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Grand Prix of Long Beach

Grand Prix of Long Beach (Akura Grand Prix) — IndyCar series race, which is held on the street circuit in Long Beach, California. For most of its history, the race has traditionally been held in April. This is one of the longest running competitions and is considered the most prestigious event on the track.

What is this race?

The noise on the streets may be fading, but Long Beach's biggest event of the year, the Grand Prix of Long Beach, continues to grow. Over the past year, the race has attracted about 185,000 guests — the highest level in 20 years.

Grand Prix of Long Beach, Los Angeles — photo of race cars on the track — American ButlerLast year's study by Beacon Economics estimated it was the city's highest-earning event. In Long Beach alone, it brings in about $32 million, and millions more to surrounding cities.

The highlight of the weekend is the Verizon IndyCar Series Sunday, which is accompanied by top-notch drivers like reigning series champion Joseph Newgarden, as well as past winners Ed Jones, Zach Veach, Graham Rahal, Simon Pageno and Jordan King.

The race track is a three-kilometer temporary track that runs along the city streets surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center.

The track is famous for its final section, a sharp bend followed by a long, slightly curved section that runs the entire length of Shoreline Drive. The track is located on the Long Beach waterfront and is lined with palm trees creating a scenic track.

Californians look forward to this event every year. This is an opportunity to show the world that Long Beach is a great place to live and have fun.

History

The Long Beach Grand Prix started in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race. It is the brainchild of promoter Chris Pock, a former travel agent from England. Pock was inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix and believed that such an event could be a success in Southern California. Chris chose the city of Long Beach, about 40 km south of Los Angeles.

Grand Prix of Long Beach — photos of racing cars on the track — American ButlerAlthough the area was a depressed industrial port city at the time, the first event drew 30,000 fans.

Despite exciting races and high attendance, the event was not financially successful as a Formula 1 event. The promoter risked a meager $100,000 profit against a $6-7 million budget. Fearing that one bad year could lead to bankruptcy, Pock convinced officials to change the race to the CART series beginning in 1984.

In a short time, the event gained notoriety on the Indy motorway, and is credited with a renaissance of not only the event but the city. The race has become a solid profit, and in the years since its inception, many dilapidated and doomed buildings have been replaced by high-rise hotels and tourist attractions.

The Grand Prix is the largest event in Long Beach. Weekend attendance regularly reaches 200,000. In 2006, the Long Beach Walk of Fame was created to honor select winners and key contributors to auto racing.

Interesting race facts

  • John Watson's victory for McLaren in 1983 holds the Formula 1 record for the lowest starting position for a race winner. In the 26-car grid, Watson finished 22nd in his McLaren Ford. Teammate Niki Lauda finished second after the start in 23rd.
  • Rene Arnoux, who finished third in his Ferrari 126C2B, was the only driver ever to have entered the Formula 1 winning three in Long Beach while driving a turbocharged car.
  • Toyota has been the event sponsor since its inception and title sponsor from 1980 to 2018, considered the longest-running sports sponsor in the United States.
  • The event is attended by the main stars of cinema, television and sports. For example, the Toyota Pro / Celebrity Race featured stars such as George Lucas, Ashley Judd, Josh Brolin and Robin Yont.
Additional Information
Address 386 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802
Next race April 16 – 18, 2021
Web site Visit the site
Experience spectacular races at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in April — book a Los Angeles tour from American Butler!
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  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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