Andretti Global Dominates Friday Practice at Long Beach IndyCar Race

The team's drivers topped the time sheets in preparation for the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:10am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting an IndyCar race on the streets of Long Beach, with the cars and track broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes.Andretti Global's drivers set the pace in Friday practice, positioning the team as the favorites to win the prestigious Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.Long Beach Today

Andretti Global, the team considered the one to beat heading into this weekend's 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, lived up to that billing on Friday as its drivers topped the time sheets in practice for the famed IndyCar Series street race.

Why it matters

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most prestigious events on the IndyCar calendar, and Andretti Global's strong practice performance suggests they will be the team to beat in the race as they seek to continue their success at the iconic street circuit.

The details

Andretti Global drivers Will Power and Colton Herta were first and second respectively in the opening practice session, setting the stage for what could be a dominant weekend for the team. Power, a two-time winner of the Acura Grand Prix, laid down the fastest lap of the day, while Herta, the defending race champion, was close behind in second.

  • The 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach takes place this weekend (April 18-20, 2026).
  • Friday's practice sessions kicked off the race weekend.

The players

Andretti Global

An American racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, with a strong history of success at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Will Power

An Australian driver for Andretti Global who is a two-time winner of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Colton Herta

An American driver for Andretti Global who is the defending champion of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

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What they’re saying

“We've had a great start to the weekend and the car has been really strong. I'm looking forward to building on this momentum and hopefully getting another win here in Long Beach.”

— Will Power, Driver, Andretti Global

“The team has given me a great car to defend my title, and I'm confident we can be in contention again this year. Long Beach is such an iconic race, and I'd love nothing more than to repeat as the champion.”

— Colton Herta, Driver, Andretti Global

What’s next

Qualifying for the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place on Saturday, with the race scheduled for Sunday.

The takeaway

Andretti Global's dominant performance in Friday practice suggests they will be the team to beat at the prestigious Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, as they seek to continue their success at the iconic street circuit.