Acura Triumphs at Long Beach Grand Prix
Long Beach, CA – Acura’s long-awaited victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach became reality in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the manufacturer after an extended winless streak at the event. Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly clinched the top podium spot in the #93 Acura ARX-06, winning from pole position and ending a 13-year drought for Honda in IMSA competition at Long Beach, dating back to 2013.
Van der Zande emphasized the significance of the win for Acura, stating, “Winning the Acura Grand Prix, for Acura, as an Acura driver…that’s what makes it very, very special.” This victory is particularly poignant given the manufacturer’s prior successes at Long Beach, with its last win recorded in 2009.
The race saw van der Zande and Yelloly dominate, leading 53 of the 70 laps despite facing early challenges, including a precarious moment involving GTD traffic that temporarily cost Yelloly the lead. “I went one way, thinking the [GTD driver] had seen me… and unfortunately, that wasn’t what we’d planned on doing,” Yelloly explained.
Strategic pit timing fortuitously aligned for Acura when Philipp Eng crashed into the barrier, triggering a full course yellow that benefitted the team. This crucial moment allowed van der Zande to cycle back to the front, where he effectively managed his pace against competitors, particularly the #31 Cadillac driven by Frederik Vesti.
“It was a nail-biting finish, but I knew the man behind the wheel could do the job,” Yelloly expressed, praising his co-driver’s performance throughout the race.
Despite the victory, both drivers are acutely aware of the uncertainties surrounding Acura’s future in IMSA, with speculation rife about the program’s longevity. Van der Zande remained focused on the moment, stating, “Winning races is the best solution to a lot of things,” underscoring how this triumph could energize the team moving forward.
The win revitalizes Acura Meyer Shank Racing’s campaign in the 2026 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship following a challenging start to the season, affirming their competitiveness against dominant frontrunners Porsche Penske Motorsport.
This significant victory not only reestablishes Acura’s presence in the GTP category but also solidifies the team’s commitment to racing, with hopes it will invigorate their efforts in the remainder of the season.
Key Results:
- Winners: #93 Acura ARX-06 (Renger van der Zande / Nick Yelloly)
- Pole Position: #93 Acura ARX-06
- Laps Led: 53 of 70
- Notable Incident: Philipp Eng crash led to a pivotal full course yellow.
As the IMSA season progresses, the pressure and expectations will undoubtedly mount, but for now, Acura celebrates a long-overdue and hard-fought victory at Long Beach.
