ACURA GPLB Celebrates Its 50th Year Of Motorsports Competition & Motor Culture Pageantry

ACURA puts on the display for influencers and invited members of the media to generate interest in the upcoming celebration of a "Rites Of Spring" icon event that happens every year as the poppies begin to bloom in the deserts of Southern California. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

ACURA GPLB Celebrates Its 50th Year Of Motorsports Competition & Motor Culture Pageantry

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (AGPLB) is poised to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking a half-century of motorsports competition and motor culture pageantry with a spectacular weekend from April 11 to April 13. This iconic event, held on the streets of downtown Long Beach, California, will commence its milestone festivities on Thursday, April 10, at 11:00 AM with the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame ceremony. The celebration will conclude on Sunday, April 13, with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES third race of the 2025 season, a gripping 90-lap race starting at 1:30 PM PT. This golden jubilee, themed “50 Years at Full Speed,” promises an exhilarating blend of racing, entertainment, and historical tributes.

Held on the grounds of the Long Beach Convention Center and where soon become the community of the support paddock home for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race 03, the Grand Prix Association Of Long Beach Press Day pace car track ride center brings attention to a very special time that happens every Spring (almost always) in Long Beach. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

The Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame ceremony on April 10 will set the tone for the weekend, honoring motorsports legends Scott Dixon, a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, Jim Michaelian, CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, and former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill. Held in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue, this free public event will induct these luminaries into the Walk of Fame with commemorative medallions. The ceremony, a tradition since 2006, celebrates the giants who have shaped the Grand Prix and the sport, kicking off the 50th anniversary with a nod to its storied past.

The racing action begins in earnest on Friday, April 11, with the Super Drift Challenge illuminating the night with high-adrenaline drifting from top professional drivers. This event continues on Saturday, April 12, offering fans two nights of sideways spectacle under the lights. The 1.97-mile, 11-turn street circuit, renowned for its challenging layout, will host a diverse array of races throughout the weekend, showcasing the evolution of motorsports over five decades and reinforcing Long Beach’s status as North America’s longest-running major street race.

Acura Meyer Shank Racing W/Curb-Agajanian No. 93 - Acura Motorsports ARX-06. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

On Saturday, April 12, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship takes center stage as the third round of its 2025 season. Featuring high-performance hybrid prototypes from brands like Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche, this endurance race will thrill spectators with its blend of speed and strategy. Also on Saturday, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks will debut in a doubleheader format, with Race 1 showcasing gravity-defying jumps, followed by Race 2 on Sunday, April 13, adding a wild, crowd-pleasing element to the weekend.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Sunday, April 13, remains the headline event, serving as the third round of the 2025 season. Starting at 1:30 PM PT, top drivers like defending champion Scott Dixon, alongside past Long Beach winners Josef Newgarden, Colton Herta, and Will Power, will compete over 90 laps on the iconic street circuit. As the second-oldest continuously running race in IndyCar history, trailing only the Indianapolis 500, this event carries immense prestige, drawing over 190,000 fans annually to witness its high-stakes competition.

Vince Tjelmeland's F5000 Lola T332-Chevrolet, driven by Danny Ongias in the 1975 Long Beach Grand Prix, will join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural race, along with other noted racing platforms here in 2025. Held on September 28, 1975, this landmark event took place on a 2.02-mile (3.25 km) temporary street circuit as the 7th race of the 1975 SCCA/USAC Formula 5000 Championship. An estimated 65,000 spectators watched Englishman Brian Redman take the victory, followed by Australian Vern Schuppan, with Canadian Eppie Wietzes rounding out the podium in third, kicking off a motorsport legacy that continues to captivate fans five decades later. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Adding a historical flair, the Historic Formula Exhibition will feature legendary cars from Formula 5000, Formula 1, and INDYCAR racing in twin 20-minute races on both Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13. This tribute to Long Beach’s racing heritage, which began with a Formula 5000 race in 1975, transitioned to Formula One from 1976 to 1983, and shifted to IndyCar in 1984, will captivate fans with a rolling museum of motorsport history. The exhibition underscores the Grand Prix’s evolution into a Southern California institution.

GT America Powered by AWS will bring GT2, GT3, and GT4 racecars like this No. 69 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra GT4 EVO2 prepared by JTR Motorsports driven by Anthony McIntosh at Sonoma Raceway last weekend on March 29th, 2025. Image Credit: Brian Cleary via SRO (2025)

The GT America Powered by AWS series will bring additional excitement with GT2, GT3, and GT4 racecars from brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. Two 40-minute races, one on Saturday, April 12, and one on Sunday, April 13, will showcase these sleek machines, offering a contrast to the open-wheel and prototype racing. Meanwhile, the Mothers Exotic Car Parade on Sunday, April 13, will dazzle attendees with a display of automotive beauty, featuring Ferraris, Porsches, Lotuses, and more parading through the streets.

Saturday post events concerts at the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach are legend. In 2017, a supergroup was formed under the name Kings Of Chaos which performed in 2017 - the rotating group, consisted of Cult drummer Matt Sorum, The Cult’s Billy Duffy on guitar and Stone Temple Pilots brothers Robert and Dean DeLeo on bass and guitar respectively for this gig, brought in some A-list rock power to amp up the show. Vocals by Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington and Billy Idol, as well as some extra guitar help from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Chester Benington performs here on the AGPLB stage as a member of the Kings Of Chaos just three months before his passing. Image Credit Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2017)

Beyond the track, the 50th Acura GPLB is a festival of motor culture, enriched by concerts and off-track activities. On Friday, April 11, “Fiesta Friday” will feature a live performance, followed by a Saturday, April 12, concert headlined by the legendary band Foreigner, with VIP packages including a meet-and-greet opportunity. The Lifestyle Expo and Family Fun Zone, running all weekend, will offer interactive displays, automotive exhibits, and family-friendly fun, while a driver autograph session (exact day TBD) will bring fans closer to their racing heroes.

The weekend’s festivities are preceded by Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets on April 10, an evening of entertainment and activities that primes the city for the Grand Prix. This event complements the Walk of Fame ceremony, ensuring the celebration begins with a bang. Local businesses will join in, offering special deals, while the Grand Prix Foundation’s 5K run the prior weekend will raise funds for Southern California charities, reinforcing the event’s community impact.

