Written by Adrian Beecher
On April 20, 2024, the streets of Long Beach witnessed the precision and prowess of Cadillac Racing as they clinched a momentous victory in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship sprint race. This marked Cadillac’s sixth triumph at Long Beach since their debut in the IMSA prototype class in 2017, showcasing their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
A Fierce Battle for the Win
The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R, masterfully handled by Renger van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais, edged out the sister No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by pole-sitter Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken, by a mere 0.564 seconds. This tight finish not only highlighted the intense competition but also underscored Cadillac’s ability to maintain a competitive edge under pressure.
Strategic Pit Stops and Tire Management
A pivotal moment came when Derani pitted from the lead with 63 minutes remaining for a crucial tire change, handing over to Aitken who made his debut on this challenging circuit. Bourdais took over the No. 01 car a lap later, and the strategic decision by the Chip Ganassi Racing team not to change tires paid dividends as van der Zande took the lead. The duo maintained their position at the front for the remainder of the race, showcasing their strategic prowess and tire management skills.
Quotes from the Drivers
Reflecting on their victory, Sebastien Bourdais shared, “It’s win number five here for me at Long Beach. I’m super happy. We’ve had so many hardships and things just not working out. Our last win was Laguna Seca last year, so it’s been almost a year. I’m super happy for Cadillac, for Chip Ganassi Racing and for the boys.”
Renger van der Zande also expressed his delight, stating, “We are very happy right now with the biggest trophy we could get — the first-place trophy. Chip Ganassi racing did a fantastic job again. Leading the race from the halfway point and making the right strategy call.”
A Continuation of Success
This victory not only adds to Cadillac’s impressive tally but also sets a high bar for their upcoming defense at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mark Stielow, GM director of motorsports competition, praised the team’s effort: “Congratulations to the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R team and drivers for winning the hard-fought race on the streets of Long Beach. It was a strong effort all around.”
Looking Forward
As Cadillac Racing prepares for their next challenge, their performance at Long Beach serves as a testament to their tactical expertise and team cohesion. This victory not only celebrates their immediate success but also solidifies their reputation as a formidable force in motorsports, promising exciting races and fierce competitions in the future.
Image Credit : Cadillac Racing
