AGR rue timing rule at Long Beach

Dario Franchitti was leading the race having started from pole position, but the team were caught out by the rules regarding how long each driver could be in the car.

The 100-minute race was the shortest in American Le Mans Series history, and the rules for the event stated that each driver had to drive for at least 30 minutes, but for no longer than 70 minutes.

Franchitti could not pit as soon as the caution came out towards the 30-minute mark, because he would not have completed the minimum time required. However, the rest of the field behind him were able to dive in at the earliest opportunity.

"We showed that our car was the one to beat today," said Franchitti, who was sharing the Acura with regular driver Bryan Herta.

"We sealed our fate when we pitted under green, but we were looking for another yellow flag period and it didn't happen."

The Scottish driver was philosophical though, despite eventually finishing sixth overall.

"You learn those things in sportscar racing," he said. "AGR is a tremendous operation and we'll come back and fight for the win."