Paul Tracy launched his CART career in 1991 with Dale Coyne and Penske Racing, stepping up in 1992 to race part-time for Penske in 11 events, substituting for the injured Rick Mears and finishing 12th overall. His breakthrough came in 1993 with Penske, where he clinched five victories, including a hometown triumph at the Molson Indy Toronto, before a standout 2003 season with Player’s Forsythe Racing, winning seven of 18 races—highlighted by another Toronto win—and cementing his legacy in the series. Despite stints with Newman/Haas and Team KOOL Green yielding mixed results, Tracy’s seven podiums in 1999 and third-place championship finish showcased his talent, making him a fan favorite over his dynamic career. Image Credit: Paul Tracy via FB/META (2013)

Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr., named co-Grand Marshals for the April 13 IndyCar race, will bring their legendary stature to this milestone event, joined by the recently announced attendance of Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame honoree (2017) Paul Tracy. Andretti’s illustrious career, Unser’s multiple Long Beach victories, and Tracy’s 2003 CART championship - highlighted by his thrilling win at Long Beach that year - embody the Grand Prix’s rich competitive legacy, seamlessly connecting its past and present. Their participation will amplify the event’s pageantry, which has revitalized Long Beach from a struggling city into a vibrant hub, contributing nearly $100 million annually to the local economy.

FACTOID: preparations for the 50th anniversary began on February 20, 2025, with crews installing over 24 million pounds of concrete blocks, four miles of fencing, and 17,000 bolted-together tires to craft the temporary circuit. Led by Grand Prix Director of Operations Dwight Tanaka and supported by LIUNA Local 1309, this effort transforms downtown streets into a world-class racetrack. Acura, the title sponsor since 2019, will provide pace cars like the 2025 Integra Type S, aligning its innovation with the event’s legacy.

FOX Sports will broadcast the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on April 13, its first year as IndyCar’s exclusive home, bringing the 90-lap showdown to a national audience. The coverage will capture the race’s intensity and the weekend’s spectacle, from jet flyovers to the checkered flag. With former ChampCar owner Gerald Forsythe’s 2024 investment in the Grand Prix Association, the event’s future looks robust, ensuring its continued evolution.

The 50th Acura GPLB has been a proving ground for talent, with first IndyCar wins for drivers like Michael Andretti and Kyle Kirkwood etched into its history. Young stars like Pato O’Ward and 2024 Rookie of the Year Linus Lundqvist will aim to join them in 2025. The challenging circuit, with tight corners and long straights, demands precision, making victories here a career-defining achievement.

In its 50th year, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach stands as a motorsport festival unlike any other, weaving together world-class racing, historical tributes, and vibrant entertainment. From April 10’s opening ceremonies to April 13’s thrilling conclusion, it celebrates “50 Years at Full Speed” with a legacy that resonates far beyond the track. As the NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars roar past the finish line, the echoes of five decades will herald a milestone etched in speed and community spirit. (schedules are tentative; fans should check the official Grand Prix website for final details).

... notes from The EDJE






TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Formula Drift, #formulad, 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, #AGPLB, Rites-Of-Spring, Formula 5000, Formula 1, The EDJE

Formula DRIFT 2025: Long Beach Round 1 Kicks Off The Season In Style

Professional drift car driver and high performance entrepreneur Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis catches the middle of the first turn, Turn 9, found in the Formula DRIFT challenge track found through turns 9, 10, and the hairpin at 11, while practicing his moves in his company sponsored FEAL Suspension Nissan. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (20250

Formula DRIFT 2025: Long Beach Round 1 Kicks Off The Season In Style

The roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber will once again fill the air as Formula Drift returns to the Streets of Long Beach for Round 1 of the 2025 season on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5. Entering its 24th year, Formula Drift continues to solidify its reputation as North America’s premier professional drifting championship, captivating audiences with its unique blend of precision, power, and flair. Judged on execution and style - much like ice dancing or gymnastics - this motorsport prioritizes skillful control over raw speed, delivering a spectacle often likened to the freestyle chaos of Monster Truck rallies, snowboarding, skateboarding, and motocross.

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car - Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Held in conjunction with the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Formula Drift has been a staple of the event for nearly half its storied history. As the first official drifting series in North America, it has grown into a global leader, drawing fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life. Professional drivers and teams will compete in eight championship rounds throughout 2025 (seven confirmed, one pending), showcasing their ability to push high-powered machines into controlled sideways slides at breakneck speeds through meticulously marked courses.

 

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car sets up next to the FEAL Suspension Nissan of Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

A High-Octane Start to the Season

The Long Beach opener promises two days of adrenaline-pumping action, with a packed schedule designed to thrill both onsite spectators and viewers tuning in via livestream. On Friday, April 4, the event kicks off with practice sessions from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, giving drivers a chance to fine-tune their runs on the challenging street circuit. The venue opens to the public at 10:00 AM, offering fans an up-close look at the cars and teams. An autograph signing session from noon to 1:00 PM provides a personal touch, while a warm-up from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM sets the stage for the main event. At 3:30 PM, the livestream begins at formulad.com/live, broadcasting the Seeding Bracket until 6:00 PM, where drivers battle to secure their positions for Saturday’s showdown.

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car captures video of a run being laid down through Turn 10 by the Papadakis Racing built Rain-X GR Toyota Corolla driver Ryan “Hampshaa” Tuerck. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Saturday, April 5, ramps up the intensity. Warm-ups run from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with the venue welcoming the public at 8:00 AM. The livestream resumes at 10:00 AM, covering the Main Event: Top 32 until 1:00 PM, followed by a halftime break. Fans can join the Track Walk Experience at 1:30 PM, offering a rare chance to explore the course. The Opening Ceremony at 2:30 PM signals the start of the Main Event: Top 16, streaming live until 6:00 PM. The day concludes with the Trophy Ceremony from 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM, crowning the weekend’s standout performers.

 

RTR Vehicles' Drift Team crew warms-up Ben Hobson's 2025 Pennzoil Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD at the 50th Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Press Day. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

A Sport of Skill and Showmanship

Formula Drift’s appeal lies in its emphasis on artistry over outright speed. Drivers are scored on their ability to maintain precise lines, aggressive angles, and seamless transitions while sliding through the course, all under the watchful eyes of judges. This high-stakes ballet of horsepower and control has made it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending technical mastery with edge-of-your-seat excitement.

