The Grand Prix of Long Beach in IndyCar showcased an intense battle of strategies among the sport’s experienced drivers in its 40th edition. A timely caution divided the field, leading strategists to swiftly calculate the most effective fuel strategy. Half of the competitors opted to pit for fuel, relying on fuel conservation or the possibility of another caution to complete the remaining 68 laps. The other half chose to delay their pit stops and maintain a high pace throughout the race. As the race progressed without further cautions, the gap between the two strategies narrowed, with those who delayed their stops gradually catching up to the frontrunners.
In the final five laps, Scott Dixon emerged as the leader, skillfully conserving fuel while fending off three other drivers who were not burdened with the same concerns. Despite the frustration of those trailing in Dixon’s turbulent wake, he managed to maintain his position until the checkered flag, successfully stretching his fuel to the end. Even Dixon himself was surprised by his ability to make his fuel last, marking a remarkable victory in his 20th consecutive season.
Colton Herta finished second, although his path to the podium was met with controversy. Herta made contact with Josef Newgarden’s car in the tight hairpin with three laps remaining, causing Newgarden’s tires to lift off the ground and triggering anti-stall mode. Prior to the incident, Herta had been relentlessly pursuing Dixon for the lead but ultimately dropped to fourth and couldn’t recover in the remaining time. He called for a penalty against Herta over the radio, but race control did not impose any sanctions, allowing Herta to maintain his second-place position.
Alex Palou capitalized on the incident ahead of him and turned his sixth-place starting position into a solid third-place finish. Marcus Ericsson secured fifth place, while Will Power employed his own fuel-saving strategy in the #12 Team Penske Chevy to secure a sixth-place finish.
The crucial caution that shaped the strategy battle was caused by Christian Rasmussen on lap 15. The rookie spun his Ed Carpenter Chevy into the wall at Turn 4, also colliding with Jack Harvey, resulting in significant damage to Harvey’s sidepod for the remainder of the race. The only other retirement was Scott McLaughlin, who was on track for a top 10 finish until he suddenly slowed down with just 15 laps remaining before heading into the pits.
In an impressive IndyCar debut, Theo Pourchaire skillfully navigated the challenging street circuit in his Arrow McLaren Chevy, finishing in 11th place. The next race in the IndyCar calendar will take place at Barber Motorsports Park in central Alabama next weekend.