Here’s the latest I could gather about the Long Beach Grand Prix circuit from recent sources.
Answer
- The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach remains a marquee street race in downtown Long Beach, with the event scheduled to feature IndyCar and IMSA racing in 2026, alongside supporting classes and special exhibitions.
Details
- 2026 plans emphasize a return to a full race weekend format on the 1.97-mile, 11-turn city street circuit, including timing and scoring for multiple racing series and off-track events around Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue. This aligns with Long Beach’s ongoing tradition of combining high-profile racing with the city’s waterfront activities.[1][4]
- Construction and setup efforts for the circuit typically begin in the weeks leading up to race weekend, including track layout installation, safety barriers, grandstands, and hospitality facilities, to support a multi-series program such as IndyCar, IMSA, and supporting race series.[2][1]
- The city has a history of extending or reaffirming its relationship with the Grand Prix organizers through multiple-year agreements, underpinning the event’s continuity in Long Beach through at least the late 2020s, which helps ensure ongoing access to the downtown street circuit for race weekend activities.[3]
Illustration
- Example: In recent years, the event has combined practice and qualifying runs across multiple days with a fan-friendly schedule that includes on-track action under lights, a Saturday night program, and ancillary events like charity runs and drift showcases around the circuit.
Notes and context
- If you’re planning to attend, check the official Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach site and the Long Beach city press releases for the latest schedule, ticketing, and any street closures or traffic advisories linked to race weekend. These sources typically publish the most current details as the event approaches.[9][10]
Citations
- Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach overview and 2026 plan details.[1]
- Track construction and event schedule context for 2026 event.[2]
- Long Beach extension/continuity with Grand Prix Association through 2028 context.[3]
If you’d like, I can pull the most up-to-date schedule and ticketing info from the official site and recent city announcements and summarize it in a concise, up-to-date table.
Sources
The longest-running major street race in North America is the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach . It began as a Formula 5000 race in 1975 and switched to being a Formula One race in 1976. Long Beach was one of the few tracks utilized from the time Renault launched turbocharged engines in 1977 to the final Long Beach Grand Prix in 1983 that never once saw a turbo-powered car win. This was during a time when turbocharged engines were beginning to gain popularity in Formula One.
www.gplb.comConstruction of a temporary racetrack began Tuesday in preparation for the 40th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach .
www.cbsnews.comThe Long Beach Grand Prix vibe is one of the topics this week as IndyCar looks to infuse other races with that Southern California magic.
www.motorsportprospects.comThe city of Long Beach unanimously approved a deal Tuesday that will keep the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in town through 2028.
www.foxla.comOver the next 50 days, more than 2,400 concrete blocks that anchor the safety system around the 1.97-mile, 11-turn racing circuit will be placed along with 14 large grandstands that line the racecourse. More than 194,000 fans attended the race in 2024, the event’s best attendance showing since the 2008 INDYCAR SERIES reunification.
www.firestonetire.com“We’re coming off a very successful 50th anniversary celebration last year and we are planning to build on that success,” said Michaelian. “This is always a great day because the moment we begin building the racetrack is when it all truly comes to life. You can feel the energy start to build across the city as our team transforms the streets of Long Beach into a world-class racing venue. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not just preparing for a race – we’re setting the stage for a memorable...
gplb.com