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Long Beach Street Circuit

Coordinates: 33°45′59″N 118°11′34″W / 33.7663890°N 118.1927780°W / 33.7663890; -118.1927780
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Long Beach Street Circuit
Grand Prix Circuit (2000–present)
LocationLong Beach, California, USA
Coordinates33°45′59″N 118°11′34″W / 33.7663890°N 118.1927780°W / 33.7663890; -118.1927780
FIA Grade2
Opened28 September 1975; 50 years ago (1975-09-28)
Major eventsCurrent:
IndyCar Series
Grand Prix of Long Beach (1984–2019, 2021–present)
IMSA SportsCar Championship
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (1990–1991, 2006–2019, 2021–present)
Stadium Super Trucks (2013–2019, 2021–present)
Formula D (2006–2019, 2021–present)
Former:
Formula E
Long Beach ePrix (2015–2016)
Formula One
United States Grand Prix West (1976–1983)
Pirelli World Challenge (2006–2018)
Trans-Am Series (1987–1989, 1992–1993, 1996, 1998–2005)
North American Touring Car Championship (1997)
SCCA/USAC Formula 5000 Championship (1975)
Websitehttps://www.gplb.com/
Grand Prix Circuit (2000–present)
Length1.968 mi (3.167 km)
Turns11
Race lap record1:07.2359 (Spain Álex Palou, Dallara DW12, 2022, IndyCar)
Formula E Circuit (2015–2016)
Length1.324 mi (2.131 km)
Turns7
Race lap record0:57.938 (Switzerland Sébastien Buemi, Renault Z.E 15, 2016, F-E)
Grand Prix Circuit (1999)
Length1.824 mi (2.935 km)
Turns13
Race lap record1:02.779 (Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya, Reynard 99I, 1999, CART)
Grand Prix Circuit (1992–1998)
Length1.586 mi (2.552 km)
Turns9
Race lap record0:51.333 (United States Bobby Rahal, Reynard 98I, 1998, CART)
Grand Prix Circuit (1984–1991)
Length1.670 mi (2.687 km)
Turns13
Race lap record1:08.5563 (United States Mario Andretti, Lola T900, 1985, CART)
Grand Prix Circuit (1983)
Length2.035 mi (3.275 km)
Turns18
Race lap record1:28.330 (Austria Niki Lauda, McLaren MP41C, 1983, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (1982)
Length2.130 mi (3.428 km)
Turns14
Race lap record1:30.831 (Austria Niki Lauda, McLaren MP4B, 1982, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1981)
Length2.020 mi (3.251 km)
Turns13
Race lap record1:19.830 (Brazil Nelson Piquet, Brabham BT49, 1980, F1)

The Long Beach Street Circuit is a street circuit opened in 1975, located in Long Beach in California. The circuit hosts the Grand Prix of Long Beach in championships, such as IndyCar Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship. It also hosted races for Formula One, Formula E, Championship Auto Racing Teams, American Le Mans Series, and Rolex Sports Car Series.

History

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Gunnar Nilsson driving a Lotus 77, 1976 United States Grand Prix West
Mark Smith driving in the 1993 race
Juan Pablo Montoya driving Dallara DW12 in the 2014 race

The Long Beach Grand Prix was the brainchild of promoter Chris Pook, a former travel agent from England. Pook was inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix, and believed that a similar event had the potential to succeed in the Southern California area. The city of Long Beach was selected, approximately 25 mi (40 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. A waterfront circuit, near the Port of Long Beach was laid out on city streets, and despite the area at the time being mostly a depressed, industrial port city, the first event drew 30,000 fans. The inaugural race was held in September 1975 as part of the Formula 5000 series.[1][2]

In 1976, the United States Grand Prix West was created, providing two grand prix races annually in the United States for a time. Long Beach became a Formula One event for 1976 and the race was moved to March or April. Meanwhile, the United States Grand Prix East at Watkins Glen International was experiencing a noticeably steady decline. Despite gaining a reputation of being demanding and rough on equipment, Long Beach almost immediately gained prominence owing much to its pleasant weather, picturesque setting, and close proximity to Los Angeles and the glitzy Hollywood area.[1][2][3] When Watkins Glen was dropped from the Formula One calendar after 1980, the now-established Long Beach began to assume an even more prominent status.

