By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The official build-up to one of Southern California’s most anticipated motorsports events began last week as city leaders and race officials gathered for the ceremonial “breaking of the course” for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, along with Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian and incoming President Jim Liaw, marked the occasion by dropping a ceremonial concrete block at Turn 10 of the famous street circuit. The tradition signals the official start of construction for the temporary track that will soon transform downtown Long Beach into an international racing venue.
The ceremony also launched the 50-day countdown to race weekend, which is scheduled for April 17–19.
Building a World-Class Street Circuit
Over the next several weeks, crews will begin the complex process of converting city streets into the 1.97-mile, 11-turn race course that has become a staple of American motorsports.
Construction teams will install:
- More than 2,400 concrete barriers, weighing a combined 24 million pounds
- Four miles of fencing to secure the course
- Fourteen grandstands for thousands of spectators
The transformation requires careful coordination between city officials, construction crews, and race organizers to ensure the circuit meets strict safety standards while minimizing disruption for downtown businesses and residents.
Once complete, the temporary track will wind through the heart of Long Beach, including the waterfront area surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center and Shoreline Drive.
A Historic Event for Long Beach
The 2026 race will mark the 51st running of the iconic Grand Prix, making it one of the longest-running and most celebrated street races in North America.
Since its debut in 1975, the event has grown into a major attraction for motorsports fans while generating significant economic impact for the city. Each year, the Grand Prix draws tens of thousands of visitors to Long Beach hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Race weekend will once again feature a packed lineup of competitions across several racing series.
Among the headliners are:
- NTT IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing championship in North America
- IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring high-performance endurance sports cars
- Formula Drift, one of the world’s top professional drifting competitions
Additional races and fan events are expected throughout the three-day festival, including concerts, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly attractions.
Community and Economic Impact
City officials have long highlighted the Grand Prix as one of Long Beach’s most important annual events, bringing tourism, media attention, and economic activity to the region.
The ceremonial start of construction is a symbolic moment each year, signaling the beginning of preparations for a weekend that blends sports, entertainment, and community celebration.
As barriers begin to line the streets and grandstands rise downtown, anticipation will continue to build for another high-speed showcase along the Long Beach waterfront.
Race fans can expect engines to roar once again when the green flag drops in April.