INDYCAR Legends Share Their Long Beach Legacy
The streets of Long Beach hold a special place in the hearts of racing icons Al Unser Jr. and Mario Andretti. These two motorsport legends have left an indelible mark on one of North America's most prestigious street circuits, contributing to its rich racing heritage.
The Champions of Long Beach
Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr. stand as pillars of INDYCAR racing excellence:
-
Mario Andretti
- Racing icon and versatile champion
- Pioneer in American motorsports
- Multiple victories at Long Beach
- Al Unser Jr.
- Known as "King of the Beach"
- Dominant force in street circuit racing
- Record holder for Long Beach wins
Championship Legacy
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES continues to showcase world-class talent, including:
- Current Champions
- Alex Palou (Three-time champion)
- Josef Newgarden (Two-time champion, Indianapolis 500 winner)
- Scott Dixon (Six-time champion)
- Will Power (Two-time champion)
Competition Format
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES represents North America's premier open-wheel racing competition, featuring an international field of versatile drivers competing across diverse track layouts.
Track Diversity
| Track Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Superspeedways | High-speed oval tracks |
| Short Ovals | Compact circular circuits |
| Street Circuits | Temporary urban courses |
| Road Courses | Permanent racing facilities |
Future Broadcast Partnership
Starting in 2025, significant changes are coming to INDYCAR's television coverage:
- FOX Sports becomes exclusive U.S. broadcaster
- All NTT INDYCAR SERIES races to air live on FOX
- Coverage includes the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500
The series continues to evolve while maintaining its position as one of motorsport's most challenging and diverse championships.
Series Overview
The INDYCAR championship demonstrates the ultimate test of driver versatility, combining:
- Technical precision
- Strategic thinking
- Physical endurance
- Adaptability across different track types
Through the years, Long Beach has remained a cornerstone event, challenging drivers with its unique combination of harborfront straights and technical corners. The success of legends like Andretti and Unser Jr. at this venue has helped establish it as one of the most prestigious stops on the INDYCAR calendar.