Despite exciting races and strong attendance, the event was not financially successful as a Formula One event. The promoter was risking a meager $100,000 profit against a $6–7 million budget. Fearing that one poor running could bankrupt the event, Pook convinced city leaders to change the race to a CART Indy car event beginning in 1984. In short time, the event grew to prominence on the Indy car circuit and has been credited with triggering a renaissance in the city of Long Beach. The race was used to market the city, and in the years since the race's inception, many dilapidated and condemned buildings have been replaced with high-rise hotels and tourist attractions.[1][2]

The event served as a CART/Champ Car race from 1984 to 2008, then became an IndyCar Series race event in 2009. The 2017 race was the 43rd running, and the 34th consecutive as an IndyCar race, one of the longest continuously running events in the history of American open-wheel car racing. On three occasions (1984, 1985 and 1987) the race served as the CART season opener. In seven separate seasons (1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994), it served as the final race before the Indianapolis 500.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 race was canceled as part of the City of Long Beach's ban on events with estimated attendance of more than 250.[4] The following year, as a preparatory measure for the pandemic's effects on the schedule, the race was moved from its traditional April date to September 26, and served as the season finale.[5] With the rise of the Delta variant there were concerns from IndyCar and the event promoters that the race would have to be canceled for 2021 or run with an attendance cap, but the promoters and the city of Long Beach were able to work out a compromise on safety measures and rapid testing to allow the event to go forward with full capacity.[6]

The Grand Prix returned to its traditional April date for the 2022 season.

On March 28, 2024, it was announced that former ChampCar owner Gerald Forsythe would buy a 50% stake in the Long Beach Grand Prix from the estate of the late Kevin Kalkhoven.[7]

Circuit

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The current race circuit is a 1.968 mi (3.167 km) temporary road course laid out in the city streets surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center. The convention center actually doubled as the pit paddock during the days of Formula One. The circuit also goes primarily over the former location of The Pike historic amusement zone. The track is particularly noted for its last section, a sharp hairpin turn followed by a long, slightly curved front straightaway which runs the length of Shoreline Drive. The circuit is situated on the Long Beach waterfront, and is lined with palm trees (especially along the front straightaway towards the Aquarium of the Pacific), making for a scenic track. Long Beach is classified as an FIA Grade Two circuit.[8]

The circuit has undergone numerous layout changes since the race's inception in 1975. All iterations have featured a signature hairpin turn, main stretch along Shoreline Drive, and back stretch along Seaside Way or Ocean Boulevard. The first grand prix layout measured 2.020 mi (3.251 km), and featured two hairpins, one at each end of the Shoreline Drive straightaway. In its early years, the starting line and the finish line were located on different sides of the course.

In 1982, the hairpin turn and the end of the main stretch (turn 1) was removed, and replaced with a 90-degree right turn, followed by 90-degree left turn. When the race became a CART series event, the layout was changed significantly. The final turn hairpin was moved to the east, closer to the pit entrance. Other slow chicanes and turns were removed. After a minor tweak to the layout in 1987, the track was shortened in 1992 by the removal of the Park Avenue loop. That created a longer Seaside Way back stretch and a faster run to the passing zone.

In 1999, due to new construction in the area, the turn one set of curves was removed, and replaced with the new fountain complex. Turn one now became a 90-degree left turn, leading into a roundabout around a fountain, and a series of three 90-degree turns. A year later, this segment was revised again, to create a longer straightaway leading to Pine Avenue. This course layout remains intact today.

