Streets of Long Beach

Track Info

Location	Long Beach, California
Type	Street Circuit
Length	1.968 miles (3.167 km)
Turns	11
Surface	Temporary asphalt (city streets)
Capacity	~100,000+ (over race weekend)
First Race	1975 (Formula 5000), F1 from 1976-1983, IndyCar from 1984-present

Track Characteristics

The Grand Prix of Long Beach is the crown jewel of North American street racing. Known as "The Monaco of the West," Long Beach has hosted continuous major open-wheel racing since 1975, making it the longest-running major street race in North America. The circuit encircles the Long Beach Convention Center and runs along scenic Shoreline Drive with views of the Pacific Ocean, Queen Mary, and the Long Beach skyline.

The track is defined by its signature Turn 1, a high-speed right-hander at the end of the Shoreline Drive straight that requires late braking and precision. The hairpin at Turn 11 is another critical overtaking zone and produces some of the most dramatic battles each year. The circuit's mix of fast sweepers and tight corners rewards drivers who can extract maximum grip from the temporary surface, which evolves dramatically throughout the race weekend.

Long Beach carries enormous prestige. Winning here is considered one of the highest honors in IndyCar outside the Indianapolis 500. The event's history includes eight Formula One races from 1976 to 1983, featuring legendary battles between drivers like Mario Andretti, Gilles Villeneuve, and Nelson Piquet. The transition to CART/IndyCar in 1984 only enhanced its status, and today it remains the most anticipated street race on the calendar.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Long Beach Airport (LGB) is just 5 miles from the track. Los Angeles International (LAX) is approximately 20 miles north. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is about 25 miles south.
Nearest City	Long Beach, CA (the track is in downtown). Los Angeles is 25 miles north.

Series That Race Here

• NTT IndyCar Series - Flagship street race since 1984
• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - GTP and GTD Pro classes
• Indy NXT by Firestone - Support race
• Historic: Formula One (1976-1983), CART/Champ Car (1984-2007)

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Round	5 of 17
Date	April 19, 2026
TV	FOX
Race Time	5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT
Qualifying	Firestone Fast 6 knockout format

Track Record

F1 Era Lap Record	1:19.830 (different layout, 2.034 miles)
F1 Record Holder	Nelson Piquet (1980)

Notable Past Races

• 2024: Alex Palou dominated from pole position, showcasing the Chip Ganassi Racing Honda's superiority on street courses en route to another championship push.
• 2019: Alexander Rossi won a dramatic race in which he held off Josef Newgarden in the closing laps, adding to his growing reputation as a street course specialist.
• 1999: A record crowd of 102,000 packed the Long Beach waterfront to watch the CART event, proving the enduring appeal of the venue.
• 1981 (F1): Alan Jones won a thrilling Formula One race on the streets of Long Beach, one of the most iconic F1 street race moments.
• 1977 (F1): Mario Andretti won the Long Beach F1 race in front of a home crowd, one of the most celebrated moments in American open-wheel history.

Track Facts

• Long Beach is the longest-running major street race in North America, dating back to 1975.
• The circuit hosted eight Formula One World Championship races from 1976 to 1983.
• The track wraps around the Long Beach Convention Center, with the Queen Mary visible from several vantage points along the course.
• Winning at Long Beach is considered the most prestigious IndyCar victory after the Indianapolis 500.
• The race has been promoted by Jim Michaelian and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach for over four decades, making it one of the most stable events in motorsport.

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