In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host a special exhibit showcasing five legendary race cars that have left an indelible mark on the event’s rich history.

The exhibit will be open to the public from March 20 through April 8 in the museum’s lobby, giving visitors an up-close look at machines that once roared through the streets of Long Beach. There is no admission fee to see the historic cars in the museum lobby.

This exclusive display will feature five historic race cars spanning the three iconic racing eras – Formula 5000, Formula 1, and IndyCar – representing the evolution of open-wheel racing at North America’s premier street race. The cars will later take to the track during the Historic Formula Exhibition on race weekend, providing fans with a thrilling glimpse into motorsports history with the three types of cars racing together for the first time.

The five cars on display at the Petersen will include the 1974 Formula 5000 Dan Gurney All-American Racers Eagle 755, winner of the 1975 Long Beach pole position with Vern Schuppan at the wheel, which was also the first car ever to turn a wheel on the streets of Long Beach. The car is currently owned by local businessman Tom Malloy.

Representing Long Beach’s Formula 1 era, 1976-83, will be the 1976 March 761 currently owned by Richard Griot and driven by Italy’s Vittorio Brambilla in 1976 at Long Beach, along with the 1980 McLaren M30, most notably driven by Alain Prost during the 1980 F1 season and currently owned by Sean Allen.

The Indy Car era will be represented by the 1981 All-American Racers Eagle 8100, owned by Dennis Firestone and driven by Firestone himself in-period. In addition, the 1999 Reynard driven that season by Bryan Herta and currently owned by Erich Joiner, will be on display.

“Racing in Long Beach has been an important part of American motorsports for five decades, and this exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a rare opportunity to celebrate its legacy,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Fans will not only be able to witness these legendary machines up close but also experience them in action during race weekend.”

The Petersen Automotive Museum, located on Los Angeles’ famed Miracle Mile, is renowned for its world-class automotive exhibits and dedicated to showcasing the history and future of the automobile through immersive displays and educational programs. With a collection spanning over a century of automotive innovation, the museum provides a dynamic environment for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit www.petersen.org.

The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 11-13 and be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the Historic Formula Exhibition.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach announced that Cuervo®, the tequila that invented tequila, has signed on as the Official Tequila of the legendary motorsports event, set to take place April 11-13.

This exciting partnership will introduce race fans to the iconic 100% blue agave tequila brand through official activations and add the bold spirit of Cuervo to the festive atmosphere in the heart of downtown Long Beach.

As part of the sponsorship, Cuervo signage and branding will be featured prominently throughout the event, and be highlighted by the Cuervo Agave Bar and Festival on the Promenade near Turns 6 and 7, and the Devil’s Reserve and Cuervo Tequila Bar on Vendor Row, just east of the Korbel Welcome Plaza.

In addition, Cuervo will be the presenting sponsor of the Saturday night concert starring legendary rock ‘n’ roll band Foreigner.

“We are very happy to welcome Cuervo as an official sponsor of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Their rich heritage as the oldest tequila company and passion for celebration align perfectly with the high-energy atmosphere of our event, and we look forward to their offering fans memorable experiences with the Foreigner concert and various activations around the race circuit.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most anticipated motorsports events in North America, featuring a weekend of world-class racing, live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and more. The addition of Cuervo, the world’s number one tequila brand1, as a sponsor underscores the event’s commitment to providing fans with premium hospitality and exceptional experiences.

The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is proud to welcome Sunbelt Rentals as the Official Equipment Supplier for its 50th anniversary race weekend, taking place April 11-13 on the streets of downtown Long Beach.

As a premier provider of rental equipment and solutions across North America, Sunbelt Rentals will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless setup and operation of Southern California’s premier motorsports event. The partnership affords Sunbelt Rentals to supply essential equipment, including material handling and construction solutions, to support the infrastructure and logistical needs of the event.

With an expansive network of locations across North America – including several in the Long Beach area – and a deep commitment to service and sustainability, Sunbelt Rentals provides best-in-class equipment solutions for industries ranging from construction to live events. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will benefit from Sunbelt Rentals’ expertise and vast inventory, ensuring a smooth and efficient race weekend.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sunbelt Rentals and welcome them to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach family,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Their reputation for quality, reliability, and exceptional service makes them the perfect partner to help us deliver a world-class experience for teams, drivers, and fans alike.”

The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix. children 12 years and under can get free general admission with a ticketed adult.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Auction to Benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation and The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach Ends March 6!

The popular Bring A Trailer online auction site is offering a special VIP package, the sale of which will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation of the Road Racing Drivers Club and The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach.

The Auction ends this Thursday, March 6. More info and bidding is located at https://bringatrailer.com/listing/experience/.

