Long Beach gets Historic F1 Challenge doubleheader

The unmistakable roar of Formula 1 engines will once again echo through the streets of Long Beach as the legendary machines of the 1970s and ’80s return to the iconic seaside circuit for the Historic Formula 1 Challenge at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 16-18, 2027.

The historic F1 machines will take center stage in two action-packed, 20-minute races throughout the weekend. The first will thunder through the streets on Saturday, April 17, alongside the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, with a second showdown on Sunday, April 18, which will be headlined by the NTT IndyCar Series race.

F1 ran for eight years in Long Beach, from 1976-83, and the “who’s who” list of winners during those years includes Mario Andretti (1977), Niki Lauda (1981), Nelson Piquet (1980), Clay Regazzoni (1976) and Gilles Villeneuve (1979). Andretti’s 1977 black and gold John Player Lotus, along with 1982 Long Beach runner-up Keke Rosberg’s Williams FW07D are expected to be in the field, with other entries from famous marques like Shadow, Penske, Wolf, McLaren, March and Surtees to be announced in the coming weeks. 

The historic event at Long Beach will be sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association.

“We’re bringing together an incredible field of historic Formula 1 cars that represent one of the most exciting eras in racing,” said HMSA President Cris Vandagriff. “These legendary machines are an important part of Long Beach’s rich racing heritage, and there’s nothing quite like hearing their engines roar through the streets where Formula 1 history was made. Giving fans two opportunities to experience these remarkable cars in action will make this year’s event even more special.”

“The return of historic Formula 1 cars brings an exciting new level of energy to an already spectacular race weekend,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Liaw. “These legendary machines are part of Long Beach’s racing DNA, and fans will love seeing and hearing them roar through our streets once again. With 10 races from six world-class series, including these cars, IndyCar and IMSA all on the same weekend, it’s a motorsports experience you won’t find anywhere else.”

Along with IndyCar and IMSA’s WeatherTech Championship, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, Porsche Carrera Cup North America together with the Historic F1 Challenge.