Long Beach circuit to get needed improvement
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| Will power turns hard right in the Turn 11 hairpin while Justin Wilson trails in Turn 10 |
| Bob Heathcote/AR1.com |
This rumor, broke by AR1.com back in April, is upgraded to 'fact' today. The Long Beach Grand Prix will extend the course by nine feet on the Turn 11 hairpin, creating passing opportunities out of the turn and gaining more speed down the longest stretch of the course, down Shoreline Drive.
"We went as far as we could with the course limitations," GP boss Jim Michaelian said. "There's enough room there now so drivers don't have to slow down as much and can actually attempt a pass." Long Beach Press Telegram
04/17/11 According to AR1.com sources, Long Beach is looking at the possibility of lengthening the run-up to the last turn hairpin (Turn 11) in an effort to open up the turn as a possible passing opportunity. As it is now, the IndyCar drivers are turning left out of Turn 19 and then almost immediately turning hard right to navigate the 180-degree hairpin.