After encountering significant mechanical issues that sidelined Korthoff Preston Motorsports (KPM) No. 32 Mercedes-AMG for the majority of Sebring’s 12-Hour race, the team now sets its sights on the streets of Long Beach, California, aiming for a more promising outcome. KPM is ready to take on the suspenseful 100-minute shootout, with Mike Skeen and Mikael Grenier at the wheel.
First run in 1977, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is the country’s longest-running street course. Consuming the vibrant streets of downtown Long Beach, this 1.97-mile course with 11 turns draws fans from across the country and is deeply woven into the city’s identity. With an impressive 33,000 hours dedicated to constructing the track and event spaces, this event is a spectacle not to be missed. From meticulously planning the layout to ensuring every detail meets top standards, the dedication poured into crafting this experience promises excitement and thrills for all who attend—and KPM is eagerly anticipating being in the center of it all.
Looking forward to showcasing KPM’s prowess after the quick and unfortunate ending at Sebring, driver Mikael Grenier notes the team’s success there in 2023 and hopes for a KPM win in front of Long Beach’s enthusiastic crowd:“Long Beach is one of my favorite events of the year. We had a good run there last season, and it would be great to get a win for KPM in front of the enthusiastic crowd that shows up there.”— Mikael Grenier
Driver Mike Skeen added that Long Beach presents a different set of challenges compared to other tracks, as IMSA’s only street course.“Long Beach is a cool race, the only street course of the season, which is a different challenge. We had the speed so far this season, but not the result we wanted, so we will focus on having a clean weekend.”— Mike Skeen
Coverage of the Acura Grand Prix will be televised Friday, April 19, 2024, on IMSA TV and Peacock from 7:55 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. EST. Coverage on Saturday, April 20, 2024, will be on IMSA TV, USA, and Peacock from 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. EST. Visit IMSA.com for more information.
For more information on Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing, please visit mercedes-amg.com/customerracing.