Free exhibit showcases 50 years of Long Beach racing

Historic race cars are now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The display features five significant race cars from different eras. These include Formula 5000, Formula 1, and NTT IndyCar Series vehicles. It is open to the public and runs until April 8. Among the cars is the 1974 Formula 5000 Eagle 755, which was the first to race on the streets of Long Beach. It was driven by Vern Schuppan, who earned pole position with it. There is also a 1976 Formula 1 March 761 and Alain Prost’s 1980 McLaren M30 included in the exhibit. The IndyCar collection features a 1987 All-American Racers Eagle 8100 driven by Dennis Firestone. It also showcases a 1999 Reynard raced by Bryan Herta. Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association, spoke at a recent event about the importance of the exhibit. He said it provides a unique way for people to learn about the history of the Long Beach Grand Prix. All five cars will return to Long Beach for the Grand Prix's Historic Formula Exhibition, scheduled for April 12 and 13, 2025. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place on April 11 to 13. Visitors can enjoy the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. on weekends. There is no admission fee for the exhibit.