The WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is back in action this weekend with the first sprint race of the 2025 season, featuring the GTP and GTD classes.

This marks the first IWSC event of the year with a condensed two-class format. While not every class is on track at Long Beach, the entry list features several new names and storylines that are giving this iconic street race a fresh spotlight.

A New Coat of Paint

Among the new faces is Robert Wickens, who returns to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the first time since 2017. The former IndyCar driver turned sports car standout is making his first start in a top-tier series since his devastating 2018 accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

While the crash brought his IndyCar career to a halt, Wickens has turned the page. Since returning to racing in 2022, he has claimed the 2023 TCR championship with Bryan Herta Autosport. Now, he brings his talents to DXDT Racing, teaming up with Tommy Milner in a Chevrolet Corvette GT3.

There are several other noteworthy additions to the GTD field. AO Racing is back in GTD action, fielding a rebadged fan-favorite, the #177 “Rexy” Porsche. Vasser Sullivan adds an extra bullet to their arsenal with the #89 Lexus RC F GT3. Meanwhile, Heart of Racing resurfaces the striking V12 Vantage — making its first appearance on a street course and in a sprint format.

Driver combinations in GTD are also turning heads. Laurens Vanthoor will join forces with Jonny Edgar to pilot “Rexy.” Wickens will partner with Pratt Miller’s Tommy Milner in DXDT’s Corvette. Gradient Racing, meanwhile, brings a completely new lineup with Jenson Altzman and Robert Megennis set to take the wheel for the team.

Porsche Perfection?

The major story coming into the weekend with the GTP class is Porsche Penske’s dominance so far. 

After two straight wins for the #7 963 and Nick Tandy becoming the first person to have completed the Grand Slam of overall victories in 24-hour races, Porsche Penske has strong momentum entering IMSA’s west coast swing.

Long Beach has seen success from Acura and Cadillac over past seasons, showcasing this race as a pivotal turning point in the season. However, Porsche has shown, even at the circuit, that they can be a contender this weekend.