As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrates 50 years with festivities and qualifying starting this weekend, it remains not only a staple in the world of street racing but a beloved community event.
Since its inception as a Formula 5000 event in 1975, the Long Beach Grand Prix has served as a pillar of the local community, capturing the hearts of racing enthusiasts across generations.
Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, attributes the race’s enduring success to its unyielding focus on community engagement and affordability.
“Back in 1975, we set the policy that kids 12 and under would have free admission,” Michaelian told the Indianapolis Star. “That gives you the depth and the support base you need to be able to continue on.”
This pioneering approach has brought three generations of fans back year after year, making it more than just a race, but a cherished family tradition.
The event’s allure extends beyond its racing prowess. Designed as a community-centric occasion, the Grand Prix offers concerts, a lifestyle expo and a children’s zone alongside its thrilling races, including IndyCar and IMSA events. This holistic approach aims to ensure its appeal to a diverse audience.
Over the years, other cities have attempted to replicate Long Beach’s success, often falling short. Michaelian highlighted the community tie-in as being crucial, noting that when leadership changes occur in Long Beach, the race persists.
“When there’s a new mayor or change in leadership at the City Council, the Grand Prix has continued on because it has deep roots in the community,” he said.
According to Roger Penske, the recent purchaser of the event, the Grand Prix is not just an iconic race but also a key component of the Long Beach community’s identity.
“It’s well promoted,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “The atmosphere there is fun. It’s one of the greatest races.”
Celebrating his connections to the city and the race’s storied past, current IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is well-versed in the race’s unique challenges, having won the Grand Prix twice.
Dixon underscored the race’s prestige, telling the Times, “You look at the [Indy] 500 and then the next, by quite a clear way, is the Long Beach Grand Prix.”
Dixon’s induction into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame on Thursday highlighted his significant contributions alongside Grand Prix figures such as Michaelian and former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill.
The Grand Prix’s lasting impact is evident in the numbers — this year, the event anticipates nearly 200,000 fans in attendance, contributing an estimated $100 million to the local economy.
Qualifying for the Grand Prix’s IndyCar race and several races were set for Saturday after Australian Will Power recorded the fastest practice time Friday. Power finished in 1 minute, 7.3227 seconds on his final lap in the Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn street circuit surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center.
A 90-minute concert by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Foreigner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the Terrace Plaza outside the convention center. The performance is free for holders of Saturday race tickets.
