The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is an annual motorsport event held each spring in downtown Long Beach, California. Known for its exciting street circuit and vibrant festival atmosphere, the Grand Prix attracts racing fans from across the country and around the world. Combining high-speed IndyCar competition with family-friendly activities, concerts, and automotive exhibitions, this event has become a cornerstone of the Long Beach community and a highlight of the racing calendar. Its rich history and scenic coastal setting make the Long Beach Grand Prix a unique and unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
What is the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
The Long Beach Grand Prix, officially known as the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, is a prestigious annual motorsport event held each April on a challenging 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit in downtown Long Beach, California. Established in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race, it quickly gained prominence by becoming a Formula One event from 1976 to 1983 before transitioning to the CART/Champ Car World Series in 1984 due to rising costs. Since 2009, it has been a key fixture of the unified NTT IndyCar Series, attracting a competitive field of top drivers and teams. Known for its iconic hairpin turn and scenic shoreline views along Shoreline Drive, the Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest-running major street race in North America and continues to be one of the most anticipated race weekends, drawing approximately 190,000 fans who come to experience thrilling racing action, a vibrant festival atmosphere, and a rich racing heritage.
Aerial view of brightly-colored race cars speeding past a sign reading "Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach", flanked by stands filled with spectators.
The Course Layout at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The Long Beach Grand Prix features a street circuit that winds through the heart of downtown Long Beach, California. This iconic course runs past notable landmarks such as the Long Beach Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the scenic views along Shoreline Drive. Known for its combination of tight corners and fast straights, the layout includes the famous hairpin turn—a critical spot for overtaking—and long stretches where IndyCar drivers can reach speeds up to 180 mph. Over the years, the circuit has undergone several modifications to enhance safety and racing excitement, yet it retains its unique character as one of the most demanding and picturesque street courses in the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. The course's design provides plenty of thrilling moments during race weekend, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.
A stunning array of colorful IndyCars zoom down a straightaway at the Long Beach Grand Prix, an exciting motorsports event that draws fans from all over the world.
What To Expect at the LB Grand Prix
During the race weekend of the Long Beach Grand Prix, fans can enjoy a packed schedule of exciting events and activities spread over three days. The weekend prior to the main race features the popular Grand Prix 5K charity run, allowing participants to experience the actual race circuit while supporting local causes. On Friday, the action kicks off with the first practice sessions, followed by additional practice and qualifying rounds on Saturday, setting the stage for the thrilling main race on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, the Grand Prix Association hosts a vibrant festival atmosphere including a Family Fun Zone, a Lifestyle Expo with over 100 exhibitors, live concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, and a spectacular exotic car show featuring luxury vehicles like Ferraris and Porsches. Fans can also participate in driver autograph sessions and enjoy a variety of food trucks and vendors. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center serves as the central hub for many of these activities, providing easy access for attendees.
Families attending the Long Beach Grand Prix will find plenty of kid-friendly activities throughout the weekend, making it a perfect outing for all ages. The Family Fun Zone offers interactive games, racing simulators, bounce houses, and face-painting stations to keep children entertained. With food vendors serving a variety of options and safe, accessible areas like the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, parents can relax while kids enjoy a fun and engaging environment. This family-friendly atmosphere adds to the vibrant community spirit that makes the Grand Prix of Long Beach a must-visit event each April.
Aerial photograph of the Long Beach Grand Prix, showing fans strolling and taking in the sights of the multi-day festival, from food vendors and fan zones to live music, and interactive displays.
Capturing Aerial Photos of the Grand Prix of Long Beach
Aerial photography of the Long Beach Grand Prix course offers a breathtaking and unique vantage point that captures the full scope of this iconic street race. From high above, aerial photographs reveal the intricate layout of the 1.968-mile, 11-turn circuit, highlighting key features such as the challenging hairpin turn and the sweeping Shoreline Drive straightaway. These aerial images not only showcase the vibrant colors of the race cars in action but also provide a stunning view of the surrounding Long Beach cityscape, including landmarks like the Long Beach Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific. This perspective allows fans and teams alike to appreciate the complexity and beauty of the course, while also serving as a valuable tool for drivers to study track geometry and plan pit stops and racing strategies.
Drivers meticulously study aerial photographs of the Long Beach Grand Prix course well in advance to gain a comprehensive understanding of the street circuit. These aerial images provide a bird’s-eye view of critical track features such as the iconic hairpin turn, the long Shoreline Drive straightaway, and tight corners around Seaside Way. By analyzing these visuals, drivers can plan their racing strategies, identify optimal racing lines, braking points, and overtaking zones, and prepare for the unique challenges posed by the temporary street layout. This preparation is crucial for achieving fast qualifying laps and executing precise maneuvers during the race, ultimately enhancing their performance on race weekend.
Downtown Long Beach, a vibrant urban center with beautiful beaches, bustling harbor, and iconic landmarks, including the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village.
Grand Prix of Long Beach – A Race Fan's Paradise
IndyCar fans from near and far flock to the Grand Prix of Long Beach to experience thrilling races featuring both rising stars like Alexander Rossi and Scott Dixon, as well as legendary drivers such as Mario Andretti and Jimmie Johnson. The event’s rich history includes remarkable moments like John Watson’s 1983 victory starting from the 22nd position, Clay Regazzoni’s win at the inaugural Formula 1 race, and the dominance of racing icons like the Andretti family and Al Unser Jr. Celebrating this legacy, the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame honors past winners and significant contributors to auto racing, adding to the Grand Prix’s enduring allure and prestige.
Whether you’re a seasoned IndyCar fan or new to the sport, watching skilled drivers navigate the challenging downtown Long Beach circuit is an exhilarating experience. Over its 45-year history, the LB Grand Prix has attracted numerous famous drivers and even a few U.S. presidents, adding to its unique appeal and vibrant atmosphere. In 2000, President Bill Clinton visited the Grand Prix during his reelection campaign tour, though he didn’t drive any laps himself. The event has also drawn celebrities such as Keanu Reeves, Ted Nugent, Josh Brolin, Jason Bateman, and Gene Hackman, making the Long Beach Grand Prix not only a premier racing event but also a star-studded spectacle that captivates fans from all walks of life.
Brightly-colored IndyCars navigate the winding turns of the Grand Prix of Long Beach as they make their way past a roundabout near the Aquarium of the Pacific in an exciting display of speed and precision.
Long Beach Vibes
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach isn't just about racing—it's about having fun. Every year, attendees come together to enjoy music, food, and drinks in a festive atmosphere, which is why the Grand Prix of Long Beach advertises itself as "Southern California's 200-MPH Beach Party".
Aerial view of race cars speeding around a sharp turn near the Long Beach Convention Center during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach has become a legendary event for many reasons. With its thrilling racing action and iconic street course, it’s no wonder why this race is so beloved by fans all over the world. Between the stunning location and intense racing action, there's no doubt that the Long Beach Grand Prix will continue to be one of motorsport's most popular events for many years to come.