AO Racing Returns to GTD Competition as Roxy Takes on Long Beach Grand Prix

LONG BEACH, Calif., (April 2, 2026) – AO Racing will once again return to the GTD class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for April’s Grand Prix of Long Beach, with Roxy, the prehistoric pink Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr continuing her time in the spotlight. Mikkel Pederson will join full season AO driver Harry King to race on the downtown street circuit.

“It’s great to be bringing Roxy to Long Beach this year after Rexy’s win in 2025,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Harry is no stranger to the team, but it will be Mikkel’s first time driving our dino-Porsche. We were impressed by Mikkel’s driving as teammates in the WEC RSR’s and are looking forward to his IMSA debut with us.”

While Rexy continues to take some personal time to recover emotionally from his Daytona incident, his sister will once again step in, determined to make him proud. Leaving behind the spring break atmosphere of Sebring, Roxy heads from the East Coast to the West Coast, answering the call of California’s bright lights, embracing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood before taking on the tight, unforgiving streets of Long Beach.

The return to GTD comes one year after AO Racing captured victory on the streets of Long Beach with Rexy, alongside Laurens Vanthoor and Jonny Edgar. Roxy carries strong momentum into Long Beach, following an impressive run at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, where she lead 130 laps, battled for the win in the final hours, and ultimately secured a GTD PRO podium alongside co-drivers Nick Tandy, Harry King, and Alessio Picariello.

The move from GTD PRO to GTD requires a driver change, with AO ace Harry King to be joined by Danish racing driver Mikkel Pederson. The FIA-silver rated driver has his early sports car roots in Porsche Supercup, and experience racing Porsches in GT World Challenge Europe and the World Endurance Championship. His entry into the Long Beach Grand Prix with AO will mark his IMSA WeatherTech debut.

The event will feature both GTP and GTD classes, and takes place Saturday, April 18 at 1:05 PM PT, with live coverage available on Peacock (USA) and IMSA’s YouTube channel (International audiences).

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? Follow every lap, every pit stop, every storyline? We're looking for fellow enthusiasts to share insights, race recaps, hot takes, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our readers. Click Here to apply!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest articles

Reigning ARCA East Champion Isaac Kitzmiller Riding Momentum to Rockingham Speedway

Reigning champion Isaac Kitzmiller carries strong momentum into Rockingham Speedway, aiming for his first career victory and a second consecutive championship.

HUGE STAKES FOR FUNNY CAR STANDOUTS AT 1,000TH FUNNY CAR RACE AT LUCAS OIL...

Two-time Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon has the unique distinction of winning NHRA’s 1,000th race (Las Vegas, 2021) as well as the 900th race in Funny Car history

Front Row Motorsports: Rockingham Speedway NCTS Race Advance (Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith)

Layne Riggs and the No. 34 team are back in action this Friday, April 3 as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to the Rockingham Speedway.

Carson Brown On a Roll Heading to ‘The Rock’

Carson Brown’s racing arc in the ARCA Menards Series is stout. Sixth in his debut last March at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida

Best New Zealand Online Casinos