IMSA Pre Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Zoom Call Conference Delivers Insight & Anticipation

The venue at Long Beach in an imaginary mash-up featuring the Long Beach Convention Center with the Wyland Whaling Wall in the background. Also featured from left to right on a dreamed up trackscape are Julien Andlauer, No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 (GTP), Renger van der Zande, No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06 (GTP), Eduardo "Dudu" Barrichello, No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo (GTD), Adam Adelson, No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (GTD). Image Credit: Edmund Jenks, Curated/Created via GROK (2026)

IMSA Pre Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Zoom Call Conference Delivers Insight & Anticipation

The IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship heads into the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach with a Zoom press conference that highlighted early season momentum, strong personal stories and the unique challenges of a demanding street circuit. Held on April 8 2026 the session featured four talented drivers from the GTP and GTD classes offering a deep look at preparation, rivalries, team growth and the thrill of racing on the iconic Long Beach streets. The race itself is set for Saturday April 18 with live coverage on NBC at 4 pm Eastern.

Julien Andlauer of the No 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 shared excitement about his debut at Long Beach. Co driving with Felipe Nasr the pair has dominated early with wins at both the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring giving them an eighty point lead in the GTP standings. Andlauer noted this marks his first visit to the California street track even in GT machinery. He drew positive memories from Monaco in Porsche Carrera Cup days and expressed love for the LA atmosphere combined with the Indycar weekend. Simulator sessions in Weissach helped him prepare for the challenging layout especially the final corners and the fountain section. He emphasized the importance of sprint races carrying full championship points and the need for smooth adaptation during limited practice time on a track known for significant evolution.

Renger Van Der Zande in the No 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing Acura Arx 06 brought valuable experience to the conversation. With two prior Long Beach victories in GTP and DPi plus five podiums across eight starts he called this event the highlight of the year for Acura a manufacturer still seeking its first win here. He recalled a near podium last season lost to contact damage and highlighted the teams strong street track form including a Detroit victory. Van Der Zande noted teammate Nick Yelloly speed at the venue and personal family plans including time with his children extending through Laguna Seca. On the subtle evo updates to the Arx 06 he said they provided expected tweaks for a better working window while new tires required more adjustment after heavy endurance mileage. He described street circuits as a blend of car compliance and driver comfort near walls comparing the danger and reward to places like Macau or the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

Eduardo Dudu Barrichello leading the GTD standings in the No 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage Gt3 Evo exuded confidence despite being in only his fourth IMSA start. With a one hundred thirty one point buffer over the next competing entry thanks to absent teams ahead he credited the cars competitiveness and team execution for his strong results including pole and second at Sebring plus a Daytona podium. Making his Long Beach debut he relied on simulator work in Phoenix and Iracing noting the tracks overtaking difficulty makes qualifying critical. Barrichello confirmed full season commitment to IMSA forcing him to miss the Sao Paulo WEC round despite strong prior performances there. His recent WEC experience has helped normalize learning new tracks quickly and he expressed enjoyment in the process while adapting to American racing culture with co driver Spencer Pumpelly.

Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal Q&A

Renger van der Zande | Eduardo "Dudu" Barrichello

Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal: I've got two questions. One for Dudu, and the other is for Renger. The first one for Dudu. What have you learned through the sim about the Long Beach track? What sections do you believe fit with the way you drive? 

DUDU BARRICHELLO: “Well, I think at Long Beach, you just have to get comfortable with the walls, and, as I said before, I've never driven a GT car at a street track, so you know, it would be something different for me this time, but as I also said, all the tracks are new for me this year. So, I'm just approaching another race weekend as another new track. which I'll have to get used to anyway. But this time, you know, if you make a mistake, you're in the wall. So, I think you just have to build up to it and that's my plan for the first practice and the rest will, we'll see how we get on.” 

Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal: Are there any sections that appeal to you at all? 

DUDU BARRICHELLO: “I think it's very easy for you to touch the wall anywhere. the track. I think it's really difficult anyway. I think the last corner is really tight. I've never done something that tight. So yeah, it’s gonna be a new experience for me.” 

Renger hopped onto the ZOOM Call driving from an urgent meeting to a more serine and stationary background. He mentioned, as he was being introduced, that he was taking this Q&A in his car because ... what is it that race car drivers do? ... Drive! Image Credit: IMSA ZOOM Call Screengrab (2026)

Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal: Well, I wish you good luck on the track, and as far as Renger, you mentioned that if you're not sliding, you're not fast. What corners do you like sliding best in? Five, six, eight... or 10? 

