The Roar of Rexy: AO Racing Brings Their Iconic Porsche to Long Beach
In the vibrant realm of motorsport, some cars are more than mere machines; they become legends. AO Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately dubbed “Rexy” for its distinctive dinosaur livery, is one such icon. This April, fans and enthusiasts alike will witness Rexy’s thrilling return to the streets of Long Beach, as the team makes a strategic shift from the GTD PRO class to the GTD class for a one-off appearance.
A Strategic Class Shift
AO Racing, fresh off their celebrated victories as the reigning IMSA GTD PRO champions and class winners at the 12 Hours of Sebring, is poised for this unique challenge. With Long Beach not featured on the GTD PRO calendar, team principal Gunnar Jeannette spearheaded the transition to the GTD class, ensuring that Rexy remains a fan-favorite on the bustling Californian streets. Jeannette shared, Long Beach is a very special event, and it’s unfortunate that it’s not on the GTD PRO calendar. A lot of Rexy and AO fans expressed their desire to see Rexy racing around the famous streets, and ‘life found a way!’
A Dynamic Driver Duo
This round introduces an exciting driver lineup, featuring Porsche factory driver Laurens Vanthoor alongside silver-ranked Jonny Edgar. Vanthoor arrives with an impeccable record, having clinched victories in the IMSA series at both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He remarked, I’m really looking forward to driving the famous Rexy car. The Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of my favorite events on the IMSA calendar. It’s always a great atmosphere and the whole event just feels special.
Joining him, Jonny Edgar transitions from AO’s LMP2 ORECA, ready to make his debut in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Although new to the car, Edgar is no stranger to the rigors of intense competition. He has already conducted private testing in preparation for this event. I’m really excited to race a Porsche for the first time and for my first time at Long Beach. It’s a very exciting event, and I think it’d be really cool to share the car with Laurens as well. I think we have a really good chance at winning the race,
Edgar expressed enthusiastically.
The Legacy of Long Beach
The Grand Prix of Long Beach is a storied event, dating back to its inaugural race in 1975. Known for its challenging street circuit and electric atmosphere, it has become a cornerstone of American motorsport. Racing legends like Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr. have etched their names into its history, and now Rexy aims to leave its mark once again.
Conclusion: A Race to Remember
As the engines rev and anticipation builds for the race on April 11-12, Rexy’s return to Long Beach is not just a shift in classes; it’s a celebration of racing spirit and innovation. With a stellar driver lineup and the iconic Porsche back on the street circuit, AO Racing is set to deliver a performance that captivates and inspires. Witnessing Rexy in action promises to be a highlight of the IMSA calendar, rekindling the passion of motorsport fans worldwide.