Also benefitting these initiatives is the RRDC Celebration of 50 Years of the Grand Prix of Long Beach presented by Firestone on April 10, 2025 – a gala to be held at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach. This annual RRDC dinner honoring legends and iconic events will feature Grand Prix of Long Beach co-Grand Marshals Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Brian Redman.

Tickets may be purchased at rrdc.org.

Items in the auction include a four-night luxury suite stay at the Hilton Long Beach hotel, reserved seat viewing for the Grand Prix itself (April 11-13) and two tickets to the RRDC gala dinner. The winners will be seated with RRDC president Bobby Rahal, and will get a photo opportunity with the 50th Anniversary co-Grand Marshals.

"I am personally looking forward to hosting the winners of this auction at the gala celebrating 50 years of racing in the streets of Long Beach," said Rahal. "The proceeds from this auction will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation, which in turn supports the successful RRDC initiative, SAFEisFAST.

"We at the RRDC are also proud to support The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach."

Get ready to kick off an electrifying race weekend as internationally renowned DJ duo DVBBS takes the stage Friday night, April 11, at the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Friday Concert, presented by Acura, will take place on the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center Terrace Plaza at 6:30 p.m., is free to Friday ticket holders and promises an epic night of music, lights, and adrenaline-pumping fun. Space at the plaza is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Known for their high-energy performances and chart-topping hits like Tsunami, La La Land, and Not Going Home, DVBBS will bring their signature beats to the iconic Long Beach event, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend of world-class racing and entertainment.

Formed in 2012 in Toronto, Canada, DVBBS, composed of brothers Christopher van den Hoef and Alexandre van den Hoef, have built a strong discography, which has collectively garnered the group platinum sales in nearly a dozen countries and billions of streams to date. DVBBS has collaborated with artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Aloe Blacc, Steve Aoki, 2 Chainz, Johnny Orlando, Juicy J, and Belly, among others. They have performed across the world’s top festivals including Lollapalooza, EDC, Ultra Music Festival and many more.

DVBBS commented, “Being a part of this 50th anniversary celebration is such an honor. I know we will be watching with excitement all day – this one will go down in history.”

“We’re excited to have DVBBS headline our Friday night concert and bring their incredible energy to the Grand Prix,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “This year’s event is a celebration of 50 years of racing in Long Beach, and we look forward to kicking off the weekend with a performance that fans won’t forget.”

Friday’s racing activities include practice and qualifying sessions for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time. The first round of the invitational Super Drift Challenge will also take place that evening.

Friday Acura Grand Prix ticket prices start at $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a General Admission ticket, or customers can choose a three-day ticket for $215 that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix. children 12 years and under can get free general admission with a ticketed adult.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The City of Long Beach, in partnership with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, announced today the honorees for the 2025 Motorsports Walk of Fame, Scott Dixon, Jim Michaelian and Beverly O’Neill. The honorees will be inducted during a public ceremony taking place Thursday, April 10, ahead of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 11-13.

“As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach turns 50, we are not just celebrating the spirit of the racing world—we are honoring the legends who helped shape it,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “It is a privilege to welcome this year’s esteemed honorees to the Motorsports Walk of Fame and pay tribute to their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they have had on Long Beach and the racing community.”

Dixon, Michaelian, and O’Neill will be inducted into the Walk of Fame during a free, open-to-the-public ceremony at 11 a.m. in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue. During the ceremony, each honoree will unveil a 22-inch bronze medallion featuring renditions of their iconic cars and descriptions of their major achievements, enshrining their contributions to motorsports on the Walk of Fame.

“We are honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach by recognizing Scott, Jim and Beverly for their wonderful contributions to the world of motorsports,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “With these beautifully crafted medallions in the heart of our scenic Downtown shoreline, their legacies will live on and inspire the racing community for generations to come.”

“What Scott, Jim, and Beverly have accomplished inspires us all,” said Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. “With this prestigious honor, we are proud to celebrate their exceptional achievements and recognize their lasting impact on the motorsports community and beyond.”

Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and defending Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach winner Scott Dixon is entering his 25th season racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the past 24 of which have been with Chip Ganassi Racing, the longest tenure for a driver in team history. Dixon has 58 career wins, second in series history behind only A.J. Foyt (67). His six championships are also the second-most, trailing only Foyt (seven).

Nicknamed “The Iceman,” Dixon produced another impressive season in 2024 winning at Long Beach and Detroit and scoring his 142nd career podium finish – an INDYCAR record. He won a race for the 20th consecutive season and the 22nd season overall. That extended his series records in both categories.

