As the American Le Mans Series comes to the legendary streets of Long Beach this weekend; The Racer’s Group (TRG) looks to a renewed focus on attention to detail.

The longest tenured street race in North America brings its own set of challenges, including the all-too-prevalent concrete wall barriers. After implementing a near-flawless strategy during Round 1 at the 12 Hours of Sebring, TRG found itself with a half-lap lead and just over an hour remaining. While the end result wasn’t a victory, the lessons learned will be carried over to Long Beach where there’s no room for error.

Drivers Ben Keating and Damien Faulkner return in the Port Lavaca Auto Group/TRG No. 66 Porsche GT3 Cup car where they put on heroic performances in the 12-hour endurance classic. Keating began with an iron man triple-stint, and Faulkner finished the race handling the car with ease despite having worn rear brakes and tires. For the race at Long Beach, both drivers are prepared for the close quarters and expect the field to be aggressive throughout.

“I always love coming to Long Beach,” said Faulkner, “and it’s great to be back in the car. Sebring seems an eternity back. Last year I won this race so Ben and I will be gunning for victory on Saturday. Our season has to start here. Ben is driving really well and the team is very good, so our chances are real.”

For Keating, it is his first street race, and he understands that attention to detail will be paramount.

“Everyone is so very good on the ALMS circuit,” said Keating, “Driving in close quarters with virtually no run-off areas requires everyone to be on top of their game. Something always happens. You just don’t want to be around it when it does.”

Craig Stanton, who drove with Keating and Faulkner at Sebring in the No. 66, will be behind the wheel of the Adobe Road Winery/Spectra Resources No. 68 this week along with Bret Curtis. Both are Southern California residents and hope to run well for the hometown crowd. Stanton is a long-time sports car and Long Beach veteran. Curtis last ran with TRG at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last year where they achieved victory during the 6 hour event.

“We have two solid teams,” said team owner Kevin Buckler. “I think Ben and Damien will be a force all year long, and being able to put two veterans like Craig and Bret together who both know this course, is super positive. We could do really, really well here!”

Source : TRG