manufacturers. Regulations govern power output, energy deployment, and differential settings. IMSA enforces these rules through its scrutineering logger system.

Event History

The Grand Prix of Long Beach began in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race. The event hosted the Formula One United States Grand Prix West from 1976 to 1983, establishing its international reputation. IndyCar racing joined the event in 1984 and continues today as one of the longest-running street circuit races in North America.

IMSA sports car racing has been part of the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend since 1990. The series evolved through different eras, including the American Le Mans Series, and now competes under the unified IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship banner. The event has demonstrated how street races can energize local economies and bring racing to city centers.

The Long Beach Experience

The circuit runs over the former location of "The Pike," a historic amusement area. Fans often refer to Long Beach as "America's Monaco" because of its challenging street course layout and coastal setting. The event extends beyond the track with concerts, food vendors, exotic car displays, and driver autograph sessions throughout the weekend.

Acura serves as the title sponsor after taking over naming rights in 2019. The 2026 edition represents a historic moment as both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races receive network television coverage on the same weekend for the first time. Support races include the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Formula DRIFT Super Drift Challenge, and Robby Gordon's SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks.

What to Expect

The 2026 IMSA race at the Streets of Long Beach promises close competition between manufacturers in both the GTP and GTD classes. The tight street circuit layout requires precision from drivers as they navigate concrete walls and limited runoff areas. The 100-minute sprint format keeps teams focused on strategy and execution. The multi-class racing adds complexity as faster GTP cars work through GTD traffic on the narrow street course. This race offers fans a chance to see sports car racing at its finest on one of North America's most challenging circuits.