4/11/2025
The first day of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach was a roaring success as thousands of fans raced into the facility, filled the exhibition hall, got autographs of their favorite NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and enjoyed the fullness of this event.
They were treated to a warm and sunny day as well as qualifying for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, GT America and, in the evening under the lights, the Formula D Super Drift Challenge Competition and a free concert in front of the Performing Arts Center with the Concert Presented by Acura featuring EDM DJs DVBBS.
Fans were also exposed to the incredible diversity of experiences that are featured atthe Grand Prix. They heard both the sounds of race cars and of a DJ in a “dayclub” setting at the outdoor open-to-the-public Korbel lounge. They listened to vendors explaining products as they lined up to spin prize wheels for free samples and overheard conversations among groups of friends saying things like “dude, they have Mario Andretti’s winning car from 1977 here!”
Their senses were also alerted to the various smells of the Grand Prix. In some areas it was burning rubber from the cars. In others, it was a smoky smell coming from grills serving barbecue, burgers, tacos and other food items. The latter was particularly prevalent behind the Shoreline Drive grandstands and was enough to even make full stomachs start to growl.
And, being a warm day, many people had a beer in hand – most opted for the 24-ouncer – Cuervo Tequila margaritas or other beverages.
Saturday promises even more with the activities going from 7:45 in the morning until 8:30 at night. Racing wise, the day is highlighted by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship race (2-4 p.m.) and qualifying for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. There is also race #1 for GT America, the SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks and the Historic Formula Exhibition. Plus there is the Super Drift Challenge and the Saturday concert starring Foreigner presented by Cuervo Tequila.
In a very special moment, the Grand Prix will be honoring first responders from January’s LA wildfires in a ceremony prior to the IMSA race. This will consist of helicopters from LA County Fire, LA City Fire, Cal Fire, LA County Sheriff, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department. The Grand Marshal is County of Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Malcolm Dicks, who risked his own well being to rescue a stranded woman during the Malibu fires. He will be with Patty Phillips, the woman he rescued from a burning car.
The national anthem will be performed by LaShana Dendy – known as Shana Dee on social media – a pop, R&B, Hip-Hop and Gospel singer and actress. The elite United States Army Golden Knights parachute team will land in multiple places on the racetrack, including the start/finish line.