The New Zealand native became part of British Commonwealth royalty when he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II on the 66th anniversary of her Coronation as Queen of the United Kingdom. Her Majesty the Queen appointed the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit to him in recognition of his services to motorsports in 2019.

"It's an honor to be added to the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Dixon. “The first time I came here was 1999 in Indy Lights. It's always a marquee event. There are not many events on any schedule that people can celebrate like this. I think what we really enjoy as drivers and teams is the atmosphere. This place is wild. It's got a lot of energy. It's a lot of fun. Hopefully the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda team can get another victory there this season."

President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC (GPALB) since 2001, Jim Michaelian has been involved with the organization since its inception in 1975, serving in a number of functional areas including finance, operations and marketing.

In his current capacity, Michaelian is responsible for the overall management of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as well as its subsidiary, Grand Prix Special Events, which specializes in temporary structure rentals for such events as the Academy Awards, Rose Parade, Electric Daisy Carnival, Emmy Awards and various other events.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Physics and an M.B.A., Michaelian also serves on the board of directors of the Grand Prix Foundation, Los Angeles Sports Council and Visit Long Beach. He holds a competition driver’s license and has participated in a number of endurance races, including Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Spa and Dubai.

"It truly was a surprise and an honor to be included in this year’s Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Michaelian. “When we started this event back in 2006, it was for the purpose of recognizing those who had achieved success here in Long Beach as well as at other major racing venues around the world. I’m very humbled to now be included with these venerable icons of the racing world. “

Beverly Lewis O’Neill was born and raised in Long Beach, the city she often said she loved. After a 31-year career in education culminating in five years as president/superintendent of Long Beach City College, Beverly was elected Mayor of Long Beach in 1994. She was the first big city mayor to win a third term through a write-in campaign, serving 12 years.

Mayor O’Neill led the remaking of the city’s economy after the U.S. Navy’s departure, including rebuilding of the downtown waterfront, with the Grand Prix of Long Beach at its center. She was directly involved in adjusting the course to accommodate redevelopment while keeping the spotlight on the Grand Prix.

In her 12 years as mayor, Mayor O’Neill never missed opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix event, addressing the crowd in her trademark black and white checkered scarf. She embraced the role of biggest cheerleader, for the city and the race.

After the ceremony, the honorees will sign autographs for those in attendance. For more information, visit lbmotorsportswof.com.

The Motorsports Walk of Fame is a joint project of the City of Long Beach and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. It was created in 2006 to honor key contributors to the sport of auto racing, with Dan Gurney and Phil Hill as the inaugural honorees, both of whom greatly contributed to the success of the early days of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Since then, 37 honorees have been recognized. The Walk of Fame is located in front of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment building, across from The Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex on South Pine Avenue. New members are inducted every year as part of the week-long series of events leading up to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The induction ceremony kicks off the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend which brought more than 194,000 people to Downtown Long Beach in 2024. For more information, visit gplb.com, call 888.827.7333, or follow the race on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X @GPLongBeach (#AGPLB), Instagram @GPLongBeach and YouTube @GPLongBeach.

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The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach took its first steps toward celebrating 50 Years at Full Speed today, as construction began on the city streets comprising the iconic Grand Prix race circuit in preparation for the 50th anniversary April 11-13 event.

Over the next 50 days, more than 2,400 concrete blocks that anchor the safety system around the 1.97-mile, 11-turn racing circuit will be placed along with 14 large grandstands that line the racecourse. More than 194,000 fans attended the race in 2024, the event’s best attendance showing since the 2008 Indy car “reunification.”

Today, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Manager of Acura Regional Marketing Vince Nguyen, Assistant Manager of Acura Regional Marketing Todd Knepp, Historic Motor Sports Association President Cris Vandagriff and Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian commemorated the start of track construction in what will become Turn 10 of the racecourse in the Long Beach Arena parking lot.

They were joined by three historic racing vehicles celebrating the three eras of racing in Long Beach: Formula 5000, Formula 1 and INDYCAR, as well as one of the official 50th anniversary Acura Integra Type S pace cars. Representing Formula 5000 was the 1973 March 73A driven in-period by John Cannon; from Formula 1, the 1983 Williams FW 008C driven by Keke Rosberg, and representing Indy cars, the 1999 Reynard driven that year by Bryan Herta. These cars are expected to race in the Historic Formula Exhibition doubleheader on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend.

“The Grand Prix is always an exciting event for Long Beach,” said Richardson. “There’s something magical about cars and moving fast, and it gets kids excited. I remember being excited to come to the race as a kid, and now as a father of two girls, 7 and 10 years old, they love to come to the Grand Prix. This is an event for families, and we encourage all families to come down, check it out and make some memories in the beautiful City of Long Beach.”

