Long Beach is always an event that runs on the rev limiter from beginning to end, and I swear its 49th annual gathering was the busiest I can recall since my first visit as a Formula Atlantic mechanic in 1991.
Arrow McLaren team principal Gavin Ward and sporting director Tony Kanaan were delighted by rookie Theo Pourchaire’s debut performance in the No. 6 Chevy.
Almost all drivers tried out both Firestone compounds in the 64 degree F conditions, Team Penske's Josef Newgarden being the first to get under 68 seconds with a 1m07.6677s. However, this was soon eclipsed by many, including Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing who went top with a 1m07.
Scott Dixon says that his 57th IndyCar victory, and his second on the streets of Long Beach, was difficult enough that even he questioned whether he might make it, at least while going at race-winning speed.
Andretti Global’s two previous Long Beach winners Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta led second practice for the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a session that saw Will Power strike the Turn 8 wall twice.