For those unable to attend in person, the livestream at formulad.com/live ensures no one misses a moment of the action. Additional details, including the full 2025 schedule, are available at formulad.com/schedule/2025/long-beach.

Long Beach: Where Legends Are Made

The Streets of Long Beach, with its tight corners and unforgiving barriers, remains an iconic venue for Formula Drift. As Round 1 unfolds, the 2025 season promises to deliver the high-skilled, high-energy competition that has defined the series for over two decades. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or a casual spectator, Formula Drift’s season opener is set to ignite Southern California with a display of motorsport mastery unlike any other.

... notes from The EDJE

EVENT UPDATE:

Fredric Aasbo wins Round 1.

Streets of Long Beach announced as venue for Final Round of 2025 PRO Championship season.

Larry Chen inducted into Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame.





TAGS: Formula Drift, #formulad, 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, #AGPLB, Rites-Of-Spring, Fredric Aasbo, Rockstar, KENDRA, The EDJE

Napoleon Motorsports Will Be The First Team To Give Formula DRIFT A Spark

First ever 100% electric motor powered Pro1 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship Presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras competition car. Welcome to the Napoleon Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 as depicted on the back of the Napoleon Motorsports Turnkey Industries transporter. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

Napoleon Motorsports Will Be The First Team To Give Formula DRIFT A Spark

If Joe, Lynn, & Justin Napoleon with the fabrication assistance of Robert Quezada from Houston, Texas have their wishes come true, Napoleon Motorsports will be the first team to compete in the highest levels of Formula DRIFT with 100% electric power thus adding a spark to an already electrifying visual and sound display in motorsports and motor culture.

Napoleon Motorsports has at least a three generation family pursuit and affaire in motorsports and motor culture building cars and racing all forms of motor driven vehicle competition ranging from the dragstrip to circle dirt track and most recently road/street courses with the Trans Am Series Pirelli TA2 class with driver Shane Lewis.

The latest effort, which was spawned just about six months ago, was to create a car that could compete in the Formula DRIFT series. Enter the Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship Presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras - Round 1: Streets Of Long Beach April 5-6, 2019 driven by 2018 Formula DRIFT Pro2 champion, Travis Reeder. This is a serious response to a very serious challenge for the Formula DRIFT championship.

Joe Napoleon, Team owner and director of Napoleon Motorsports, describes some of the fabricated features in the converted engine to battery compartment during the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Media Day. The weight and displacement of the batteries are fabricated to emulate the center of gravity and weight of a V-8 engine. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

In what was to be their first official competition, however, the City Of Long Beach Fire Department in a joint recommendation made with the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Friday morning, before Formula DRIFT's first event of the 2019 season, that the Napoleon Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 could not compete due to a little known city ordinance, until Friday, that prohibits electric and gasoline-powered cars on a track at the same time. The City Of Long Beach Fire Department also came out to say that the fire safety crew will not have the adequate time to train in case there’s an emergency with the car.

Podcast Interview with Justin Napoleon

The most confusing aspect to all of this, is in the last minute timing of this recommendation since a history of electric-powered competition is widely known, the FIA Formula E raced here successfully for two years without incident and that both City Of Long Beach Fire Department and then Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach felt comfortable with their training at that time for those events.

One might think that Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship Presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras field of competitors may have pulled a political fast one since evidence would suggest, after a look at the Formula DRIFT website, that everyone knew the Napoleon Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 Formula DRIFT car was coming with two articles published - Napoleon Motorsports: Attacking 2019 PRO1 Formula Drift Series (December 18, 2018) & Napoleon Motorsports: New Champion Pilot for EL1 (March 12, 2019).

No one expected that the "spark" Napoleon Motorsport's Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 - nicknamed "Freedom" - would be one in the form of a political, or process controversy ... to say the least.

Pretty odd.

Official Response By Napoleon Motorsports via Facebook:

In response to a decision made by the city of Long Beach and Acura Long Beach Grand Prix that prevents the EL1 from competition; Travis reeder Will now be piloting his LS 240 for his FD Pro1 debut.

BEGIN
"We’ve initiated plan B and we will continue forward without fail. I appreciate all the love and support, I respect the decisions made.

This is an indication of education yet to be done... We will take our lessons learned, get ahead of the curve for approval and we look forward to fielding “Freedom” [EL1] in Orlando." - Joe Napoleon, Chief Principal, Napoleon Motorsports
ENDS

With the Plan B gasoline-powered LS240, Travis Reeder ended up P14 out of a field of 32 drivers - 33 Points - 70 Points behind the Round 1 winner, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis.

Travis Reeder stands beside his Napoleon Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 electric-powered Formula DRIFT car on display in downtown Long Beach. Image Credit: Napoleon Motorsports via Facebook (2019)

Justin Napoleon wrote in his email response - "Moving forward: as you’re aware we had Travis’ car as a back up car. He did an outstanding job in the competition. We will carry the back up car with us in the event the EL-1 can’t run for whatever reason. We will be in contact with the proper personnel at the next event (Orlando) ahead of time.

As for Napoleon Motorsports; this is only a minor setback and we will continue to push onward and upward as we look to be an innovative leader in EV Racing. As stated before; this is only the beginning for us. We’ve got some very creative ambitions beyond drifting that will come to fruition this year as the EL-1 proves to be a reckoning force. "

Joe Napoleon, Team owner and director of Napoleon Motorsports, demonstrate the custom fabrication rear quarter panels used on the Camaro EL-1 for give during competition. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

Napoleon Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 "Freedom" Formula DRIFT

The first questions one is confronted with are having to do with embracing new, un-traditional technology just as motorsports players have been doing since mobility solutions have been invented. Soon after WWII, folks would strap on a blower from a diesel engine to a gas-powered engine to see what improvements to drag strip speed & time race this would make.

With Electric-Powered engines, the first element one instantly understands is torque applied to the wheels with this torque being the high-level same from beginning to the end of the power band - this can not be said for gasoline-powered engines where a curve of torque is delivered - low at first, building to a sweet spot at a specific RPM, then dissipating the more RPM is applied.

Second, in normal travel mobility situations such as a transportation replacement alternative to gasoline-powered engines, the electric-power only lasts so long and then one has to invest a much longer time to re-charge the batteries than fill a tank with liquid - this is known as "Range Anxiety" - but as applied to Formula DRIFT not a problem due to the very short duration of each side-by-side competition session.

