GP of Long Beach introduces Historic Formula Exhibition for 2025

As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach approaches its fifty-year milestone in 2025, the Grand Prix Association has teamed up with the Historic Motor Sports Association to introduce the Historic Formula Exhibition. This special event will feature a twenty-minute race on both Saturday and Sunday, 12/13 April, showcasing single-seater open-wheel cars.

Jim Michaelian, head of the Grand Prix Association, expressed excitement for the fiftieth anniversary celebration, stating, “The Historic Formula Exhibition will provide fans with a unique opportunity to witness the rich racing history of our event. The sights and sounds of these cars will create a memorable experience for fans of all ages.”

This Exhibition builds upon HMSA’s existing partnership with the Grand Prix, which began in 2021 with races for historic Formula Atlantic cars. After a brief hiatus in 2022, the relationship resumed in 2023 with races featuring vintage Formula One and IndyCars. Located in Montrose, just forty miles from Long Beach, HMSA is well-positioned to support this exciting event.

Notable achievements from past races include Tim DeSilva’s sweep of the 2024 weekend in a Lola T95/00, the same car driven by Scott Pruett to a runner-up finish in the Long Beach GP in 1995. Among the cars expected to participate in the Historic Formula Exhibition is the B05/00 driven by Sébastien Bourdais to victory in the 2005 Grand Prix of Long Beach. Other iconic cars, such as the AAR Eagle and Lotus 77, are also set to make appearances.

The AGPLB weekend has a history of hosting vintage races for both single-seaters and closed-wheel vehicles, including the Historic Trans Am Challenge and Historic IMSA GTO Challenge. HMSA president Cris Vandagriff expressed enthusiasm for showcasing cars that have played a significant role in the Grand Prix’s history.

Mark your calendars for the Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend on 11–13 April, featuring the Historic Formula Exhibition alongside the 2025 IndyCar season, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge America, and Stadium Super Trucks.