Porsche may have taken away the silverware from winning at Daytona and Sebring, but the BMW boys are the ones leading the points after the opening two GT Le Mans battles in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Full season drivers Bill Auberlen and Andy Priaulx lead the provisional points after the opening two races – holding a five point lead over both Porsche North America pairings.

The lead for Auberlen is particularly pleasing for the California native who heads back to home soil for the next round of the championship when he returns to the streets of Long Beach.

The Redondo Beach resident actually won his first Long Beach event last year.

“Two races, two podiums!” said Auberlen.

“At half the distance, Sebring can seem twice as difficult as Daytona. It certainly was for us today, but the entire team never let up. ‘Focus forward’ is the RLL mantra and the result is the lead in driver points heading to Round Three and Long Beach.

“Andy (Priaulx) and I have already had quite a few long talks about that unique street circuit and, most importantly, how to win there. I’d love to get to the top of the podium again at my home track. Last year it was amazing to celebrate my first win at Long Beach with all my friends and family.”