Round 1 of the 2019 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship Presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras season was to be the grand debut for this evolution in power equipment available for drifting. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

This excerpted and edited from Drift Life -

Electric Drifting – The Future?
By: Jos Roder - March 22nd, 2019

With the all but confirmed introduction of an electric drift car into Formula Drift for the 2019 season, it opens the discussion around the future of drifting and the role electric vehicles may play in it.

In December 2018, Formula Drift released a statement on behalf of Napoleon Motorsport about a sixth generation 2019 Chevrolet Camaro EL-1 the team was building that was described as “a revolutionary drift car” and “the first one of its kind in Formula Drift.”

Fast forward to early 2019 and the rumours became stronger. On the February 27th Maximum Driftcast podcast, Formula Drift Technical Manager Kevin Wells spoke about regulations ahead of an electric car joining the series. The latest video from Napoleon Motorsport included flashes of electricity as part of the graphics so it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put everything together.

So unless there is a CIA level deception that has led everyone down the garden path, we will see an electric drift car competing in Formula Drift in 2019 and that Drift Life readers, is a fascinating prospect.

Why Electric?

"It's inevitable!"

Electric cars didn’t fly down in the last shower and they aren’t going anywhere.  Tesla is now a household name, manufacturers are pouring millions into electric R&D, ‘ludicrous mode’ makes grown men giggle and Formula E (electric based open-wheel racing series) continues to build an audience and has growing support globally.

But electric drift car’s have already been made! Yes, companies around the world have already been experimenting with electric drift cars, like EV West and their Tesla powered E36.

The cockpit of the next evolution in Formula DRIFT competition. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

To see an electric drift car in a top-level competition series however is a big step up. It was only a matter of time but the reality brings fundamental, technical and philosophical questions about the sport to the here and now. Some questions are being resolved through regulations but others can only be answered in competition and in the spectator stands.
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This brings us to what many see as in theory at least, a logical step into the world of electric motors.

Electric Motor Benefits:

Amazing torque characteristics

No gears to change – should be quick off the line

Handling characteristics  –  low battery and motor placement for 50-50 weight split and lower centre of gravity.

Reliability – once early issues ironed out, in theory, there are fewer things that can go wrong with the drivetrain.

Lowering overall vehicle weight

Electric Drift Car Commercial Benefits

Momentum is building and millions are being poured into R&D. Chevrolet recently displayed the eCOPO Concept Camaro, a car designed to run 9’s on the quarter through its two electric motors that produce a combined 800hp (and all the torques) and is no doubt a ploy designed to convince Chevrolet supporters that ‘electric’ can be cool.

For Napoleon Motorsport, choosing a new Camaro as their electric vehicle choice given Chevrolet’s recent moves could be strategic or simply coincidental. Funding a race program is a huge investment so with projects like eCOPO underway, perhaps Napoleon Motorsport feels doors could open for manufacturer support. At a minimum, an electric drift car is unique, so a new range of sponsorship avenues for the team could no doubt be opened. Strategically, this aspect of the program could prove to be a smart move.

Side note: electric cars are primarily about efficiency and environmental benefits….so the irony of introducing a smoke-inducing, tyre destroying electric drift car is not lost on us.

Downsides/Challenges and Unanswered Questions

From putting down its power too well off the line, lack of noise, through to handling advantages and reliability improvements, let’s rationally analyse some of the questions and thoughts that came up in our conversations on the matter.

Q: Can a silent drift car excite anyone?
For drift judges, a philosophical debate has to take place. The ‘sound’ of the car is not judged obviously, but it will be hard not to be fooled and remain impartial to what you are seeing compared another car that may have had an identical run, except with the screaming engine to compliment the run.

For spectators, the equation is pretty simple. Can you get excited by a silent drift car that only oozes tyre squeal? That is a really hard sell. A huge component of drifting is enjoying high revving engines, turbo’s and V8s’s as they power through a course so an electric car will be eerily underwhelming.

Q: How driveable are electric engine drift cars?
According to the EV West team and JehuGarcia, the light switch on and off feeling, plus the ramp on and off characteristics of the engine was quite hard to control in current specification. Is Napoleon Motorsport there yet? We don’t know.

Q: Will electric drift cars put down the power too well from the holeshot?
A cars ability to accelerate is dependant on a variety of factors, but primarily comes down to how much grip a tyre can produce on a given surface. The crazy 0-100 (0-60) times we see by Tesla’s are with AWD systems. A RWD based system would be absolutely slower. Overall, I think this would be a negligible difference.

Q: Will electric cars have a fundamental performance/handling advantage?
Overall vehicle weight, the centre of gravity and weight distribution are all considerations. The overall weight of a vehicle governs the tyre size a car can run, so even if the car was substantially lighter than a standard Camaro (which it probably is), tyre size will be reduced to negate the advantage in this area. Centre of gravity however is certainly an area a competition drift car could have an advantage in.
----
The flexibility of battery placement (should it be allowed in technical regulations) can also ensure a perfect 50:50 weight distribution should that be the balance they are looking for.

Q: Will electric drift cars be perfectly reliable?
I’d suggest not initially, but with fewer components in play, that should prove to be a slight advantage in this area over the medium-term. It is worth noting a number of Formula Drift Pro cars are very reliable and most have backup parts to keep them in the game even with failures.

Q: Will electric drift cars create an arms race/fractures in the fabric of the sport?
This question only brings up more questions. If electric vehicles drift amazingly, are ultra reliable and gain momentum, will other teams be forced to spend into oblivion to keep up? Will there become a huge divide and traditionalists that mean electric cars are outlawed or become a separate series? Having electric drift cars upsetting the competition apple cart in such a severe way is probably hyperbole, but major controversy in motorsport is hardly a new concept so who knows! 

The business end of the Napoleon Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro EL-1. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2019)

The Bottom Line – We Fear Change
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Electric cars are part of our collective future whether we like it or not, so we should at least give them a chance in the sport and investigate if it will be a fit for drifting in the future.