RENGER VAN DER ZANDE: “I think the ones where you have the double right-hander, is that 5? I think it is. Yeah, 4 and 5. Yeah, those are the ones where you keep a bit of speed and if you're under the limit, you don’t slide the car at all, and then you don't end up close to the wall, so you missed out a bit of minimum speed to get the lap time out. Turn 8, the one before the back straight, that one there’s a lot of lap time there. If you take the risk, you gain a lot of lap time.” 

Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal: Is there anything else that you'd be looking at to try to get Acura out for their first win there at Long Beach? 

RENGER VAN DER ZANDE: “Yeah, I mean I think Nick is a very good qualifier in Long Beach. I think we're going to be deciding that he's going to do that. You want to get as high up as you can get to the front because overtaking is difficult. in the race. Driver change is super important. Pit stops are super important. Because in a 100-minute race, those, um, yeah, those positions lost or gained in the pits is a big change and it's not easy to make up for it. 

“Although when we won it with Sebastien Bourdais, he parked it in the wall, we were last. And he drove by the whole field. So, it's also not said that overtaking is not possible. That was one of the most craziest things I've ever seen anyway. I guess if you have a bit of overspeed. So, I hope we're gonna have a competitive car and then we can park it in the front in qualifying and then take it from there. But yeah, I think, Nick is fast there. I think I'm pretty good out there. The car should be fast. And then don't make any mistakes at all, and then you have a good shot at winning it.” 

ENDS

Adam Adelson of the No 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 Gt3 R 992 spoke passionately about the race as a home event and key sprint round. Currently seventh in GTD points but within striking distance he described a tumultuous start with a Daytona DNF followed by a strategy driven third place at Sebring. The track should suit the Porsche well with its low speed corners and hard acceleration zones. Adelson stressed the need for flawless execution after past pit stop and crash issues. As both driver and team owner since late 2024 he shared insights into the learning curve of balancing leadership with focused driving. He expressed pride in Wright Motorsports expansion including successful customer GT3 entries in SRO racing and plans to explore Cup GT4 or Michelin Pilot Challenge opportunities. Adelson also discussed his upcoming NLS 3 appearance with HWA Evo at the Nurburgring a dream opportunity tied to his passion for their streetcar restomod work. He praised co driver Callum Ilott friendship and track knowledge while noting the 911s unique driving demands.

The conference addressed lingering tensions from Sebring. Van Der Zande voiced frustration over the dominant Porsches apparent internal position management which felt demoralizing for other competitors hungry for wins. Andlauer acknowledged the heated post race atmosphere and a subsequent drivers only meeting that focused on mutual respect and keeping internal matters private to prevent future issues.

Overall the session painted Long Beach as a pivotal moment. Porsche Penske holds clear early dominance yet street tracks introduce chaos and adaptation demands. Acura seeks historic redemption on home soil while GTD leaders Barrichello and Adelson represent rookie momentum and team resilience. Common themes included heavy simulator reliance versus real world variables such as grip bumps and track evolution plus the thrill and danger of racing close to walls. Strategy will likely favor clean runs and tire management in the shorter sprint format.

This pre race exchange builds strong anticipation for a spectacular event that combines high stakes championship action with the visual drama of one of North Americas most demanding circuits.

... notes From The EDJE

TAGS: #AcuraGrandPrixLongBeach, #GtpClass, #GtdClass, #PorschePenske, #AcuraArx06, #AstonMartinGt3, #WrightMotorsports, #JulienAndlauer, #RengerVanderZande, #DuduBarrichello, #AdamAdelson, #LongBeachStreetCircuit, #IMSAWeathertech, #MotorsportsJournal

Robert Wickens Returns To DXDT Racing Corvette For 2026 IMSA GTD Sprints

Robert Wickens during preseason testing at Sebring. Photo Credit: Amanda Jeannette, DXDT Racing (2025)

Robert Wickens Returns To DXDT Racing Corvette For 2026 IMSA GTD Sprints

Robert Wickens will return to DXDT Racing and the No. 36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the five IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD sprint rounds in 2026, continuing the groundbreaking adaptive racing program he began in 2025. 

