Herta lands yet another sponsor for Long Beach

#88 of Colton Herta

Southern California Acura Dealers will join Harding Steinbrenner Racing and driver of the #88 Harding Steinbrenner Racing Honda-powered Indy car, Colton Herta, as an associate sponsor in the 45th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

“I’m very excited that Southern California Acura Dealers will join our #88 team for this weekend’s race at Long Beach," said team co-owner Mike Harding. “It’s one of my favorite events on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule, and to have SoCal Acura Dealers will make the event even more special."

“We are happy to welcome Southern California Acura Dealers to the Harding Steinbrenner family for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach," said team co-owner George Michael Steinbrenner IV. “Acura has come out with so much support for the event and having the local dealer group join us is fantastic."

Acura owners attending the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will have the opportunity to enjoy added perks, just for being a car owner. By presenting a branded car key, access to the Acura Owners Lounge, located at the entrance to Lagoon Park, will be granted. Owners will have the opportunity to attend a pre-race talk with HSR Executive Consultant, Al Unser Jr. and a meet and greet with HSR co-owner, George Steinbrenner IV and driver Colton Herta, who recently became the youngest winning driver in NTT IndyCar Series history after a 1st place finish in the INDYCAR Classic in Austin, Texas.

“We are ecstatic about sponsoring Colton Herta and the Harding Steinbrenner Racing team," said John Liddi. “Colton’s commitment to his sport aligns with Acura’s commitment to performance luxury. He and his family’s long-standing heritage to Honda Racing and the success they have brought is same reason our customers love our vehicles. We look forward to a great weekend experience in Long Beach as our Acura owners and the Harding Steinbrenner Racing team bond in our Acura owner’s appreciation lounge. Go Colton and team 88 this weekend and on to Indy."

Long Beach touts a winning history for the Harding Steinbrenner Racing team. Executive Consultant and driver coach, Al Unser Jr. earned the nickname “King of the Beach" after securing nine overall victors on the famed street circuit. This weekend will be Colton Herta’s first race at the historic Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The Valencia, California, native looks forward to racing at his home track and hopes to continue the tradition of winning the event.

“I’m very honored to have Southern California Acura Dealers onboard this weekend for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach," said Colton Herta. “This event is a spectacle. There are so many fans and different race series coming together for one of the biggest race weekends on the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series schedule. I'm especially excited because this weekend will be my first home race as an INDYCAR driver. Not only is it a home race for me, but for Honda and Acura, so I hope to have a great race in my #88 Honda-powered Indy car representing Southern California Acura Dealers."

Opening practice begins Friday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Live coverage from the streets of Long Beach can be found on the NBC Gold App and continues through each practice and qualifying session of the race weekend. Race day coverage will be live on the NBC Sports Network at 4:00 p.m. ET.