“Today marks the official start of our milestone 50th anniversary celebration,” said Michaelian. “And the excitement is truly at an all-time high. This year’s event will be a spectacular showcase of world-class racing, incredible fan experiences, and tributes to the rich history that has made Long Beach a premier motorsports destination. We can’t wait to welcome fans, drivers, and teams for what promises to be a historic and unforgettable race weekend.”

In total, Grand Prix Director of Operations Dwight Tanaka, LIUNA Local 1309 and Grand Prix Operations staff will put in more than 33,000 working hours installing the safety system – more than 24 million pounds of concrete blocks, four miles of fencing and 17,000 bolted-together tires – along with 14 grandstands, seven pedestrian bridges and nine giant vision boards for full-circuit TV coverage.

Tanaka’s staff will also install 60 high-end hospitality suites, three hospitality clubs, tents, electrical lines and equipment, phones, porta-johns, trash containers and a myriad of other items around the track.

The eastern portion of the racetrack (Turns 9, 10 and 11) will also be used for Round One of the eight-event 2025 Formula Drift season April 4-5, and part of the circuit will be used as a running course for the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach’s 7th Annual Grand Prix 5K Run on Sunday morning, April 6.

All businesses along the race circuit which includes Shoreline Drive, Aquarium Way and Pine Ave., will remain open during construction of the racetrack.

The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix. children 12 years and under can get free general admission with a ticketed adult.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach continues to prove to be a powerhouse event, delivering nearly $100 million in economic impact to the City of Long Beach and the broader Southern California region, a $35 million increase over the last study completed after the 2018 event. According to the study conducted by Kleinhenz Economics, the 2024 event generated impressive economic benefits over its three-day duration.

The key findings of the study include:
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Regional Economic Impact

Economic Output: The Grand Prix produced a total economic impact of $98.7 million across a seven-county region, stemming from $58 million in visitor and operational expenditures.

Job Creation: The event supported 702 jobs across various industries, with 523 direct jobs and 178 indirect or induced positions. These positions included sectors like food and beverage, hotels, retail, entertainment, and transportation.

Income Generation: The event generated $40.3 million in total income, with an average annualized wage of $57,400.

Tax Revenue: The Grand Prix contributed $17.9 million in tax revenues, including $8.3 million at the state and local levels.

City of Long Beach Economic Impact

Economic Output: Within the City of Long Beach, the event produced $58.7 million in economic activity.

Job Creation: The Grand Prix supported 525 local jobs with an average wage of $50,500.

Tax Revenue: The event brought in $8.9 million in local and state taxes, enhancing community resources and infrastructure.

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Beyond the Numbers

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is more than just a racing event. Its high visibility, with more than two million viewers across national and international media platforms, establishes Long Beach as a premier motorsport and tourism destination. The event fosters long-term business investment, infrastructure development, and economic vitality, leaving a legacy that extends well beyond its three-day schedule.

With more than 194,000 attendees in 2024 enjoying races, concerts, and other attractions, the Grand Prix continues to rev up the local and regional economies while delivering unforgettable experiences.

“The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is not just an exciting racing event—it’s also a dynamic economic engine for the City and the Southern California region,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “This year’s economic impact report highlights the substantial benefits the event delivers, from creating jobs to generating millions in revenue for local businesses and government. It’s a testament to the power of motorsports to bring people together while driving significant economic growth. We’re proud to play a pivotal role in enhancing Long Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and business investment.”

“Major events like the landmark Grand Prix of Long Beach create both excitement and economic opportunity for our city and region. From local businesses seeing a surge in customers to job creation and infrastructure investments, the impact extends far beyond the checkered flag,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “For Long Beach, this means more support for small businesses, increased tourism revenue, and a stronger local economy that supports city services that our residents depend on.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach remains a driving force behind Southern California’s economic growth and cultural appeal. As the 50th Anniversary event approaches this April 11-13, the focus remains on maintaining this iconic event’s reputation as both an entertainment spectacle and an economic catalyst. To read the full report, visit gplb.com/economic-impact-report.

Music and motorsports fans, get ready for an unforgettable evening! Legendary rock band Foreigner will headline the Saturday night concert at the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, taking place on April 12. The iconic event promises to deliver the perfect mix of classic rock and racing excitement.

Known for their chart-topping hits such as “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “Hot Blooded,” Foreigner has captivated audiences around the world with their powerful performances and timeless music. With more top 10 hits than Aerosmith and Journey, and as many as Fleetwood Mac, Kelly Hansen (lead vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar), Chris Frazier (drums), and Luis Maldonado

(guitar) will bring fans attending the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach the chance to experience their legendary sound live in concert.

