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Long Beach Grand Prix Marks 50th Anniversary Under New Leadership

Roger Penske's acquisition ushers in a new era for North America's longest-running street race as festivities and preparations highlight its storied legacy.

IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi, shown here at the 2023 Grand Prix of Long Beach, won the race in 2018 and 2019. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Race car driver Brian Redman in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Englishman Brian Redman won the inaugural running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race was held Sept. 28, 1975, on a 2.02-mile temporary street circuit…(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Overview

  • The Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend, cementing its status as a cornerstone of motorsports history.
  • Roger Penske, who acquired the event in late 2024, aims to innovate and elevate the race while honoring its historic significance.
  • The race is expected to draw nearly 200,000 spectators over three days, contributing an estimated $100 million to the local economy.
  • Drivers like Scott Dixon, who won in 2024 and is being inducted into the Motorsports Walk of Fame, emphasize the race's unique challenges and prestige.
  • Festivities include induction ceremonies, concerts, and a packed schedule of events, blending racing tradition with modern entertainment.