Golden Memories: Five Magic Moments at Long Beach
INDYCAR
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrates its 50th running during this year's race weekend April 11-13. This year, 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers will attempt to win the prestigious street race on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and in the shadow of the Queen Mary ocean liner.
The 1.968-mile, 11-turn street circuit is an iconic event rooted in history. Here are five of the most memorable moments of the annual event that began in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race, transitioned to a Formula One race weekend from 1976-1983 and then a CART/Champ Car/INDYCAR SERIES race from 1984 to present. Herta Charges From 14th To Win 2021 Race
The first race at Long Beach since 2019 settled the championship, too. The 2020 race was canceled as part of the COVID-19 safety measures. The 2021 return was moved from the traditional early-season slot in April to the Sept. 26 season finale due to pandemic-related precautions still in place.
Colton Herta put on a thrilling show that day, charging from 14th to secure his first and only Long Beach victory so far in his career. Herta's furious charge only took 31 laps to get to the lead.
Alex Palou earned his first championship that day in his first season with Chip Ganassi Racing by finishing fourth. Zanardi Rallies from Lap Down To Win 1998 Race
Alex Zanardi earned a second consecutive Long Beach victory in miraculous fashion in 1998.
Contact early in the race resulted in a bent steering arm and a loss of a lap for Zanardi. A race-record seven caution periods allowed him to get back in contention.
Zanardi charged to third in the closing laps. With five laps to go, the top three were blanketed, and Zanardi passed Dario Franchitti for second. Three laps later, he passed Bryan Herta for the lead and led the final two laps to earn the win. Little Al Holds Off Frustrated Andrettis for 1989 Victory
Al Unser Jr. dominated most of the 1989 race, leading 72 of the opening 74 laps. However, the father-son duo of Mario and Michael Andretti caught Unser, setting up a dramatic fight of Little Al vs. Mario and Michael for the victory.
Mario emerged from the pits as the leader on Lap 78. Unser was the meat in the Andretti sandwich, with Michael third. Approaching the lapped car of Tom Sneva, Unser dove under Mario for the lead, but contact between the two sent the elder Andretti spinning with damage.
Unser also had light cosmetic damage and nursed his car to the victory over Michael Andretti. Unser vs. Sullivan for 1992 Victory
Al Unser Jr. was going for his fifth Long Beach win in a row, but his Galles/KRACO Racing teammate Danny Sullivan had other thoughts. Unser led 54 laps but tangled with Sullivan with four laps to go, sending his car into the tire barriers.
Sullivan escaped without damage and held off Bobby Rahal and Emerson Fittipaldi for his first INDYCAR SERIES victory since 1990. Unser emerged from the tires to finish fourth.
Also, Mario Andretti and Eddie Cheever had an opening-lap collision, sparking a feud. Andretti Battles Unser Jr. For Maiden Victory In 1986
The list of Long Beach winners is an exclusive club reserved for the series best. Still, plenty of legendary drivers earned their first career INDYCAR SERIES victory at Long Beach, including Michael Andretti, who was the first to do so in 1986. Andretti outdueled Al Unser Jr. in a dramatic battle.
Andretti made a pit stop for the final time on Lap 56 while Unser did so 14 laps later. The overcut allowed Unser to remain in the lead, but Andretti was in pursuit. He passed Unser for the lead on Lap 70 but caught Roberto Moreno, eventually lapping him on Lap 80. That allowed Unser to catch up, ensuing an intense fight for the win.
Andretti toped Unser by .380 of a second.
Paul Tracy, Juan Pablo Montoya, Mike Conway, Takuma Sato and Kyle Kirkwood each earned their maiden INDYCAR SERIES victories at Long Beach, too. The event also was the site of Andretti's 42nd and final victory in 2002.
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