Update: The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach qualifying saw Robert Wickens come close to securing a remarkable pole position. Despite briefly holding the top spot, he was eventually edged out by Frankie Montecalvo of Vasser Sullivan. Wickens, driving for DXDT Racing in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, displayed an impressive performance with a mere 0.151-second gap from Montecalvo’s pole-setting time.
Wickens, who had not raced since August at Virginia International Raceway, expressed his satisfaction with claiming the second spot on the grid. He highlighted minor communication issues but credited his team for providing a competitive car. His comfort behind the wheel after a long hiatus was evident, showcasing his readiness for the competition.
Reflecting on the previous year’s qualifying struggles at Long Beach, Wickens found redemption in the improved performance this time around. The clean weekend and strong support from DXDT Racing and Corvette Racing added to his overall satisfaction. Looking ahead to the race, Wickens aims to utilize his front-row starting position to chase a podium finish, emphasizing the potential for further improvements with more experience and technical adjustments.
The renewed confidence and strong showing at Long Beach underline Wickens’ determination and the collaborative efforts of his team. The challenge ahead holds promise for Wickens as he seeks to build on this performance and continue making strides in the IMSA sprint rounds.
