Robert Wickens came close to clinching the pole position in the qualifying round for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. His impressive performance with DXDT Racing’s #36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R saw him secure the top spot, only to be edged out by Frankie Montecalvo from Vasser Sullivan in the final moments. Wickens, who had not raced since August at Virginia International Raceway, expressed satisfaction with his second-place finish and praised the team for providing him with a competitive car.
Despite his long absence from the sport, Wickens displayed remarkable pace and comfort behind the wheel, crediting his team for helping him get back up to speed. The result was particularly gratifying for Wickens, considering the challenges he faced during last year’s qualifying session at the Long Beach street circuit. Looking ahead to the race, Wickens expressed optimism about his chances of securing a podium finish from his starting position on the front row.
Reflecting on his performance, Wickens highlighted the improvements he made compared to last year and the potential for further progress with more experience. The Canadian driver acknowledged the strong support from DXDT Racing and Corvette Racing, emphasizing the excellent handling of the car and his familiarity with the hand control system from Bosch. Overall, Wickens was pleased with his performance and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start from the front row.