The concert will take place on the Long Beach Performing Arts Center’s outdoor stage, located at the heart of the Acura Grand Prix’s festive atmosphere at 6:30 PM. The concert is free to all Saturday ticket holders, making it an incredible bonus for race fans enjoying the high-speed thrills of the weekend.

Lead vocalist Kelly Hansen said, “We have so much in common with the Long Beach Grand Prix! The band was formed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mick Jones in 1976 so our 50th anniversary is very close to yours. Additionally, most of us live right here in the Los Angeles area, and we love motorsports. Foreigner has played the Indy 500 twice and made

multiple NASCAR performances across the country. We are so looking forward to our show with you all and hope this will be the first of many such appearances.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Foreigner to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for our 50th anniversary,” said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “Their music has defined generations, and their performance will bring an electrifying energy to our Saturday night festivities. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our fifty years of racing here in Long Beach.”

Tickets for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach are available now at www.gplb.com or by calling (888) 827-7333. Saturday tickets start at just $75 for general admission, providing access to a full day of racing action and the Foreigner concert. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as this year’s event is expected to sell out.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will

include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three

racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Two of the most iconic names in motorsport history, Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr., will serve as co-Grand Marshals for the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 11-13, 2025. The milestone race weekend will celebrate 50 Years at Full Speed with special fan experiences, thrilling racing and a celebration of racing legends who have starred on the iconic streets of Long Beach.

Mario Andretti is a motorsports icon whose career accomplishments span multiple decades and disciplines. Andretti’s extensive resume includes a victory at the 1977 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix West in Long Beach, solidifying his status as an international star and the race’s status as a major international event. Among his many achievements are the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship, four Indy Car titles, and victories in the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. When Long Beach switched to Indy cars in 1984, Andretti won that race, again establishing Long Beach as a world-class event and went on to win twice more over the next three years. Andretti is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.

“I’m happy to be serving as Co-Grand Marshal for the 50th Anniversary,” said Andretti. “I participated in the first-ever race in Long Beach in 1975.  The Formula 5000 race was hugely successful, paving the way for Formula One officials to place Long Beach on the 1976 schedule just six months after the inaugural race.

“The fondest memories I have racing on the streets of Long Beach are my victories.  And for my son Michael, Long Beach has the distinction of being his first career Indy Car win (1986) and his final victory as a driver, his 42nd and final career IndyCar win (2002). 

“This track obviously is a family favorite,” Andretti continued. “I retired at the end of 1994 after racing for four decades on just about every course imaginable.  Long Beach is by far the most successful street race ever staged in American motor racing history.  It is truly amongst the best I’ve ever seen.”

Al Unser Jr., affectionately known as "Little Al," is the winningest driver in Long Beach history, with six victories (1988-91 and 1994-95) over a dominant eight-year span. Unser also boasts two Indianapolis 500 wins (1992 and 1994) and is a two-time Indy Car champion (1990 and 1994). A 2009 inductee into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Unser’s dominance on the streets of Long Beach earned him the nickname, "King of the Beach."

“I’m extremely honored to be Co-Grand Marshal at Long Beach with Mario Andretti,” said Unser. “It’s always been one of my most favorite races, and certainly it’s the most popular race on the circuit next to the Indianapolis 500. I always tried hard to do well at Long Beach and while we were often very fast there, it was also a lucky track for me – the ball ‘bounced my way’ a lot over the years. We were always so excited to win in Long Beach!”

“It’s an incredible honor to have Al and Mario as part of this historic celebration,” said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “Their accomplishments on and off the track are legendary, and their presence will make the 50th-anniversary event truly unforgettable for fans and participants alike.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Sunday ticket prices start at $97 for a General Admission ticket which does not include grandstand seating and go up to $205 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix, children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Penske Entertainment announced today the newest member of its growing event portfolio, confirming the acquisition of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC, from longtime owner Gerald R. Forsythe. The association administers the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running major street circuit race in North America. The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, to further enhance this can’t-miss celebration of speed and Southern California motorsport culture for years to come.

This upcoming year marks the 50th edition of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, with special programming planned to mark the occasion. The race will return to network television, with FOX set to broadcast the event Sunday, April 13.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event,” said Roger Penske. “This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we’re excited to work with Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we’re looking forward to a very special 50th anniversary celebration this April, as well.”

“As we prepare to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone, the 50th anniversary of this amazing event, it’s fitting that we have such exciting and important news to share about its future,” said Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “Roger and the team at Penske Entertainment understand the special history and unique qualities that give us such a strong foundation and will be ideal partners as we continue to deliver an exceptional race weekend for our fans moving forward. I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution that the previous owners, Jerry Forsythe and the late Kevin Kalkhoven, made to the success of our event over the past 19 years.”