He will share the car with Mason Filippi, his former Michelin Pilot Challenge teammate and a strong, technically adept driver who is stepping up to a full-season GTD role with the team. The sprint schedule includes the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 17-18), Laguna Seca, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Virginia International Raceway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wickens expressed excitement about building on the momentum from 2025, where the #36 Corvette frequently showed top-four GTD pace in practice and qualifying during his sprints, led laps at Road America, and delivered a season-best 4th-place finish at his home track (CTMP). He acknowledged the long layoff since the final 2025 sprint at VIR but highlighted strong preparation through ongoing communication with team manager Bryan Sellers and the endurance drivers, plus review of 2025 data, onboards, and limited iRacing sessions.

Robert Wickens dives into the development of the updated BOSCH hand braking tool he uses to command the Corvette on the track.

Teammate Dynamic and Goals

Wickens described Filippi as a “hard worker,” “A-class teammate,” and “asset to any team,” praising his feedback after they shared a car at the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours. With Filippi bringing fresh pace (strong results in early 2026 races), the pairing aims to convert consistent speed into podium finishes in the sprints. Wickens noted that butterflies remain a healthy motivator, especially on a high-stakes street circuit like Long Beach where qualifying and track position are critical. He reflected on last year’s debut, where he improved dramatically from FP1 to FP2 (setting the fastest GTD time) thanks to input from co-driver Tommy Milner, but felt he underperformed in qualifying.

Adaptive Technology and Driver Changes

The Bosch electronic hand-control system (brake-by-wire and throttle) remains central, having proven highly reliable across endurance events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours (where Wickens finished 2nd in class). Wickens emphasized ongoing refinement of both braking and throttle response, noting that the Corvette’s rear-wheel-drive power delivery feels more natural to him than the front-wheel-drive TCR cars he previously raced, though he continues dialing in throttle resolution to avoid oversteer or excessive traction control intervention.

Driver changes with crew member Josh Gibbs have evolved impressively - from competitive times at the 2025 Long Beach debut to sub-16-second swaps by VIR. Wickens focuses on consistency, staying lightweight, keeping his legs straight during entry to avoid neurological responses, and prioritizing smooth, unrushed routines over speed to avoid errors, especially at Long Beach.

WICKENS - NTT INDYCAR AS DRIVER COACH FOR ANDRETTI GLOBAL

Robert Wickens discusses his other job (click-image), driver coach for Andretti Global and drivers Will Power, Marcus Ericsson, and 2026 NTT INDYCAR Championship points leader Kyle Kirkwood. Image Credit: Andretti Global via FB/META (2026)

Challenges and Future Outlook

Wickens candidly addressed the realities of customer-team sports car racing: funding prevented a full-season effort in 2026 (including endurance races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona). He remains confident the system has no reliability concerns and that he is “not a liability,” citing strong 2025 showings and the Nürburgring result. The team often positioned itself for success in 2025 but encountered bad luck in the closing stages of several sprints; Wickens believes continued work ethic will eventually create their own luck and open doors.

Robert Wickens prepares to test the No. 36 DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. Photo Credit: Amanda Jeannette, DXDT Racing (2025)

He is already looking ahead to 2027 for potential endurance participation, including Daytona, and expressed broader ambitions for the modular Bosch system in other GT3 races (e.g., Suzuka, Bathurst, Spa 24), GTP/LMP2 prototypes, or even a return to IndyCar (the system is known to fit). For now, he is focused on performing as “just a normal racing driver” and converting the #36’s proven pace into results. A special Wealthspire livery is planned for the Long Beach weekend, adding to the excitement.

Significance

This 2026 program represents continued progress in Wickens’ remarkable comeback from his 2018 IndyCar spinal injury. It underscores innovation in adaptive motorsport technology, the strength of the GM/Pratt Miller Corvette Z06 GT3.R platform, and DXDT Racing’s growth. With refined preparation, a proven teammate, and accumulated experience, the pairing enters the season with realistic optimism for podium contention and stronger overall results in the highly competitive GTD class.

The season kicks off for Wickens at the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach weekend, where track evolution, multi-class traffic, and execution in practice/qualifying will again be key. Success there and throughout the sprints could pave the way for expanded opportunities in the years ahead.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #RobertWickens, #DXDTRacing, #CorvetteZ06GT3R, #IMSA2026, #GTDClass, #BoschHandControls, #AdaptiveRacing, #MasonFilippi, #LongBeachGP, #CorvetteRacing, #TheEDJE, #MotorsportsJournal

Will Power, Andretti Global, And The Parity Push At Barber – Four Races In March And A 25-Car Field That Refuses To Settle

Human ingenuity amplified by AI - Andretti INDYCAR has partnered with TWG AI as the primary sponsor for the #26 Andretti Honda driven by first year Honda & Andretti Global Driver, Will Power. Image Credit Andretti Global via FB/META (2026)

Will Power, Andretti Global, And The Parity Push At Barber – Four Races In March And A 25-Car Field That Refuses To Settle

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES rolls into one of its most picturesque and physically demanding venues this weekend for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park, and the early-season script keeps getting more interesting.

