Forte Racing Hits the Streets of Long Beach this Weekend

Team’s Home Race is the First Sprint Race of the Season

Monrovia, California (Thursday, April 10, 2025) – Southern California-based Forte Racing is gearing up for one of the most anticipated stops on the IMSA calendar: the ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit is known for its tight corners, technical sections, and electrifying fan atmosphere. For Forte Racing, this race is more than just another stop—it’s a homecoming.

The team’s Huntress-backed No. 78 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO will make its sprint debut for the 2025 season, driven by the talented duo of Misha Goikhberg and Mario Farnbacher. With the race weekend unfolding just miles from Forte Racing’s Monrovia headquarters, the team is ready to make a statement in front of its hometown supporters.

Misha Goikhberg is looking forward to the weekend’s atmosphere and track layout. “Long Beach is such a great event,” Goikhberg said, “and the race track has a fountain! I don’t see any reason why we can’t have a great result here on Saturday. I’m looking forward to qualifying the car as well.”

Complementing Goikhberg’s enthusiasm, co-driver Mario Farnbacher’s street circuit experience will be a key asset in the tight confines of Long Beach. For the team’s home race, the German driver is eager to return to a track that’s brought him previous success, having finished second in 2022.

“I’m looking forward to the home race of Forte Racing with our Huntress Lamborghini,” Farnbacher said. “Really looking forward to being back in the car and to get started where I left off in the past on a podium. I love street circuits and this is a great circuit. It’s always important on street circuits to maximize the space; every inch counts, so there could be a possibility of scratching some mirrors on the wall which is always a nice adrenaline kick. It’s always nice to be here in Long Beach. The sprint format is the shortest of the calendar so it’s a little different characteristics compared to the other races, but I’m really looking forward to sharing the car with Misha and having a successful weekend here in Long Beach.”

Team owner Shane Seneviratne knows that teamwork and strategy will be key to the team finishing on the podium in the first sprint race of the season. “There’s nothing like racing at home, especially at a legendary street circuit like Long Beach,” said Seneviratne. “This event brings a special energy, and our team is ready to rise to the occasion. Misha and Mario have shown great pace and chemistry, and with the tight format of the sprint race, every second counts. We’ve been preparing to execute flawlessly and aim for a strong result in front of our hometown fans.”

As the only street race on the calendar, the Grand Prix of Long Beach presents a unique challenge with less room for error and no time to waste. Forte Racing is embracing the pressure and sees it as an opportunity to showcase its performance, preparation, and passion on one of the most iconic street circuits in North America.

Follow Forte Racing on Instagram as they tackle the streets of Long Beach in this weekend’s ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race goes green on Saturday, April 12 at 2:05 pm local time (5:05 pm ET).

* Photos by Brayan Castiblanco