Charlie Kimball who hails from Camarillo, California, spent some time talking about getting back into an NTT IndyCar Series race car for the first time since his heartbreaking disappointment of not qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 this year. His last street course race was October 2020 at St. Pete. How does he prepare mentally and physically for the challenge of navigating the concrete jungle and mean streets of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach? Listen here and find out! Note: Charlie Kimball was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in his junior racing career. He has since gone on to be an NTT IndyCar Series winner along with winning in IMSA and being a beacon of hope for others as he pursues his passion and dream of racing Indy cars.
By Larry Mason Copyright © 2021 Larry Mason Charlie Kimball waves to his hometown fans before the start of the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Charlie Kimball waves to his hometown fans before the start of the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Charlie Kimball pushes hard in Turn 9 during qualifying on Saturday, yet was only able to earn a 20th place starting position. Charlie Kimball pushes hard in Turn 9 during qualifying on Saturday, yet was only able to earn a 20th place starting position. Kimball’s AJ Foyt Racing crew practices a pit stop during the Sunday morning warm-up. Kimball’s AJ Foyt Racing crew practices a pit stop during the Sunday morning warm-up. Here Kimball is doing about 170 mph down Shoreline Drive which under normal circumstances is a 45 mph speed limit! Notice the sparks flying from under the gearbox and how the rear of the car is super low to the ground thanks to the tremendous amount of downforce and bumps in the road. Here Kimball is doing about 170 mph down Shoreline Drive which under normal circumstances is a 45 mph speed limit! Notice the sparks flying from under the gearbox and how the rear of the car is super low to the ground thanks to the tremendous amount of downforce and bumps in the road. Kimball leads Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay heading into Turn 2 during the race where he would eventually finish 18th. Kimball leads Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay heading into Turn 2 during the race where he would eventually finish 18th. With only one race under his belt in 2021, it was no drive in the park for Charlie Kimball, yet he still managed to beat some series regulars and 2021 race winners! With only one race under his belt in 2021, it was no drive in the park for Charlie Kimball, yet he still managed to beat some series regulars and 2021 race winners! Interview and photos by Larry Mason