In just three races held so far in 2026, the series has produced three different winners from three different teams. That kind of spread-out victory lane is exactly what fans love to see, and the fourth race of the month crammed into a 29-day window offers another prime opportunity for the competitive balance of this 25-car field to assert itself even further.

It has been more than 50 years since the series packed March this aggressively. In the past decade, only the month of July has hosted as many events across different locations. The pace has been relentless, the racing sharp, and the storylines fresh.

Andretti Global dominates the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington weekend! Kyle Kirkwood capped the day in style by driving the No. 27 JM Bullion / Gold.com Honda to the win in the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. Marcus Ericsson led the field to green from pole position, while Will Power delivered a strong run to finish third, giving Andretti Global three cars in the top four on the new 2.73-mile Arlington street circuit. The victory marks Andretti’s 78th INDYCAR win and their 21st on a street circuit. With the win, Andretti Global now leads the INDYCAR driver championships as the series heads to Barber Motorsports Park after a short break. Image Credit: Andretti Global via FB/META (2026)

Will Power, now in his first campaign with Andretti Global, sat down for a press conference this week and delivered his usual mix of blunt honesty, dry humor, and quiet confidence. The veteran corrected the moderator early on: he finished third at the Streets of Arlington, not fourth, behind teammate Kyle Kirkwood's impressive victory and Alex Palou in second. It was a strong weekend for the team overall.

Power acknowledged the slow start in the points incidents at St. Petersburg and Phoenix hurt but stressed the underlying speed has been there. The team led at Phoenix before the trouble, and he believes a top-five finish was likely at St. Pete. "The capability to contend for the championship is there," he said. "It's a very good team."

This weekend at Barber carries extra weight for Power. He owns two wins and five podiums at the Alabama rollercoaster, a flowing, elevation-heavy road course that rewards rhythm and precision. Yet it marks his first time piloting the current Andretti car on a proper fast-flowing road course. Friday practice will be critical as he evaluates setup and where the package stacks up in a field that grows tighter every year.

High commitment series of corners and an elevation rise at the end of a high-speed practice run by Will Power has him finishing day one in the top ten drivers in a field of twenty-five. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski - Penske Entertainment (2026)

Power made it clear he expects to be at the pointy end again, but he also knows this stop will reveal plenty about whether Andretti has closed the road-course gap they identified last season.

No discussion of the 2026 title chase skips Alex Palou. Power, the last driver to win a championship against the Ganassi star, described him plainly as the standout and the one setting the standard. While other Ganassi entries haven't matched that level, Palou remains consistently at the front no matter the track type.

To beat him, Power noted, a team and driver cannot afford a single glaring weakness not in qualifying, race pace, strategy, or pit stops. "You can't have a weakness ultimately 'cause he will get you," Power observed. He even joked (mostly) about wanting an in-car camera of Palou on a road or street course just to study the man's technique.

Pitlane ponderings run through Will Power's mind while in his box at Practice 1 of the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski - Penske Entertainment (2026)

Power drew a parallel to his battles with Dario Franchitti years ago but noted the modern era is tougher: a misstep today drops you to 17th, not third, thanks to the depth in the field. Still, he sees Andretti currently led in the standings by teammate Kirkwood as right in the mix.

Power has been impressed with his new squad. He described their debriefs as very military like more structured than what he experienced at Penske with strong processes and ample resources. "They've got everything they need to win a championship," he said. He's providing feedback drawn from years at another top organization, and the team is already making directional improvements.

The whirlwind of adapting to new people, procedures, and car feel has been intense. A recent weekend off helped him catch our breath and digest lessons, especially valuable while prepping for the Indianapolis cars. Power believes the ingredients for a title fight exist right now, not in three years as he once projected. Arlington showed the pace; Barber will test it on a classic road course.

He also tipped his cap to the late George Barber, praising the passion and presentation that turned the venue into one of the series' best from the museum to the sculpted grounds and flowing track layout. Tributes and stickers honoring Barber will feature prominently this weekend.

