Fifty consecutive races at the same venue is something to celebrate, and The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach honored its legacy in style. Historic cars representing the three formulae that have run in the Grand Prix- Formula 5000, F1, and Indycar- held two races. Six-time winner Al Unser, Jr. and four-time winner Mario Andretti were on hand to give the command. Echoes of the past were prevalent throughout the track and convention center.
In the modern era record weekend crowd of more than 200,000 spectators were many who had come back to the race after years of being away. I talked to Keith from Palm Desert, California, who attended the first F1 race in 1976. He has been to several Indianapolis 500s. Currently F1 is his favorite series, and he wanted to be in Long Beach for the 50th race. Keith told me how the track used run along Ocean Boulevard in its early days.
On each of my three trips to Long Beach, I have met car crazy race fans. My favorite memory was on my first trip when I met two brothers who watched Bill Vukovich race midgets at Ascot Park when they were kids. I wasn’t writing this blog then, but I wish I could have spent more time with those guys and recorded some of their stories. I assume they have passed on by now.
Back to the present. The race was a great race for the hard-core fan, but I’m not sure a new fan would be impressed. there was some early action and a late pass for a podium spot by Christian Lundgaard, but not a lot of intrigue at the top.
The Start
Long beach rolling starts have always been ragged, and Sunday’s was no exception. Only about a third of the field was in formation. Part of the problem is the field has to round the slowest turn on the schedule and line up before the green. It is an impossible task.
My friend Chris DeHarde of Frontstretch makes a good argument for a standing start. I agree with him. Other possibilities are a rolling start on Pine Street or moving the start line further toward turn one. The start and finish line do not have to be at the same place.
FOX Broadcast- Better but not Yet 500 Worthy
I watched the replay of the FOX broadcast last night. It was their best presentation of the three. The driver’s eye camera provided some wonderful shots and perspectives, and I thought the booth crew did a better job of telling the story of the race. James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell broke the race down clearly and in plain language.
I like their showing of the cars and liveries in the driver introductions.
Many of the early passes were shown, and unlike an F1 broadcast, the leader appeared on screen enough that we remembered who was at the front.
Josef Newgarden’s seat belt issues got the attention they deserved.
One thing still missing is a pit stop timer. It is crucial that this clock is in place for the 500. I would also like to see the laps of the top two cars timed simultaneously once in a while.
The thing I enjoyed the most is that the winner can get right out of the car in Victory Lane without having to wait for a signal from a TV producer. The celebration was more spontaneous.
Overall, a much better job by FOX. They have two more chances to refine their race show before the big one. I think they’ll make it.
NOTE – IndyCar has a full field oval test at IMS April 23 and 24. Turn 2 mounds are open for viewing. Part of Wednesday is devoted to rookie orientation and refresher tests.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 