As an acclaimed and highly attended annual event located in the nation’s entertainment capital, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a premier race weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Working alongside the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach team, Penske Entertainment plans to invest in bolstering and enhancing the experience for race fans, sponsors and hospitality customers.

“This is a major race weekend, not just on our calendar but across the motorsport landscape,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re committed to preserving the core attributes that make it best in class while also working on some exciting and bold initiatives to make its future even bigger and brighter.”

The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of over 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile racecourse surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The 2024 edition featured a supercharged atmosphere, which included the largest attendance in the modern INDYCAR era. The event brings global attention and positive economic impact to its home city, while also maintaining a charitable organization – the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach – which has donated more than $4.2 million to those in need within the Long Beach community.

“The Grand Prix is an incredibly vital and vibrant asset for our community and an annual event that drives commerce, attracts tourism and elevates cultural connectivity across our city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Penske Entertainment will be a committed and energetic partner for the future that seeks to preserve and enhance this event’s rich history and strong legacy. We’re looking forward to a great working relationship that benefits everyone who calls Long Beach home.”

As part of today’s announcement, Penske Entertainment and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach released a special video, narrated by former Indy 500 Honorary Starter and acclaimed actor Milo Ventimiglia. You can watch it here.

Today’s news marks the continuation of an ambitious and productive period for Penske Entertainment, which owns and manages INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In September, the organization announced the establishment of the first charter system in INDYCAR’s history, providing NTT INDYCAR SERIES owners meaningful and enhanced value across their entries. In October, Penske Entertainment unveiled the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, powered through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, featuring an international field of the world's most versatile drivers who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses across the United States and Canada. Beginning in 2025, FOX Sports will be the exclusive home of all INDYCAR action, providing a network broadcast via FOX of all 17 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsport series in the U.S. to broadcast every race on network television.

It’s time to celebrate 50 Years at Full Speed! Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, set to take place next April 11-13, are on sale now.  

The race weekend will feature the third round of the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES with celebrated drivers such as defending race winner Scott Dixon, past Long Beach winners Josef Newgarden, Colton Herta and Will Power, along with defending Series champion Alex Palou and young stars such as Pato O’Ward and 2024 Rookie of the Year Linus Lundqvist expected to battle on the iconic 1.97-mile, 11-turn circuit through downtown Long Beach.

In addition, the Saturday, April 12 featured event will be the third round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with its headlining GTP (GT Prototype) class, featuring hybrid prototypes from Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche. The GTP cars will be joined on track by the GTD (GT Daytona) class, making for an exciting and pass-filled race expected to have at least 25 cars in total.  

Fans will also see two nights of the Formula DRIFT Super Drift Challenge Friday and Saturday, as well as doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS and, for the first time ever, the Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring historic cars from the three eras of open-wheel racing at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy cars – competing together.

Off the track and free to all race attendees will be the popular Lifestyle Expo with more than 100 exhibitors offering the latest products and services in automotive, travel, home improvement, green power, fitness and recreation as well as the large Family Fun Zone in the Long Beach Arena. There will also be concerts, food trucks, exotic car displays, driver autograph sessions and a wide variety of activities for the whole family.

"Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a monumental milestone for our City, our fans, and the racing community," said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. "We’re thrilled to bring an incredible lineup of special events and fan experiences that honor our history – which we will be announcing in the coming weeks – while showcasing the thrill of racing at its finest. This year’s event will not only reflect on five decades of unforgettable moments but also deliver an exciting, action-packed weekend that promises to make this anniversary a truly memorable one for everyone involved."

Ticket prices range from $44 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $205 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix. children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.

Starting on Monday, fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB50) and Instagram (@GPLongBeach), as well as via the official Acura Grand Prix app now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, set to take place April 11-13, 2025, today announced an exciting addition to the event's lineup: the Historic Formula Exhibition, a tribute to the heritage of open-wheel racing in Long Beach. For the first time, legendary cars from three iconic series that raced here – Formula 5000, Formula 1, and INDYCAR – will compete together Saturday and Sunday of race weekend on Long Beach’s city streets.

Organized by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA), the Historic Formula Exhibition promises a showcase of the technological evolution and rich motorsport legacy of each series while giving fans the opportunity to witness the power and beauty of these historic machines during twin 20-minute races on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend.

Among the cars scheduled to participate in the event:

From Formula 5000: the #48 All-American Racers Gurney Eagle, which was the event’s first pole winner and first-ever to turn a wheel on the racetrack in 1975, piloted at the time by Vern Schuppan and currently owned by Tom Malloy, whose impressive car collection is located in nearby Corona.

