The Acura Grand Prix began today after an 18-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s events preface an upcoming weekend of high speeds, truck jumps and drifting around tight corners.
Friday’s events mostly consisted of practice races for the drivers of the Stadium SUPER Trucks, the IMSA IndyCars and the Historic Formula Atlantic Challenge.
“It’s priceless to be able to see the people that you’ve spent so many years working with, that you don’t see very often,” said David Anderson, a race official that has attended every race for the last 42 years. “That’s the key for me, hooking up again with old friends.”
The morning started off a bit foggy as fans slowly drifted into the area but as the day progressed so did the heat and smell of burnt rubber emanating from every corner of the track.
Jorge Ferrer has been coming to the Grand Prix since his father first took him as a child in 2007. He was disappointed to find out the event was canceled last year due to COVID-19 and was happy to see the event return. He spent Friday gathering autographs from racers—one of the main reasons he attended the event.
“I’m a big fan of Indie and Formula One,” Ferrer said. “I’m happy that they did it this year.”
The Long Beach Health Department is running rapid testing sites near major entry points. Attendees are required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the event.
Newport Beach resident Jim Maloney said the process “wasn’t bad at all.” He’s attended the Grand Prix for the past two decades, tailgating with friends at the beach before coming to watch the Stadium SUPER Trucks.
“We have a good time. Coming back after nearly two years, it’s good. I miss it. It’s good having everyone back together,” Maloney said.
The Formula D Super Drift Challenge Competition #1 will take place tonight from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
A full schedule of weekend events can be found here.
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