In 2015, a modified 1.324 mi (2.131 km) version of the Grand Prix track was used during the Long Beach ePrix of the FIA Formula E Championship, which featured seven turns. The ePrix was held once again in 2016. In 2017, Formula E went to Brooklyn Street Circuit instead of there.

Layout history

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Long Beach Street Circuit layout history
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1977)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1977)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1978–1981)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1978–1981)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1982)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1982)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1983)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1983)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1984–1986)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1984–1986)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1987–1991)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1987–1991)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1992–1998)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1992–1998)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1999)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1999)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (2000–present)
    Grand Prix Circuit (2000–present)
  • Formula E Circuit (2015–2016)
    Formula E Circuit (2015–2016)

Winners

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IndyCar

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Main article: Grand Prix of Long Beach

IMSA

[edit]
Main article: Grand Prix of Long Beach § IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Events

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Current

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April
October

Former

[edit]

Lap records

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The unofficial track record is 1:05.3095, set by Colton Herta in a Dallara DW12, during qualifying for the 2022 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.[9] As of April 2026, the fastest official race lap records at the Long Beach Street Circuit are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Grand Prix Circuit (2000–present): 1.968 mi (3.167 km)[9]
IndyCar 1:07.2359 Álex Palou Dallara DW12 2022 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Champ Car 1:07.931 Sébastien Bourdais Lola B02/00 2006 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
CART 1:08.981 Bruno Junqueira Lola B02/00 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
DPi 1:10.317[10] Sébastien Bourdais Cadillac DPi-V.R 2022 Grand Prix of Long Beach
LMDh 1:11.503[11] Connor De Phillippi BMW M Hybrid V8 2023 Grand Prix of Long Beach
LMP2 1:12.383[12] Patrick Long Porsche RS Spyder EVO 2008 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach
LMP1 1:12.599[12] Marco Werner Audi R10 TDI 2008 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach
Indy Lights 1:12.9009[13] Félix Serrallés Dallara IL-15 2015 Long Beach 100
LMH 1:13.828[14] Roman De Angelis Aston Martin Valkyrie 2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach
DP 1:15.279[15] Dane Cameron Corvette Daytona Prototype 2016 BUBBA Burger Sports Car Grand Prix
Formula Atlantic 1:16.058[16] Richard Philippe Swift 016.a 2006 Long Beach Formula Atlantic round
LM GTE 1:17.215[17] Oliver Gavin Chevrolet Corvette C7.R 2019 BUBBA Burger Sports Car Grand Prix
LMPC 1:17.244[15] Kyle Marcelli Oreca FLM09 2016 BUBBA Burger Sports Car Grand Prix