From Formula 1, the 1977 race-winning #5 John Player Lotus 77 which was famously driven by Mario Andretti. Andretti’s popular win made him the first American to win a United States Grand Prix and propelled the Grand Prix of Long Beach to iconic status on the world motorsport calendar.

The Indy car entries will be headed by the 2005 Long Beach-winning car of Sebastien Bourdais, the #1 Ford Lola 05/00. Bourdais’ 2005 win was the first of three consecutive Long Beach wins the Frenchman would author for Newman/Haas Racing.

“This year’s event is such a great celebration: the 50th anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said HMSA President Cris Vandagriff. “It will be great showcasing the cars that have made motorsports an event to celebrate in Long Beach. We will have a great field representing cars that have been a big part of the Grand Prix’s history.”

"The 50th Anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a historic milestone for our event, and we're thrilled to offer fans a trip through the annals of our racing history with the Historic Formula Exhibition," said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. "The sights – and equally important, the sounds – of these cars, will create an unforgettable experience for all our fans, young and old."

In addition to the Historic Formula Exhibition, fans can enjoy a full weekend of racing, live entertainment, autograph sessions, family activities, and much more. Further announcements about support races are forthcoming.

The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the third round of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the third round of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Fans who had tickets, parking and paddock passes in 2024 will have the opportunity to renew their orders beginning Oct. 1 through Oct. 18. On Nov. 4, tickets, parking and paddock passes will go on sale to the public at gplb.com or by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook @GrandPrixLB, X @GPLongBeach (#AGPLB #50YearsFullSpeed) and Instagram @GPLongBeach.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will celebrate 50 Years at Full Speed next April 11-13 with a new logo and look for its 50th anniversary, which will feature a number of commemorative events in the weeks leading up to race weekend.

The logo, developed by Acura and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, evokes a 1970s feel with a stylized “50” that resembles both a racetrack and a “retro” racing logo of the era. In addition, the “50” includes a checkered flag positioned in the lower right portion of the zero and the primary version of the logo will appear in “Long Beach Blue,” featured on multiple limited editions of Acura vehicles dating back to the first-generation NSX.

The logo is the first of many announcements that will be made by Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach officials about special 50th anniversary activities in the coming months.

“This is a very special year in the history of the Grand Prix and the introduction of the new logo is just the first of many special activities highlighting what has taken place over the past 50 years here in Long Beach,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “Soon we will be announcing a unique racing event, special exhibits, and other participatory events for everyone to enjoy.”

The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the third round of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the third round of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Further announcements about support races are forthcoming.

Fans who had tickets, parking and paddock passes in 2024 will have the opportunity to renew their orders beginning Oct. 1 through Oct. 18. On Nov. 4, tickets, parking and paddock passes will go on sale to the public at gplb.com or by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Follow the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook @GrandPrixLB, X @GPLongBeach (#AGPLB #50YearsFullSpeed) and Instagram @GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Confetti filled the air, champagne soaked the drivers’ suits in Victory Circle and the shore roared with a day-long celebration as the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach reached its climax on Sunday.

Scott Dixon drove his No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. It was his second win here and 57th of his career. He held off 2021 winner Colton Herta while reigning series champion Alex Palou was third.

As is the Sunday tradition at Long Beach, the weather was ideal, a pleasant 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The fans got pumped up early with the Historic Indy Car Challenge, won by Tim DeSilva in the 1995 Lola, and soaked up the unique atmosphere as much as the sunshine. 

There is something special about race day at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. You can see it in all the activities and the excitement on the fans’ faces, but you can feel it, too. You can sense the energy from the very beginning when vendors put out their goods for sale all the way to the event’s finish line after the checkered flag falls on the last race.

Many spectators began their day at the Korbel virtual victory circle soon after entering the facility. Others went straight into the Expo and the Family Fun Zone. They wandered behind the Shoreline Drive grandstands, along the promenade, stopped at food vendors or grabbed big Modelo beers. Those with paddock passes got up-close looks at the Indy cars with mechanics making final adjustments before the race. The dinging bell at the King Taco stand that signaled a customer’s order was ready provided a soundtrack to the area by the paddock entrance.

Then it was a race to the seats to catch the heart-pumping pre-race ceremonies that involved rockstar-style driver introductions, Grand Marshal Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and the drivers taking a lap around the track in the back of pickup trucks, both of which had the fans on their feet and cheering. Even the fish in the Rainbow Harbor lagoon were jumping up to catch a glimpse of the excitement. 

After Dixon’s win, fans left their seats not to leave, but to get a ground-level view of the Stadium SUPER Trucks as the vehicles got airborne while jumping ramps along Shoreline Drive. They got an unexpected treat when a collision caused the fencing to need a repair, ending the race early and providing an up-close view of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) scaling the fences to expertly do their job. Matt Brabham was declared the winner.