Full ZOOM Call:

Power sounded genuinely upbeat about the health of INDYCAR. Ratings, crowds, and event quality are rising. He credited the new Arlington layout, partnerships with major sports owners like Jerry Jones, and the overall push for bigger, better spectacles. "From when I first started to now, it's only progressively got better and better every year," he remarked.

Looking ahead, Long Beach remains a traditional strength for Andretti, and Power expects the car to shine there. Indy 500 preparations continue, with focus on building a qualifying-fast machine to complement the team's noted race-handling strengths.

With three different winners from three different teams already on the board, Barber represents another chance for the parity narrative to deepen or for someone to stamp authority. Power and Andretti arrive optimistic but realistic: the road course will be telling. Palou lurks as the benchmark. The 25-car field remains deep and unpredictable.

Four races in March. A sport showing renewed vitality. And a veteran driver in a new home still chasing that championship feel while enjoying the ride.

The Alabama hills are calling. The pointy end awaits. And the early-season story of balance and opportunity has every reason to continue.

As this article is sent to the web to be published, the first practice session is in and Will Power unloads and finishes, during the last and final session of Practice 1, as the 4th quickest Honda and nearly one-half of a second behind the top Chevy driven by former teammate Scott McLaughlin.

POST RACE UPDATE - From P23 to P12 & Biggest Mover:

... notes from The EDJE 

TAGS: #IndyCar, #BarberMotorsportsPark, #WillPower, #AndrettiGlobal, #AlexPalou, #NTTIndyCarSeries, #IndyCarParity, #ChildrensOfAlabamaIndyGrandPrix, MotorsportsJournal, #TheEDJE

The Passing Of Bob Tullius Marks The End Of A Legendary Era In American Motorsports

Bob Tullius, the legendary founder and driver of Group 44, Inc., captured in a focused portrait while wearing his signature Jaguar racing suit as the lead driver of the XJR-5 GTP prototype during the mid-1980s IMSA Camel GT era. Image Credit Courtesy of IMRRC Group 44 archives / Motorsports Photography Collection

The Passing Of Bob Tullius Marks The End Of A Legendary Era In American Motorsports

The racing world lost one of its true pioneers with the passing of Bob Tullius on March 16, 2026, at his home in Port Orange, Florida. He was 95 years old. Born Robert Charles Tullius on December 7, 1930, in Rochester, New York, Tullius transitioned from a promising athletic background to become an iconic figure in sports car racing through his creation and leadership of Group 44.

As president of the Road Racing Drivers Club, Bobby Rahal issued a statement reflecting the deep sadness felt across the community. "All of us at the Road Racing Drivers Club are saddened at the passing of one of its icons and heroes, Robert (Bob) Tullius."

1978 Group 44 Jaguar XJS, XJR-3. Image Credit: Tim Scott for RM Auctions via Hemmings

Rahal emphasized Tullius's disciplined journey from the gridiron to the racetrack. "After success as a star quarterback in college, only to be injured and forcing his retirement from football, Bob brought the discipline of his athletic career to amateur motorsports with the founding of Group 44."

Founded in 1965, Group 44 revolutionized amateur racing by introducing professional standards, including meticulous preparation, manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive branding. Tullius and his team achieved remarkable dominance, securing over 300 wins across club racing, Trans-Am, and IMSA GTP competition, along with multiple national championships.

"Group 44 and Bob brought a professionalism to amateur racing that had yet to exist and by doing so became one of the most dominant teams in both the amateur and professional sides of the sport," Rahal stated.

Bob Tullius in his signature white Group 44 racing suit posing with his topless Jaguar shod with
Goodyear rubber. Image Credit: jaguarheritage.com via Petrolicious

Tullius's career became synonymous with Jaguar and British Leyland machinery. He piloted iconic cars such as the E-Type, XJS, and later the groundbreaking XJR GTP prototypes, delivering numerous SCCA National Championships, Trans-Am titles in 1977 and 1978, and key IMSA victories that paved the way for Jaguar's return to endurance racing, including Le Mans.

"Although he raced many different types of cars throughout his career, Bob was forever tied to his relationship with British Leyland and Jaguar cars, achieving many SCCA National Championships and overall victories," Rahal noted.

A proud member of the RRDC, Tullius earned inductions into prestigious halls of fame, including the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the SCCA Hall of Fame, and recognition from IMSA for his enduring contributions as both driver and team owner.

Rahal closed with a personal and collective tribute. "He was a proud member of the RRDC. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bob's family. Godspeed, Bob Tullius."

