At the highly anticipated 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, six-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon once again proved his exceptional talent and strategic brilliance. The race commenced with Team Penske’s Will Power taking an early lead, but a Lap 15 incident involving Christian Rasmussen of Ed Carpenter Racing prompted a full-course caution and a consequential strategy split.
While Power and several others pitted, Dixon stayed on track, ultimately outmaneuvering his rivals with a calculated fuel-saving strategy. In the closing stages, a fierce four-way battle emerged between Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Colton Herta, and Alex Palou. Dixon expertly navigated the lapped traffic and defended his lead with determination, showcasing his trademark composure and racing acumen.
Despite Herta making contact with Newgarden’s Penske machine, causing a brief anti-stall issue, no penalties were issued. Nevertheless, Dixon remained unyielding, holding off the challenges of his pursuers to claim his 57th career victory and second triumph at the prestigious Long Beach circuit.
Arrow McLaren experienced a tumultuous weekend, with neither Pato O’Ward nor Alexander Rossi advancing to the Firestone Fast Six in qualifying. During the race, O’Ward made contact with Rossi, damaging both their cars and diminishing their chances of a strong finish. Despite managing to salvage a top-10 finish, it was a far cry from the team’s expectations.
In a notable debut, 20-year-old Theo Pourchaire, substituting for the injured David Malukas, impressed in the No. 6 Chevrolet, securing a commendable 11th-place finish. Having conducted only simulator work prior, Pourchaire’s clean and accomplished performance at one of the most challenging tracks on the calendar was highly commendable.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach lived up to its reputation as one of the most thrilling IndyCar races on the schedule, showcasing on-track battles, strategic maneuvering, and a dramatic four-way fight for victory. As Dixon celebrated in victory lane, the race reaffirmed the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach’s status as the premier IndyCar event outside the legendary Indianapolis 500.