GT1 (GTS) 1:17.415[12] Oliver Gavin Chevrolet Corvette C6.R 2008 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach
Historic F1 1:18.055[18] Patrick Long Williams FW08C 2023 Long Beach Historic F1 race
GT3 1:18.617[10] Raffaele Marciello Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo 2022 Grand Prix of Long Beach
GT 1:19.511[19] Oliver Gavin Chevrolet Corvette C6.R 2013 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:19.660[20] Kay van Berlo Porsche 911 (992 I) GT3 Cup 2022 Long Beach Porsche Carrera Cup North America round
SRO GT2 1:21.216[21] Aaron Farhadi Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo GT2 2024 Long Beach GT America round
Trans-Am 1:22.030[22] Paul Gentilozzi Jaguar XKR 2003 Long Beach Trans-Am round
IMSA GTP 1:22.256[23] Patrick Long Porsche 962 2022 Long Beach Historic IMSA GTP race
Group 7 1:22.307[24] Kirt Bennett Shadow DN4 2017 Long Beach Can Am Challenge
IMSA GTO 1:24.448[25] Craig Bennett Nissan 300ZX Turbo 2019 Long Beach Historic IMSA GTO/Trans-Am Invitational
GT4 1:25.773[21] Isaac Sherman Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport 2024 Long Beach GT America round
Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race 1:41.899[26] Frankie Muniz Scion FR-S 2016 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
Stadium Super Trucks 1:44.939[25] Matthew Brabham Stadium Super Truck 2019 Long Beach SST round
Formula E Circuit: 1.324 mi (2.131 km) (2015–2016)[9]
Formula E 0:57.938 Sébastien Buemi Renault Z.E 15 2016 Long Beach ePrix
Grand Prix Circuit (1999): 1.824 mi (2.935 km)[9]
CART 1:02.779[27] Juan Pablo Montoya Reynard 99I 1999 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Indy Lights 1:08.623[28] Felipe Giaffone Lola T97/20 1999 Long Beach Indy Lights round
Grand Prix Circuit (1992–1998): 1.586 mi (2.552 km)[9]
CART 0:51.333[29] Bobby Rahal Reynard 98I 1998 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Indy Lights 0:57.190[30] Cristiano da Matta Lola T97/20 1997 Long Beach Indy Lights round
Formula Atlantic 1:00.249[31] Jacques Villeneuve Ralt RT40 1993 Long Beach Formula Atlantic round
Trans-Am 1:00.775[32] Tommy Kendall Ford Mustang Trans-Am 1996 Long Beach Trans-Am round
Super Touring 1:06.731[33] Neil Crompton Honda Accord 1997 Long Beach NATCC round
IMSA Supercar 1:10.248[34] Randy Pobst BMW M5 1995 Long Beach IMSA Supercar round
Grand Prix Circuit (1984–1991): 1.670 mi (2.687 km)[9]
CART 1:08.5563[35] Mario Andretti Lola T900 1985 Long Beach Grand Prix
Formula Atlantic 1:13.482[36] Jimmy Vasser Swift DB4 1991 Long Beach Formula Atlantic round
IMSA GTO 1:15.172[37] Pete Halsmer Mazda RX-7 1991 IMSA Grand Prix of Long Beach
Trans-Am 1:17.772[38] Scott Pruett Merkur XR4Ti 1988 Long Beach Trans-Am round
IMSA GTU 1:20.478[39] Stu Hayner Dodge Daytona 1990 IMSA Grand Prix of Long Beach
IMSA AAC 1:23.020[37] J. D. Smith Chevrolet Camaro 1991 IMSA Grand Prix of Long Beach
Grand Prix Circuit (1983): 2.035 mi (3.275 km)[9]
Formula One 1:28.330 Niki Lauda McLaren MP4/1C 1983 United States Grand Prix West
Grand Prix Circuit (1982): 2.130 mi (3.428 km)[9]
Formula One 1:30.831 Niki Lauda McLaren MP4B 1982 United States Grand Prix West
Formula Atlantic 1:37.621[40] Geoff Brabham Ralt RT4 1982 Long Beach Formula Atlantic round
Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1981): 2.020 mi (3.251 km)[9]
Formula One 1:19.830 Nelson Piquet Brabham BT49 1980 United States Grand Prix West
Formula 5000 1:19.905 Tony Brise Lola T332 1975 Long Beach Grand Prix
Formula Atlantic 1:27.232[41] Geoff Brabham Ralt RT4 1981 Long Beach Formula Atlantic round

