Porsche Penske Motorsport Aims for Victory at Long Beach After Stellar Start to Season
- Porsche Blog
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
After a remarkable start to the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Porsche Penske Motorsport is set to return to Long Beach, the site of their Porsche 963’s maiden victory. The team is eager to continue their winning streak in this short, intense race.
Key Takeaways
Porsche Penske Motorsport returns to Long Beach, where they celebrated their first win with the Porsche 963.
The race is a 100-minute sprint, one of the shortest in the IMSA season.
The team will field three Porsche 963 cars in the GTP class and two 911 GT3 R cars in the GTD category.
Drivers Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy will pilot the No. 7 car, while Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell will drive the No. 6.
Overview of the Event
The Long Beach Grand Prix Circuit, known for its challenging street layout, will host the third round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Long Beach race, which has been a staple in American motorsport since 1975. The event is particularly significant for Porsche, as it was here that they achieved their first victory with the Porsche 963 in 2023.
Team Lineup and Strategy
Porsche Penske Motorsport will enter the race with a strong lineup:
GTP Class:
GTD Class:
The team is shifting from endurance racing to a sprint format, which requires a different approach in terms of driving style and car setup. Managing a single critical pit stop will be crucial in this fast-paced race.
Insights from the Team
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, expressed optimism about the upcoming race, stating, "We have the best memories of the sprint race in Long Beach. Our goal remains the same: we want to bring home another win and pull further ahead in the championship standings."
Urs Kuratle, Director of Factory Motorsport LMDh, emphasized the importance of qualifying well due to the narrow nature of the street circuit, which offers limited overtaking opportunities.
Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, noted the transition from endurance to sprint racing, highlighting the need for a different strategy and setup to maximize performance in the 100-minute race.
Drivers' Perspectives
The drivers are looking forward to the unique challenges of the Long Beach circuit:
Mathieu Jaminet: "We’re facing a short sprint on a narrow street circuit. That’s a sure guarantee of big thrills and a great vibe.
Felipe Nasr: "The atmosphere in Long Beach is always terrific, and the street circuit offers unparalleled challenges. We want to continue our top form and win again!"
Laurens Vanthoor: "I’m particularly fond of the race in Long Beach. Street circuits are always spectacular, and I hope we’ll achieve a great result with the team."
Conclusion
As Porsche Penske Motorsport gears up for the Long Beach Grand Prix, the team is focused on leveraging their past experiences and current momentum to secure another victory. With a strong driver lineup and a strategic approach, they are poised to make a significant impact in this thrilling sprint race.
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