Tullius's legacy endures through the professional ethos he established, the victories he achieved, and the inspiration he provided to generations in motorsports. From football fields to winner's circles, his story exemplifies determination and excellence.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #BobTullius, #Group44, #JaguarRacing, #SCCA, #IMSA, #TransAm, #RRDC, #MotorsportsLegend, #MotorsportsJournal, #TheEDJE

IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Poster Image Credit: IMSA (2026)

IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Jack Hawksworth of the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 in GTD PRO marked his upcoming 100th IMSA start with Lexus—a milestone that surprised him until recently highlighted by the team's PR efforts. Hawksworth reflected on a decade-long journey with the program, from its early days in 2017 to consistent competitiveness, championships (including the 2023 GTD PRO title with Ben Barnicoat), and race wins. 

He highlighted the 2024 Sebring victory as a standout memory and praised the team's reliability and strength in tough endurance conditions. Despite the RC F GT3's age, Hawksworth emphasized a positive mindset, noting recent progress, a strong lineup including Kyle Kirkwood (fresh off an IndyCar win), and the car's historical suitability for Sebring's mix of high-speed, bumpy, high-degradation sections. He views the track as more representative of the season ahead compared to Daytona's straight-line demands, expressing confidence in contending for the win.

ROXY RETURNS! AO Racing's Roxy To Make Endurance Debut At Sebring - Rexy sidelined due to tooth injuries at Daytona, paving the way for Roxy's endurance debut - Image Credit: AO Racing via Dailysportscar (2026)

BEGIN ZOOM Call Interview - Edmund Jenks, Motorsports Journal & Alessio Picariello, No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (GTD PRO)

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: My question is more of a fan base type one, and I wanted to ask Alessio how he finds the fans and the reaction to driving Rexy or Roxy? With its unique personalized livery, I wanted to get his take on that. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “I mean, it's insane to see how many people are loving this livery, and it's getting more and more every year. So, when I got to experience it first in Daytona last year, I was amazed, and in Sebring, I feel like it's even more. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how it is this year. This year we will use the Roxy livery. So, it's the first time for me driving, I mean, driving a pink car, a pink dino! So yeah, I think, I mean, the concept for sure is nice and it's good for motorsport that it attracts so many people. Every time when we have the autograph session, when you see the queue, it's absolutely crazy. So, it's nice. It's nice for us as drivers to drive such a famous car, let's say.”

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: Also, are they planning to do the, I guess, the change of the teeth in the front every time there's a race win? Like they do with the green Porsche. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “Well, I think it depends on how many times they will use Roxy this year. We don’t get the info as drivers. It’s Roxy this time, and I guess it will have the, the, the, the golden teeth for the 2024 championship. But on race wins, we don't have any this year, so if we win Sebring, I guess Rexy will have a golden tooth for the next round.”

ENDS

Alessio Picariello, defending GTD PRO winner from 2025 with the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) - nicknamed "Roxy" - shared his evolution at Sebring. Initially disliking the bumpy, unique layout and IMSA's endurance demands as a young Silver driver, he grew to appreciate it through WEC runs and prior IMSA experiences, culminating in last year's near-perfect victory. With new teammates Nick Tandy (experienced but "old school") and Harry King (making his Sebring race debut after testing), Picariello noted quick chemistry built in Daytona, shared mindsets, and no major concerns about King's adaptation. He described minor evolutions in the updated Porsche as setup-focused with slight reliability gains, expecting a fun, competitive outing.

Tom Gamble of the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo in GTD highlighted a strong season start, including a near-win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and third at last year's Sebring. He credited the team's reliability, strategy, and ability to stay clean in traffic—key for Sebring's challenging overtaking and elbows-out finales. 

With new teammate Dudu Barrichello joining Zacharie Robichon, Gamble expressed excitement for the warm Florida weather and ambitions to improve on last year's podium, potentially challenging the dominant Winward Mercedes. He appreciated the relief from WEC postponements easing travel, while noting his second IMSA year brings greater familiarity and comfort across tracks.

Philip Ellis, stepping in for Russell Ward (travel issues) in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in GTD, joined alongside Ward and Indy Dontje ... the trio aiming for a Sebring hat-trick after wins in 2024 and 2025. 

Ellis recounted the intense Rolex 24 finish, including a close front-straight incident with Nicki Thiim, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges to secure a third Rolex victory. He stressed preparation for the final hours: focusing practice on late-race conditions (cooler temps, dirty track), maintaining car integrity, staying calm under pressure, and leveraging strategy. Sharing data with the sister GTD PRO Mercedes aids setup, while the car's age benefits from BoP, tire focus, and deep team knowledge rather than constant development.

