PREMA Racing continues its debut season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES by heading to the West Coast for the Grand Prix of Long Beach for round three of the 2025 season.
Steeped in history and tradition, the Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend and has been run to Formula 5000, Formula One, Champ Car and NTT INDYCAR SERIES regulations over half a century.
The 3.16-kilometre street course runs down the scenic Shoreline Drive in downtown Long Beach, with the bumpy and narrow nature of the circuit providing a particular challenge to drivers across the weekend.
Qualifying is important at Long Beach, with drivers wanting to get a good starting position for Sunday’s race. Passing on track is not easy, while certain corners such as the hairpin can cause blockages in the event of a collision.
Strategy is also very important – the race can sometimes be split between a two- and three-stop strategy, and pitting for track position with a more conservative approach to the final stint can deliver results.
Ilott returns to Long Beach after two previous appearances in 2022 and 2023, while team-mate Shwartzman will make his debut on the circuit.
PIERS PHILLIPS - CEO, PREMA Racing INDYCAR
"As we head into the third round of the season, we are continuing to get to grips with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. But with previous experience on a street circuit in these cars, we have some understanding of what to expect ahead of the weekend. The opening few rounds have been a learning process, but we are ready to continue moving forwards with what we have taken from the opening events."