This weekend, all eyes will be on Long Beach as IndyCar celebrates an historical achievement: 50 years of electrifying races on Long Beach’s iconic street circuit have created unforgettable moments since 1966!
Celebrating Long Beach: The Grand Prix’s Most Unforgettable Highlights
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach first made its debut in 1975 as part of Formula 5000 series before transitioning to Formula 2 calendar and eventually hosting its last Formula 1 race in 1983. Since then it has grown to become one of the major events held annually within Long Beach drawing both fans and racers to its challenging streets.
CART Indy Car’s Debut at Long Beach
The CART Indy Car series embraced the Long Beach circuit on March 31, 1984, with Mario Andretti claiming victory in this inaugural race. Starting from pole position, Andretti led every lap, finishing on top in what would become a significant opening race for the season. This win marked him as one of the only drivers, alongside Geoff Brabham, to finish on the lead lap, setting the stage for Long Beach’s inclusion in the IndyCar Series calendar in 2009.
Michael Andretti’s Triumphant Wins
Mario Andretti wasn’t the only family member to find success at Long Beach; his son, Michael Andretti, also left a mark with memorable victories. Michael’s first CART career win here in 1986 was particularly notable, involving a strategic battle with Al Unser Jr. that culminated in a narrow victory. This win was not just a display of skill but also showcased the competitive spirit of racing at Long Beach, a trait Michael carried until his final win in 2002.
Kyle Kirkwood’s Breakthrough Victory
In 2023, Kyle Kirkwood dominated the race weekend from start to finish. After edging out Marcus Ericsson for pole position, Kirkwood navigated a race full of strategic pit stops to claim his first IndyCar career win, a testament to his skill and determination on the demanding street circuit.
Colton Herta’s Homecoming Triumph
Colton Herta of California relishes racing at his home state’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. In 2021, Herta took full advantage of an unexpected turn of events during the race to seize control and ultimately claim victory – his third of 2019. This race adjusted for COVID-19 regulations showed his adaptability under pressure and proves a testament to Herta’s remarkable capabilities under duress.
Long Beach Grand Prix’s 50-year legacy is filled with unforgettable moments and outstanding achievements that contribute to its extraordinary story.