The unmistakable roar of Formula 1 engines will once again echo through the streets of Long Beach as the legendary machines of the 1970s and 1980s return to the iconic seaside circuit for the Historic Formula 1 Challenge at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 16-18. Race fans will be transported back to one of the most thrilling eras in motorsports history as these spectacular cars bring the sights, sounds and excitement of Formula 1’s golden years back to Long Beach.
The historic F1 machines will take center stage in two action-packed, 20-minute races throughout the weekend. The first will thunder through the streets on Saturday, April 17, alongside the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, with a second showdown on Sunday, April 18, adding even more excitement to a spectacular day headlined by the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES race.
Formula 1 ran for eight years in Long Beach, from 1976-83, and the “who’s who” list of winners during those years includes Mario Andretti (1977), Niki Lauda (1981), Nelson Piquet (1980), Clay Regazzoni (1976) and Gilles Villeneuve (1979). Andretti’s 1977 black and gold John Player Lotus, along with 1982 Long Beach runner-up Keke Rosberg’s Williams FW07D are expected to be in the field, with other entries from famous marques like Shadow, Penske, Wolf, McLaren, March and Surtees to be announced in the coming weeks.
The historic event at Long Beach will be sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA).
“We’re bringing together an incredible field of historic Formula 1 cars that represent one of the most exciting eras in racing,” said HMSA President Cris Vandagriff. “These legendary machines are an important part of Long Beach’s rich racing heritage, and there’s nothing quite like hearing their engines roar through the streets where Formula 1 history was made. Giving fans two opportunities to experience these remarkable cars in action will make this year’s event even more special.”
“The return of historic Formula 1 cars brings an exciting new level of energy to an already spectacular race weekend,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Liaw. “These legendary machines are part of Long Beach’s racing DNA, and fans will love seeing and hearing them roar through our streets once again. With 10 races from six world-class series, including these cars, INDYCAR and IMSA all on the same weekend, it’s a motorsports experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
The 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, Porsche Carrera Cup North America and the Historic F1 Challenge.
Tickets go on sale Sunday morning at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket prices range from $59 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $232 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. As always. children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult, although they will need a Junior ticket to sit in the grandstands.
Fans can select and pay for their seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.
Fans can also follow the 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB), Instagram (@GPLongBeach) and TikTok (GPLongBeach).