So until the electric car competes a season, I’ll be watching on with an open mind and a tonne of popcorn. My bet is it will be an anti-climatic debut, but that is nearly to be expected of any new campaign in Formula Drift Pro category with a new build, let alone an electric variant, but I’m happy to be wrong!
----
P.S Drift runs are so short, Range Anxiety shouldn’t be a thing!? Unless you have 5 re-runs in your Top 32 and you can’t swap out batteries?
[Reference Here]

After researching some articles reviewing the situation that placed "Freedom" on the sidelines had been published, the initial Napoleon Motorsports response was that the car was fabricated using all of the FIA Formula E safety aspects as a template and built to FIA regulations for EV race cars.

They were never made aware of this Long Beach City Ordinance, and apparently neither was the event producer, Formula DRIFT ... or should that be the other way around?

Napoleon Motorsports just wishes to compete and will bring to every venue both racing platforms - "Freedom" &  LS240 - recognizing that there may be a learning curve at each and every event venue throughout the season. 

So, we are all awaiting the first real "Freedom" run in a Pro division Formula DRIFT competition, bring the spark, and see where this technology application goes - so far, the equipment or the team hasn't allowed the Camaro EL-1 to compete ... in Long Beach, maybe it was the fear of change

... notes from The EDJE




TAGS: electric drift car, Formula DRIFT, Napoleon Motorsport, Camaro EL-1, Freedom, City Of Long Beach, Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach, The EDJE

Ireland's James Deane Makes His Return To Formula DRIFT A Beaming Success

The Worthhouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan S15 driven by James Deane takes the 2017 Formula DRIFT season O’Reilly Auto Parts Round 1: Streets of Long Beach win. Image Credit: @worthousedrift via James Deane Facebook (2017)

Ireland's James Deane Makes His Return To Formula DRIFT A Beaming Success

Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras kicked off the 14th season with an exciting day of action at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Round 1: Streets of Long Beach.  Irish driver James Deane returns to the Series and gets the win in the Worthhouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan S15.

“What a way to start the season,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT.  “With not only a capacity crowd, record numbers on the Livestream, but proof that Formula Drift is truly an international series where the best of the best come to compete.”

The first event of the season commenced on the Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course.  The highly anticipated event was action packed from start to finish and the capacity crowd witnessed many competitive battles throughout the day.  The event also introduced new drivers to the field including Georgy Chivchyan from Russia and Piotr Wiecek from Poland and marked the return of Irish driver, James Deane.  The event broke records with the Livestream with over 1 million viewers tuning in from around the world over the two-day event weekend making for the largest viewership for a single event in Formula DRIFT history.

Deane returned to Formula DRIFT after a seven year hiatus from the Series in dramatic fashion.  Deane proved to be a contender after qualifying in second position and making his way through to the finals by defeating both former champion Michael Essa and the reigning and 3-time champion, Chris Forsberg.

Deane met with Ryan Tuerck in the Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota 86 in the semi-finals and with consistent driving all-day and a solid chase run he was able to advance to the Finals.

On the other side of the bracket in the semi-finals, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in the Falken Tire / Drifz Wheels / Ark Performance Nissan 240SX faced off against Alex Heilbrunn in the IMR / Nitto Tire BMW M3.  After a hard fought battle that was too close to call, the drivers met in a One More Time battle and while chasing Heilbrunn, Bakchis made an error entering the hairpin giving Heilbrunn the win to put him in the Finals.  Deane’s consistency and technical driving was no match for Heilbrunn in the Finals and Deane won his first Formula DRIFT victory to take the lead in the chase for the championship.

“Man, what a way to start back in Formula DRIFT after missing out on the last seven years,” said James Deane, winner of Round 1: Streets of Long Beach.  “I owe a lot to my good friend and teammate, Piotr Wiecek, who came up with this whole idea to come back to the Series as a two-car team.  To come out with the win is just mind blowing.  What a feeling!"

For more information visit, www.formulad.com and find Formula DRIFT on Instagram @formulad, Facebook www.facebook.com/formuladrift, Twitter @FormulaDrift, and Snapchat - formula_drift. Tune into Formula DRIFT on CBS Sports and check your local listings for airtimes.

Formula DRIFT 2017 Round 1 Podium - (L to R) P2 - Alex Heilbrunn, P1 - James Deane, P3 - Ryan Tuerck. Image Credit: Formula DRIFT (2017)

Round 1: Streets of Long Beach Event Results

1. Deane, James
Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240
Winner

2. Heilbrunn, Alex
IMR / Nitto Tire BMW M3
2nd Place

3. Tuerck, Ryan
Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota 86
3rd Place

4. Bakchis, Aurimas
Falken Tires / Drifz Wheels / ARK Performance Nissan 240
4th Place

5. Aasbo, Fredric
Rockstar Energy / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM
5th Place

6. Coffman, Matt
Nexen Tire / Coffman Racing Nissan 240
6th Place

7. Forsberg, Chris
NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z
7th Place

8. Kearney, Dean
Oracle Lighting Dodgle Viper
8th Place

9. Gittin, Vaughn
Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR
9th Place

10. Wiecek, Piotr
Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240
10th Place

11. Gushi, Ken
GReddy Racing / Nexen Tire Toyota Racing 86
11th Place

12. Field, Matt
Falken Tire / Vapetasia / ARK Performance Nissan 240
12th Place

13. Rintanen, Juha
STR Racing / Nexen Tire Nissan 240
13th Place

14. Bluss, Kristaps
HGK / Mast / Motul / Wisefab BMW E46
14th Place

15. Pawlak, Justin
Roush Performance Ford Mustang
15th Place

16. Essa, Michael
Achilles Tire / Essa Autosport BMW M3
16th Place

----

2017 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Championship Presented by BlackVue Standings After 1 Event

1. Deane, James
Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240
106.00 Points

2. Heilbrunn, Alex
IMR / Nitto Tire BMW M3
84.00 Points

3. Tuerck, Ryan
Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota 86
69.00 Points

----

2017 Manufacturer Championship Standings After 1 Event

1. Toyota
121.00 Points

2. Ford
74.00 Points

3. Nissan
52.00 Points

4. Dodge
51.00 Points

5. BMW
35.00 Points

6. Infiniti
18.00

----

2017 Tire Championship Standings After 1 Event

1. Falken
174.00 Points

2. Nitto
123.00 Points

3. Hankook
121.00 Points

4. Nexen
104.00 Points

5. Achilles
86.00 Points
(ht: Formula DRIFT)

... notes from The EDJE


TAGS: Formula DRIFT, Round 1, Long Beach, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Falken, Nitto, Hankook, Nexen, Achilles, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Dodge, BMW, Infiniti, James Deane, Alex Heilbrunn, Ryan Tuerck, The EDJE

