Construction begins on 45th Long Beach Grand Prix race circuit
The first concrete blocks of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race circuit were lowered into place on Monday.
lbpost.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting.
Answer:
- The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach circuit remains a key focal point for race organization, with construction activity and track updates continuing ahead of the annual event. The 2026 race weekend is set to feature IndyCar competition along with IMSA and other supporting series, continuing the long-running street-course tradition in downtown Long Beach.[1][9]
Context and details:
- Construction activity around the 1.97-mile, 11-turn street circuit is ongoing as teams prepare the track for the race weekend, including safety barriers, grandstands, and hospitality infrastructure. This aligns with prior years when track buildouts begin well before race weekend to ensure a full, operational race venue.[5][1]
- The event typically attracts large crowds and serves as a showcase for multiple series, most recently headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with additional attractions like the Super Drift Challenge and Stadium Super Trucks presence.[9][1]
- For historical context, the Long Beach Grand Prix has evolved from Formula 5000 origins to become a premier street race in North America, maintaining strong community engagement and a multi-series weekend format.[4][9]
Illustration:
- Visualization concept: a map showing the 1.97-mile circuit along Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way, with markers for grandstands, pits, and major turns (Turns 9–11 are near the eastern portion). This helps contextualize how the city transforms into a “city within a city” for race weekend.[1]
Would you like a concise, up-to-date summary with dates and expected parade of events for the 2026 Long Beach Grand Prix weekend, or a quick guide to the main supports and viewing options around the circuit? If you want, I can assemble a short live-notice style calendar of the race events and key construction milestones.[1]