Mar 11, 2025 | Los Angeles, Sports, Valleys

Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr. Head AGPLB Parade

Two of the most iconic names in motorsport history, Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr., will serve as co-Grand Marshals for the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 11-13, 2025. The milestone race weekend will celebrate 50 Years at Full Speed with special fan experiences.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

It’s been known as the world’s biggest block party.

Mario Andretti is a motorsports icon whose career accomplishments span multiple decades and disciplines.

Andretti has a major history in racing that includes a victory at the 1977 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix West in Long Beach, solidifying his status as an international star and the race’s status as a major international event. Among his many achievements are the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship, four Indy Car titles, and victories in the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

When Long Beach switched to Indy cars in 1984, Andretti won that race, again establishing Long Beach as a world-class event, and went on to win twice more over the next three years. Andretti is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.

“I’m happy to be serving as Co-Grand Marshal for the 50th Anniversary,” Andretti said. “I participated in the first-ever race in Long Beach in 1975. The Formula 5000 race was hugely successful, paving the way for Formula One officials to place Long Beach on the 1976 schedule just six months after the inaugural race.

“The fondest memories I have racing on the streets of Long Beach are my victories. And for my son Michael, Long Beach has the distinction of being his first career Indy Car win (1986) and his final victory as a driver, his 42nd and final career IndyCar win (2002).

“This track obviously is a family favorite,” added Andretti. “I retired at the end of 1994 after racing for four decades on just about every course imaginable. Long Beach is by far the most successful street race ever staged in American motor racing history. It is truly amongst the best I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s an incredible honor to have Al and Mario as part of this historic celebration,” said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “Their accomplishments on and off the track are legendary, and their presence will make the 50th-anniversary event truly unforgettable for fans and participants alike.”

The 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. Also, doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, GT America Powered by AWS, and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1, and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

ADDED SUPPLIER: The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach also added Sunbelt Rentals as the Official Equipment Supplier for its 50th-anniversary race.

As a premier provider of rental equipment and solutions across North America, Sunbelt Rentals will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless setup and operation of Southern California’s premier motorsports event. The partnership affords Sunbelt Rentals the ability to supply essential equipment, including material handling and construction solutions, to support the infrastructure and logistical needs of the event.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sunbelt Rentals and welcome them to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach family,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and said Michaelian. “Their reputation for quality, reliability, and exceptional service makes them the perfect partner to help us deliver a world-class experience for teams, drivers, and fans alike.”