Verizon IndyCar Series Racer, Newgarden Takes A Ride On The Drifting Side

Josef Newgarden participates in a "Live Remote" interview with local FOX 11 television at the TGPLB Media Day. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Verizon IndyCar Series Racer, Newgarden Takes A Ride On The Drifting Side

Verizon IndyCar Series Penske Racing driver Josef Newgarden takes a ride in a Formula DRIFT car at the Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach Media Day - by the looks of things, he enjoyed the dynamics found in the style and forces at play in this motorculture experience. He exited with excitement.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Side-by-side ... yep! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2017)

... notes from The EDJE



TAGS: Josef Newgarden, Penske Racing, Formula DRIFT, Vaughn Gittin, Monster Energy, Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR, The EDJE

Formula Drift Championships begin 2014 season in Long Beach

Formula Drift Championships begin 2014 season in Long Beach 

Formula Drift 2014 Pro Championship begins its seven round national schedule by tearing up the streets of Long Beach for the 11th time. The course is set to use a portion of the back straightaway leading into the turns 9, 10, and Turn 11 hairpin of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach track.

Formula Drift cars line up to accept members of the gathered motorsports and celebrity media during the Toyota Pro/Celebrity track orientation and media day. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

This excerpted and edited from Formula Drift website -

As the first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life and establishes itself as the worldwide leader for the Sport. This high-skilled, high-powered motor sport where drivers intentionally maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course, has professional drivers & teams competing in seven championship competitions in 2014.

Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.

Formula DRIFT Fast Facts

•     Created first ever drifting world championship; brought together 32 drivers, 17 past and present championship, from 12 nations, representing 12 series
•     Created Formula Drift Asia Championship; first Pan-Asia professional championship
•     Created Formula Drift Pro Am Affiliate Network; bridge together various regional level series, the "minor league" for Formula Drift
•     7-stop Championship Series travels across the United States
•     87% of Formula Drift Fans are between 18-34 years old
•     Formula Drift is one of only a few sports to see a growth in attendance during the economic downturn in 2009 and 2010.
•     FIRST drifting championship in the world to be sponsored by non-endemic companies such as EA Games
•     FIRST drifting championship to have factory backed teams
•     FIRST drifting championship in the world to have an official, sanctioned competition on city streets
•     FIRST drifting championship to be aired on national cable & syndicated globally with a dedicated series of shows
•     FIRST drifting championship to be filmed and featured in high definition
•     FIRST drifting championship to be filmed and featured in 3D
•     Formula Drift has the MOST diverse driver field (nationality, age and gender) of any drifting series in the world and field of competition cars (year, make and model) of any drifting series in the world
•     Responsible for holding the MOST professional drifting events than anyone in North America
•     Held the HIGHEST attended drifting event ever

[Reference Here]

This excerpted and edited from RACER -

PREVIEW: Formula DRIFT Long Beach
Jen Horsey, RACER - Wednesday, 02 April 2014

The action has already begun. A media demonstration day Tuesday saw drivers Dean Kearney and Ryan Tuerck both hit the wall hard in a pair of unrelated crashes.

"It's an unforgiving track. It's really slippy and once you get into the marbles, there's no recovery from that," says driver Fredric Aasbo, who kept his Hankook Tire Scion Racing tC (pictured, ABOVE) out of trouble Tuesday. "It's a balancing act. You want to be able to find the limit, but that track bites your a** – if it goes wrong it's like a game of pinball, bouncing off the walls."

The motorsport calls for full commitment from competitors. Judges award points to drivers for smoky, sideways drifts based on criteria of speed, angle and style. While it is relegated to alternative status by racing purists, there is no arguing the high degree of car control required to deliberately hurl a sideways car into a corner and keep it pinned at 90mph, inches from an opponent's door.

"It is a race. It's not timed, per se, but leaving the other guy in the dust – or in the smoke – is still what matters most," says Aasbo.

And while both Kearney and Tuerck are expected to return to competition this weekend, it can be tough to bounce back from a tangle with the Long Beach course – especially given the power the cars are producing this year. This season is seeing a continuation of the incremental trend toward ever-increasing horsepower, facilitated by the series' open rulebook, which encourages development and innovation.
----
Perhaps more controversial [in this year's competition] is Formula Drift's decision to eliminate the third-place knockout round. Typically one of the most exciting battles of the weekend, drivers held nothing back in their attempts to earn the final spot on the podium.

Although the action was exciting, Sage said organizers made the decision for the fans. Too often, the third-place round often ran long as judges determined the competition too close to call and repeatedly called the drivers back to try again. Television schedules suffered and fans wore out. Third place will now go to the highest-qualifying driver who achieves the bracket.

"Our closest cousin, NHRA, doesn't run (a third-place round) either," said Sage. "We thought we would do away with it for one year and evaluate."

In a championship round, drivers qualify for one of 32 spots on the grid, then work their way through a series of head-to-head knock-out elimination tandem runs to the winner-take-all first-place battle. Qualifying for this weekend's main event takes place on Friday (gates open at 11 a.m.), with gates opening for the main event on Saturday at 10 a.m. The top rounds of competition get started with the official opening ceremonies Saturday at 3 p.m.

The following weekend, during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the drifting action returns to the streets of Long Beach with the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge (pictured, ABOVE). The demonstration event is open to all weekend ticket-holders and takes place under the lights Friday and Saturday nights (April 11 and 12), with the action starting at 7 p.m.
[Reference Here]

Actually, for those who do not mind a little pre-season, pre-race party, on which one might meet some drivers and team owners, head over to The Federal Bar at 102 Pine Ave. just up from Ocean Ave. in downtown Long Beach. The action is set to begin at 6:00pm PT with drink specials offered all night and as an added treat, Formula DRIFT cars will be on display.