These 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring previews underscore Sebring's demanding nature of bumps, heat, strategy, traffic, and reliability—while highlighting defending strengths, milestone moments, and competitive ambitions across GTD PRO and GTD.

The 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring event features a packed 55-car field across classes, with live streaming on Peacock starting at 10 a.m. ET, plus additional coverage on NBCSN from 5 p.m. ET and the IMSA YouTube channel.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: #IMSA, #Sebring12, #WeatherTechChampionship, #Mobil1TwelveHoursOfSebring, #GTDPRO, #GTD, #RespectTheBumps, #VasserSullivan, #AORacing, #HeartOfRacing, #WinwardRacing, #MotorsportsJournal, #TheEDJE

Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner ... Ryan Blaney (left) finishes out a Team Penske Desert Double weekend sweep. During qualifications, Blaney shares a humorous reflection with a Dent Wizard crewmate while awaiting his turn to qualify for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 - love how this moment captured a crewmate was caught laughing at a comment Blaney had made - note the Start/Finish line in the background. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2026)

Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Ryan Blaney showcased the kind of perseverance that defines champions, storming back from two loose wheel setbacks to capture the checkered flag in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2026. 

The Team Penske driver turned what could have been a disastrous afternoon into a defining victory, his first of the season and a fitting close to an extraordinary cross-series sweep for the legendary organization. With the IndyCar side having already secured the pole and the win the previous day through Josef Newgarden, Blaney's triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series event completed a rare and celebrated Penske "Desert Double" at the one-mile Arizona oval.

Ryan Blaney (center image), driving his Team Penske Dent Wizard No. 12 Ford Mustang badged NASCAR, takes the GREEN Flag to start the Straight Talk Wireless 500 lined up in P5 at Phoenix Raceway. Image Credit: Getty Images via NASCAR (2026)

The race unfolded as a test of resolve for the No. 12 Ford team. Blaney dominated early, claiming Stage 1 honors with a car he described as "really fast," only to suffer the first loose wheel penalty on pit road that dropped him deep in the field. A second similar issue followed, forcing another trip to the garage area for repairs. Yet the crew, led by crew chief Jonathan Hassler, refused to let frustration derail their focus. They quickly diagnosed the problems, adjusted their approach, and maintained composure, allowing Blaney to methodically claw his way forward through the chaos of a caution-filled event that tied the Phoenix record with 12 yellow flags.

Tire management and strategic adaptability proved crucial amid elevated track temperatures and the added horsepower making rubber wear more punishing. Blaney noted the tires were tough to drive late in long runs, with drivers pushing air pressures low and risking failures that triggered many of the cautions. Hassler's outside-the-box thinking shone on the late restarts, where a two-tire call provided the grip needed for Blaney to seize the lead and pull away from Christopher Bell in the final laps, securing the win by a narrow margin in a hard-fought finish.

Ryan Blaney with Josef Newgarden in the Good Ranchers 250 Victory Circle wearing a Team Penske Rick Mears INDY500 Champion honor t-shirt. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

What elevated the victory beyond a typical comeback story was the broader Team Penske context. IndyCar stars Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas were on site for the organization's 60th anniversary celebration, adding internal pressure to complete the weekend sweep after poles in both series and Newgarden's victory. Blaney admitted feeling that extra motivation, not wanting to be the one who let the perfect weekend slip away. He expressed genuine delight at the camaraderie across disciplines, highlighting how the drivers root for one another and share in each other's successes—a refreshing dynamic in a high-stakes sport.

In the post-race press conference, Blaney's reflections carried a tone of deep appreciation. He praised his pit crew's mentality for not dwelling on mistakes but instead learning and pushing forward, crediting their unbreakable spirit for turning the day around. The win also carried personal significance as his first since becoming a father, though he humorously noted forgetting to FaceTime his wife and son from Victory Lane amid the post-race whirlwind. He looked forward to heading home to share the moment with his family, underscoring how fatherhood has shifted his perspective even in the heat of competition.

Blaney's Phoenix victory tied him with racing legends Harry Gant, Geoff Bodine, Neil Bonnett, Kasey Kahne, and Ryan Newman on the all-time Cup wins list, a milestone he greeted with humble admiration for those drivers and their legacies. He spoke fondly of personal connections, from stories of Neil Bonnett shared during his Wood Brothers days to his longstanding fandom of Kasey Kahne. The result not only halted Tyler Reddick's early-season momentum but positioned Blaney firmly in the championship conversation after a performance built on resilience and teamwork.

