By Devin Malast and Kevin Fernandez
LONG BEACH- Starting in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race, the Long Beach Gran Prix is the oldest continuously run street circuit on IndyCars’ calendar. It is regarded by many in the racing world as one of the most prestigious circuits of the season. The circuit was the idea of Chris Pook and was heavily inspired by the famous Monaco circuit, with similar hairpin turns and waterfront views.
IndyCar is an unique racing series as all 33 cars share the same chassis and aerodynamic kit, with the engine either being Honda or Chevrolet made. The driver’s ability being the deciding factor in a race, whereas in other racing series cars can be completely different based on sponsors and funding.
Two miles of winding seaside streets were once again transformed into whirring motors, dizzying sights and smells of burning rubber this April for the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race weekend hosted six different racing series, making it the perfect weekend for newer race fans. Super Drift or Formula D was added to the schedule in 2005, IMSA cars have been running since 2014 and Stadium Super Trucks since 2013. The track has also seen Formula E cars, an electric race series, and hosted Formula 1 in the late 90s.
“It’s always great to see families coming to enjoy the races,” U.S. Customs and Border Control, Deputy Orona said. “Of all the events we work this one has the broadest age range.”
For younger motorsport fans the Stadium Super Trucks are always a hit. A half hour race featuring UTV Super trucks, 6 jumps and lots of excitement. This year’s race was cut short when a collision between Zoey Edenholm and Max Gordon took out a fence near grandstand 25.
“The Super Trucks is definitely one of my favorite events of the weekend and one of the more busy,” gran prix employee, Georgia Petch said. “There’s a race for everyone at Long Beach.”
On top of the thrill of watching cars go up to 185 miles per hour, there are other things that draw over 180,000 to the Long Beach Gran Prix.
Following the theme of being family friendly, there are two expo halls where everything from racing merch to massage chairs can be found. With an indoor “family fun” zone, it is the perfect place to cool down in between races without stopping the fun.
Older race fans can enjoy over a hundred displays, see GT mechanics working on their cars, and discover what’s new in the world of automobiles. With food, bars, and live music at every turn, this annual event has become more than just a race.
“It’s one of the most hectic weekends of the year, but you get to meet cool people from all over the world,” Chili’s hostess, Clarissa Pattes said.
Food trucks are in abundance at the gran prix. One can expect to find anything from tacos to banh mi to enjoy trackside. A few sit-down options are available as the track backs up to the beach; Chili’s and Outback are just a few that offer sit-down or take-out.
The Long Beach Gran Prix has a tradition of hosting concerts on Friday and Saturday when the cars stop running. This year’s concert “All Star Jam” featured Gretchen Wilson, Eddie Montgomery, David Lee and more. The live music available to all ticket holders for free.
With weekend tickets going for $120 to $185 depending on grandstand seating, or single day access from anywhere between $40 and $87, the race weekend can get pricey. Suites and paddock passes are available online for the more devoted race fans. But grandstand seat or not wear your walking shoes as the track stretches almost two miles with its 11 turns.