... notes from The EDJE

K-Rail Blocks And The Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach Are A Match Made In Motor Culture Heaven

Green flags were set flying along Shoreline Drive signaling the start of construction for the 39th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will run April 19-21, 2013 (L to R - Jim Michaelian, Bob Foster, Jim Liaw, Stephan Papadakis). Image Credit: TGPLB

K-Rail Blocks And The Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach Are A Match Made In Motor Culture Heaven

Yesterday, February 19, 2013, the 39th Toyota Grand Prix got underway in earnest. The process is the same every year and it would never happen without K-Rails. The temporary track through the streets of Long Beach, California got started with a ceremony before noon near Turn 10. It's the time of year where the demand for 'K-Rails' begins to increase as the temporary street circuit for the first race of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season in St. Petersburg, Florida began just last week.

Sebastien Bourdais (third from left) has a tangible countdown to the IZOD IndyCar Series season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg every time he rides his bike on portions of the 1.8-mile, 14-turn circuit. Construction of the temporary street circuit for the ninth annual event March 22-24 began Feb. 15, 2013. Image Credit: IndyCar.com

The honorary construction foremen for the ceremony were Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, Papadakis Racing owner Stephan Papadakis, Formula DRIFT President & Co-Founder Jim Liaw and Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. Also on-hand were the Papadakis Racing Scion tC, which will be driven in 2013 by top Drifting driver Frederic Aasbo, and, courtesy of Toyota Motorsports, an all-new, race-prepared Scion FR-S that will be driven in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.

“Our race circuit will feature something extra this year as we will be hosting the first-ever night racing in the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge on Friday and Saturday,” said Michaelian. “Along with the six other racing events here in April, this should make for one of the most entertaining weekends in our history.”

The setting of the first of more than 14 million pounds of concrete K-Rail blocks that line the 1.97 mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit track marks the beginning of two months of work preparing for the 175,000 fans expected during race weekend. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)

“It’s three days of great parties and great racing,” said Foster. “The Grand Prix brings a lot of people to Long Beach. Our hotels get filled up, our restaurants get filled up and people understand that Long Beach is a really a great city, a great place to have a good time.”

More than 30,000 working hours will be spent installing the  K-Rail blocks, three miles of fencing and 16,000 bolted-together tires, along with 16 huge spectator grandstands, seven pedestrian bridges and giant-vision boards for full-circuit TV coverage.

The heavy-duty concrete blocks and fencing, however, are merely a start.

“Leading up to race weekend, our staff will also install hospitality suites, tents, electrical equipment, phones, porta-johns, trash containers and a hundred other little things up until race weekend,” said Dwight Tanaka, director of operations for the Grand Prix Association.  “Then, when the last checkered flag falls on Sunday night, we start to take everything down, inspect it and get ready for next year.”

All businesses along the race circuit, which includes Shoreline Drive, Aquarium Way and Pine Ave., will remain open during construction of the racetrack.

Race fans will certainly get an eyeful as the Stadium SUPER Trucks go to battle, powered by 600-horsepower engines, going door-to-door on the 11-turn, 1.97-mile street course circuit for this special one-of-a-kind event. The Grand Prix exhibition will serve as the build-up to the Robby Gordon OFF-ROAD Stadium SUPER Trucks event scheduled the following weekend (April 26-27) at the famed L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The series then moves to San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium on May 4 and May 18 for two thrilling venues to round out the commemorative California portion of the inaugural 2013 season. Image Credit: TGPLB

The 2013 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature racing from the IZOD IndyCar Series, Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Pirelli World Challenge, Formula DRIFT, Robby Gordon OFF-ROAD Stadium SUPER Trucks and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.

SLIDESHOW

Fans can select and pay for their seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com.  Tickets can also be ordered by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 82-SPEED, and callers can request a printed ticket brochure that includes a circuit map, ticket prices, order form and other information.  Also featured on gplb.com is the latest Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach news, downloadable ticket brochure and racetrack information, photos and ongoing announcements of special race week activities.

Ticket prices range from $28 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $130 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.  Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, IndyCar Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of Hospitality Club packages.

Fans can also follow the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB and on Twitter @ToyotaGPLB.

The track takes shape on the streets of downtown Long Beach surrounding the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and encompassing the Aquarium of the Pacific and a portion of the Pike at Rainbow Harbor complex. The start/finish line is on Shoreline Drive.

For the Southern California automobile race enthusiast, motor culture heaven begins Friday through Sunday, April 19-21, 2013 with the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on 1.97 miles of pavement defined between the lines of K-Rail blocks of concrete.

... notes from The EDJE

Super Drift Challenge And Toyota GP Of LB Agree To Night Races

Formula DRIFT has announced a special charity event to benefit the American Red Cross’s Hurricane Sandy relief efforts on December 13 at Irwindale Speedway. Professional drift ride-alongs from Formula DRIFT stars will be for sale to the public with proceeds to going to the relief fund (CLICK HERE to purchase a ride-along). Caption and Image Credit: Formula DRIFT


Super Drift Challenge And Toyota GP Of LB Agree To Night Races

For the first time in its 39 years, the world-famous Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 19-21, 2013, will offer night racing with the inaugural Formula DRIFT Super Drift Challenge on Friday and Saturday nights during race weekend.

The Formula DRIFT Super Drift Challenge, which will take place at 7 p.m. both nights on the eastern end of the race circuit – turns nine, 10 and 11 – is expected to feature 16 of the sport’s top cars and drivers.

Committed to compete are 2012 Formula DRIFT champion Daigo Saito, 2011 champ Daijiro Yoshihara, plus Frederic Aasbo, Aurimas Bakchis, Michael Essa, Conrad Grunewald, Ken Gushi, Tyler McQuarrie, Robbie Nishida, Justin Pawlak, Matt Powers - more are expected to make announcement to compete soon. Friday’s action will include practice and qualifying runs, while Saturday will see the teams compete for a $25,000 prize. On Sunday, the Super Drift Challenge cars will drift the entire race circuit after the featured IZOD IndyCar Series race.

A view one gets from a ride-along - here, the trailing car is just leaving turn #9 and looking down the short chute toward turn #10. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

“We are excited to change up the drifting action during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend from an exhibition show to a competition. By doing this we will be able to showcase the true form of competition drifting to the Grand Prix fans," said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. "The icing on the cake comes in the form of night time drifting on the streets. We are truly honored to be the first Series to be competing on the streets of Long Beach at night!”

“The Grand Prix has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Formula DRIFT and this newly designed event takes it to a new level,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “And all this added excitement will be presented at no additional cost to our race attendees. Plus, because of its unique location, there will be no impact in any way on the businesses around the rest of the track.”