For Roger Penske, the sweep delivered something new to an already unparalleled resume—an IndyCar-NASCAR double at the same venue—adding another chapter to a storied career during this milestone anniversary year. Blaney's drive embodied the fighting spirit that has long defined Team Penske, turning adversity into triumph and capping a weekend that showcased the organization's depth across racing worlds.

... notes from The EDJE

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Josef Newgarden Captures Strong P2 In Qualifying For The Good Ranchers 250 At Phoenix Raceway

Team Penske's senior driver Josef Newgarden places his No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet Dallara at number two on the grid being edged out by his new teammate David Malukas for the pole - Malukas' first pole in his young career. Image Credit: James Black NICS (2026)

Josef Newgarden Captures Strong P2 In Qualifying For The Good Ranchers 250 At Phoenix Raceway

The desert heat at Phoenix Raceway delivered a fitting backdrop for the NTT IndyCar Series' long-awaited return to this iconic 1-mile oval, and Josef Newgarden wasted no time reminding everyone why he's often called the series' "oval king." In qualifying for the Good Ranchers 250 on March 6, 2026, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time series champion locked down P2 with a solid two-lap average of 174.548 mph in his No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet.

The front row sweep belonged to Team Penske, but it was the surprise story of the session: David Malukas, the young Chicago native now in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, claimed his first career NTT P1 Award (pole position) with an impressive 175.383 mph run. Malukas edged out his veteran teammate Newgarden by nearly a full mile per hour, marking a breakout moment for the driver who joined Penske in the offseason. "I'm just so happy! So many P2’s and finally a pole…what a way to start the season… and our Phoenix race tomorrow," Malukas said post-qualifying, capturing the excitement of a fresh chapter.

CLICK-IMAGE To Launch Post Qualifications Press Conference

Question - Tom Stahler with Josef Newgarden

Tom Stahler - Motorsports Journal: The time of day here in the Phoenix valley, this is the time of day where you really do see a significant shift in temperature. Obviously it played into your hands even starting later in the qualifying session, but a lot of other people I think faltered because the guys earlier had cooler temperatures. How do you feel about the time of day you were qualifying, and what did you do differently?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, we were sort of on the back end of it, right? We were, what, 19th or something to go out.

It depends on where you're at. It's a good question. Indianapolis you always want to be first out when the track is the coldest, and you don't want the temperature to build. I think that's somewhat true here. A colder track is typically a faster track, more grip.

I don't think you had a ton of shift. I think just -- I think in general qualifying was a higher track temperature than we had seen the last multiple sessions we had been here. It's the first time everybody really experienced that.

I think at the very end of qualifying, in particular, you saw a lot of drop-off on that second lap for most people, including myself. Compared to the very beginning, that probably got a little bit worse, where you just weren't as consistent on the second lap time.

Mick, for instance, was the first out. He was super consistent both laps, and then the last guy to go, you just saw that drop-off in the second lap. I think that was the difference today.

But I think for where we were, I think we made the most of it.

ENDS

For Newgarden, starting second aligns perfectly with his history at Phoenix. He remains the defending winner here from 2018—the last time the series visited before this 2026 revival. That victory stands as a benchmark for oval mastery, and his front-row lock today positions him ideally for tomorrow's 250-lap battle on March 7 (3 p.m. ET on FOX). The Nashville native's consistency on ovals has long been a hallmark of his career, boasting 32 wins (the most among active American drivers), and this result underscores Team Penske's strength on the high-banked tri-oval despite challenges elsewhere in the field.

Drama wasn't absent: Teammate Will Power suffered a hard crash during his qualifying attempt, adding tension to the Penske camp. Yet Newgarden's smooth, flat-out run kept the Chevrolet momentum rolling. Behind the front row, Graham Rahal slotted into third at 173.993 mph, with Mick Schumacher showing strong form in his first oval qualifying session at 173.667 mph for fourth - another highlight in a day full of surprises.

As the series dusts off this classic venue after an eight-year hiatus, Newgarden's P2 start sets the stage for what could be a dominant Penske performance in the Good Ranchers 250. With his pedigree on ovals and a front-row perch, the question isn't if he'll contend ... it's how far he'll push for another Phoenix triumph. The green flag drops tomorrow, and the "oval king" is ready to reignite the desert.

... notes from The EDJE










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