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.

Eduardo "Dudu" Barrichello | Renger van der Zande

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? 

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