At the same time, a mariachi band entertained people in the Nocaut Tequila Club, proof that everywhere you went there was something to see and do at the Grand Prix. 

The day concluded with the GT America race, won by Jason Daskalos in the SRO3 class with Dan Knox in GT2 and Issac Sherman in GT4.

With that, the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach joined all the other events in the history books. Like its predecessors, it provided plenty of memorable moments and had people talking about coming back next year, which will be the 50th anniversary.

History met the present at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Saturday with the historic Indy Cars leading the way for a day of race winners and pole sitters, of hungry fans feasting on race cars and food from the many vendors, of atmosphere and action and ending with cars drifting one one side of the facility while Gretchen Wilson and the All-Star Jam jammed on the other.

Felix Rosenqvist qualified on the pole for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, Renger Van der Zande and Sebastian Bourdais won the IMSA WeatherTech Championship race in GTP with Ben Barnicoat and Parker Thompson in GTD, Jason Daskalos stood on the top step of the podium in the GT America SRO3 class with Dan Knox in GT2 and Issac Sherman in GT4, former Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan took the Historic Indy Cars win and Max Gordon was tops in the Stadium SUPER Trucks.

Additional winners were the fans, who roamed the grounds around Long Beach by the shore, took pictures in the paddock and Expo, downed Modelo beers and food from vendors ranging from King Taco to large pretzels, danced and sang to music from DJs and fully enjoyed all that there is to experience at the Grand Prix.

It has been that way for 49 years now, and while many faces and car styles have changed, there is always a piece of history present at America’s #1 street race. Two of the biggest pieces of that history have been here this weekend: Mario Andretti,  a four-winner here and the original “King of the Beach,” and six-time winner Al Unser, Jr., serving as pace car driver for the Historic Indy Car challenge. It had been a while since the current “King” took a lap around this track and the huge smile on his face as he turned the pace car down pit lane showed how thrilled he was to be back in a car here.

This all provided the perfect buildup to Sunday’s final day, which features the NTT INDYCAR race at 12:45 with all the pageantry that leads up to it. That starts with the Historic Indy Car Challenge race #2 at 10:45, building to the thrilling “Drivers, start your engines!" by Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and then the race itself. So if you’re wondering when to get here, be on site by 9 in order to get the full experience.

Afterward, do as the veteran Grand Prix fans do and hang around for the Stadium SUPER Trucks at 3:30 and the GT America race at 4:20. The vendors are still serving, the music is still playing and the vibe is still flowing.  Soak up every last second of the scene because it’s going to be another year before it all happens again.

Tickets are still available at: https://www.gplb.com/

Mario Andretti himself said it best again this Friday. “It’s an event,” the legend remarked, repeating a phrase he has used through the years.

You can see it in the race cars and in the eyes of the fans. You can hear it with the engines and DJs. You can even smell it with the rubber on the road and the sizzling of meats on the grills at the many food vendors.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is just that, an event, and the 49th version roared into action on Friday. Fans poured through the gates with the quick steps of anticipation as they made their way through the very familiar grounds around the convention center, arena and Shoreline Drive. 

The cars of NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the IMSA WeatherTech Series, GT America, Historic Indy Cars and the bouncing trucks of the Stadium Super Trucks filled the temporary track on the city’s most scenic downtown streets. As DJ Ape Drums pumped out his signature Caribbean and Latin-inspired rhythms for Fiesta Friday presented by Acura, the rubber-burning Formula Drift cars were sliding their way though turns 9, 10 and 11.

Fans were thrilled to see and meet their favorite NTT INDYCAR drivers during the late afternoon autograph session and stopped to watch crews work on the team cars in the paddock all day. They wandered through the Expo and Family Fun zone, stopping to look at the near-dizzying number of displays, line up for coveted freshly-printed Acura t-shirts and shop at the vendor booths. Parents smiled as their kids took a seat in the  free-to-ride “Lil’ Lightning Racers” electric-powered cars, bumped into each other in bumper cars and slid down a large slide.

Some walked around the sunny grounds with giant Modelo beers while others rocked out in the Nocaut Tequila Club. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is truly an attraction for all fans.

Two qualifying sessions were held on Friday in preparation for races on Saturday.  On the pole for Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech race are Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken in GTP and Ben Barnicoat and Parker Thompson in GTD. The GT America pole sitters are Johnny O’Connell in the SRO3 class, Dan Knox in GT2 and Gray Newell in GT4.

Andretti, who won here four times and drove in the first event back in 1975, knows the passion the Long Beach Grand Prix brings to people, along with the excitement and energy of a street race. An event? Absolutely.

Tickets are still available at www.gplb.com.