References

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  1. ^ a b c Miller, Robin (April 18, 1994). "Pook's innovative work made Long Beach a top road course (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 11. Retrieved April 9, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  2. ^ a b c Miller, Robin (April 18, 1994). "Pook's innovative work made Long Beach a top road course (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 12. Retrieved April 9, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ^ Kightlinger, Cathy (April 9, 2017). "Celebrity sightings add glitter to popular Long Beach race". IndyCar.com. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  4. ^ Glendenning, Mark (March 12, 2020). "Long Beach GP cancelled due to city-wide coronavirus measures". Racer. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  5. ^ Brown, Nathan (December 17, 2020). "IndyCar's Long Beach Grand Prix shifts to September as new season finale due to pandemic". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  6. ^ Journalist, Community (June 22, 2021). "Start your engines: Long Beach Acura Grand Prix confirms September return with full crowds". ABC7. ABC. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  7. ^ Marshall Pruett (March 28, 2024). "Forsythe to buy remaining Long Beach stake; commits event to IndyCar". RACER. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  8. ^ "LIST OF FIA LICENSED CIRCUITS UPDATED ON : 2025-12-01" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. December 1, 2025. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Long Beach - Motor Sport Magazine". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  10. ^ a b "2022 IMSA Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Race Official Results (1 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 12, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  11. ^ "2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Race Official Results (1 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 19, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c "2008 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach - ALMS Provisional Race Report" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 19, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  13. ^ "2015 Long Beach Indy Lights". Motor Sport Magazine. April 19, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  14. ^ "2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Race Results by Driver Fastest Lap" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 18, 2026. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  15. ^ a b "Long Beach 100 Minutes 2016". April 16, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  16. ^ "2006 Formula Atlantic Long Beach". April 9, 2006. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  17. ^ "2019 BUBBA Burger Sports Car Grand Prix - Race Official Results (1 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 16, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  18. ^ "2023 Long Beach GP - HMSA Historic F1 - Race 2" (PDF). April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  19. ^ "2013 American Le Mans Series Long Beach". April 20, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  20. ^ "2022 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Porsche Carrera Cup North America - Race 1 Official Results (40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). April 12, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Long Beach Grand Prix - Apr. 19 - 21, 2024 / Long Beach, CA - GT America powered by AWS - Race 2 Provisional Results" (PDF). April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  22. ^ "Trans-Am Series 2003 :: Race 2 results". April 13, 2003. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  23. ^ "Historic GTP @ 2022 LBGP - Historic GTP - Race 2" (PDF). April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  24. ^ "2017 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Can Am Challenge - Race" (PDF). April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  25. ^ a b "2019 Stadium Super Trucks in Long Beach - Long Beach Grand Prix - SST Race 1 & IMSA GTO/Trans-Am Invitational - Historic IMSA GTO - Race" (PDF). April 13, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  26. ^ "2016 Long Beach Grand Prix & Toyota Celebrity - Toyota Celebrity - Celebrity Race" (PDF). April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  27. ^ "1999 Long Beach Grand Prix". Motor Sport Magazine. April 18, 1999. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  28. ^ "1999 Long Beach Indy Lights". Motor Sport Magazine. April 18, 1999. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  29. ^ "1998 Long Beach Grand Prix". Motor Sport Magazine. April 5, 1998. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  30. ^ "1997 Long Beach Indy Lights". Motor Sport Magazine. April 13, 1997. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  31. ^ "1993 Formula Atlantic Long Beach". April 17, 1993. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  32. ^ "1996 Trans-Am Long Beach". April 14, 1996. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
  33. ^ "NATCC 1997 » Long Beach Street Circuit Round 2 Results". April 13, 1997. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  34. ^ "IMSA Supercar Long Beach 1995". April 9, 1995. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  35. ^ "1985 Long Beach Grand Prix". Motor Sport Magazine. April 14, 1985. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  36. ^ "1991 Toyota Atlantic Long Beach". April 14, 1991. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  37. ^ a b "Long Beach 1 Hour IMSA GT 1991". April 14, 1991. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  38. ^ "1988 Trans-Am Long Beach". April 16, 1988. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  39. ^ "Long Beach 1 Hour IMSA GT 1990". April 22, 1990. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  40. ^ "Long Beach Toyota Long Beach Grand-Prix, April 3 Avril 1982". April 3, 1982. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  41. ^ "Long Beach, March 14 Mars 1981 Toyota Grand-Prix of Long Beach". March 14, 1981. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
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