Grand Prix fans that purchase any admission ticket for Friday or Saturday racing activities will be able to see that day’s Super Drift Challenge.

Seating for the Super Drift Challenge will be in Grandstands 16, 18, 24, 25 and 26 on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to the Super Drift Challenge, the 2013 Grand Prix will again be headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series®. Also featured will be the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series, the fan-favorite Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Firestone Indy Lights and Pirelli World Challenge.

... notes from The EDJE


** Article first posted as Super Drift Challenge and Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach agree to night races at Examiner **

Dallaras on Shoreline Drive - Long Beach & A House United

Shoreline Drive as pictured by Long Beach CA Webcam - Live action - take a peek at what's going right now in Long Beach CA. The ABC Camera is perched high atop the World Trade Center in downtown Long Beach. Images update every three minutes. Image Credit: ABC

Dallaras on Shoreline Drive - Long Beach & A House United

Last year, at this time, North American Open Wheel Racing (NAOWR) was in a state of confusion and disarray. A merger of the two racing series - IndyCar Series (ICS) and ChampCar World Series (CCWS) had decided to merge just a couple of months from the beginning of the 2008 season and the season, at best, became an exercise of catch-up by the teams and drivers of the CCWS.

The week that the 2008 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was held, the only teams and drivers to compete were the Transition Players being blended into the Indy Racing League and the ICS. It was a final party for the old series that had owned the streets of Long Beach ever since 1984 when the American racing body known as Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)/Champ Car World Series (CCWS) took over from the European Formula 1 series. This became the last official race for ChampCar and the two year old Panoz DP01 - and the only race where these drivers and teams would compete at a ChampCar venue, with ChampCar equipment, and a ChampCar fan base - while earning IndyCar Series championship points.

Will Power - KV Racing Technology, taking a hard right-hand turn to enter Shoreline Drive on his way to win the final CCWS race ... and the first one to pay out IndyCar Series Championship points. Will Power will be driving for one of the "Established" teams in the IRL this year, Penske Racing, substituting for Helio Castorneves who is taking a leave of absense to attend to personal business held over from his appearance in "Dancing With The Stars" (taxes). Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2008)

The other drivers and teams from the ICS were racing Dallaras in Motegi, Japan ... the home track of the IndyCar engine manufacturer, Honda.

This year, Dallaras with Honda engines will be running on Shoreline Drive and the dynamic couldn't be richer for the sport of North American Open Wheel Racing. Racing teams and drivers are all under one banner ... names like Penske, Andretti, Unser, Rahal, Newman/Hass/Lanigan, AJ Foyt, Coyne, Bachelart, Conquest, Ganassi, Kalkovan, Vasser, Dixon, Power, Wilson (to mention a few) will all once again be heard in the racing paddock and streets of Long Beach with one purpose in mind ... to get as many points as possible toward the ICS 2009 championship.

This April 16-19, 2009, the NAOWR cultures will become one after a split of over 13 years when the IRL ran it's first race. This is the year the IRL will be welcomed to the famed streets of Long Beach by a rabid and knowledgeable crowd ... and a house will become united.

Welcome to the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach!

LBGP Logo - Image Credit: Grand Prix Association of Long Beach

---

2009 Event Schedule

35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(Subject to change without notice)

(PDF Printable Version)

Thursday, April 16

(NOTE: Admission is FREE to Thursday events – no ticket required)

The Long Beach Motorsports Walk Of Fame induction ceremony kicks off a week of motorsports family unification - two cultures become one. This year will feature six-time Long Beach Grand Prix winner and 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grand Marshal, Al Unser, Jr. and Past CART/CCWS Champion and IRL team owner (Rahal Letterman Racing) Bobby Rahal. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2008)

Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame Induction - 11 a.m.

(Pine Ave. at Convention Center)

Lifestyle Expo opens - 3 p.m.

American Le Mans Series (ALMS) practice - 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

RaceMania at Shoreline Village - 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

ALMS practice - 5 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Lifestyle Expo closes - 6 p.m.

FREE Admission to “Shark Lagoon,”
Aquarium of the Pacific - 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tecate “Thursday Thunder on Pine” (Pine Ave., incl.
Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pageant) - 6:30 p.m.

Tuner Thursday at The Pike - 6:30 p.m.

---

Friday, April 17

Gates open - 7 a.m.

Lifestyle Expo opens - 8 a.m.

ALMS practice - 9 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

IndyCar practice - 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Toyota Pro/Celebrity practice - 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Firestone Indy Lights practice - 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

IndyCar practice - 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Toyota Pro/Celebrity qualifying - 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

ALMS qualifying - 3:55 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.

IndyCar autograph session - 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
(IndyCar Paddock)

Team Drifting - 5:05 p.m. – 5:25 p.m.

SPEED GT Challenge practice - 5:30 p.m. – 5:55 p.m.

Tecate Light “Fiesta Friday” Concert Starring
“El Tri” - 6 p.m.

Lifestyle Expo Closes - 6 p.m.

---

Saturday, April 18

Gates open - 7 a.m.

ALMS Warmup - 7:30 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.

Lifestyle Expo opens - 8 a.m.

SPEED GT Challenge practice - 8:05 a.m. – 8:35 a.m.

Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying - 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

IndyCar practice - 10:25 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Logo - Image Credit: Grand Prix Association of Long Beach

Toyota Pro/Celebrity RACE - 11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

Team Drifting - 12:50 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.

IndyCar qualifying - 2:10 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

American Le Mans Series Logo - Image Credit: ALMS/IMSA Racing

Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series At Long Beach RACE - 4:15 p.m. – 5:55 p.m.

Lifestyle Expo closes - 6 p.m.

Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert - 6 p.m.
Starring "Puddle of Mudd"

---

Sunday, April 19

Gates Open - 7 a.m.

Lifestyle Expo opens - 8 a.m.

SPEED GT Challenge qualifying - 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

IndyCar practice - 8:40 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Firestone Indy Lights RACE - 9:40 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Falken Tire Competition Drift Ford Mustang - Image Credit: Formula Drift (2008)

Team Drifting - 11:05 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

IndyCar Pre-Race Activities - 12:30 p.m.

35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach IndyCar Race (85 laps) - 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

SPEED GT Challenge RACE - 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Lifestyle Expo closes - 5:30 p.m.
Reference Here>>

See you all at the streets of Long Beach!

... notes from The EDJE