What Is 1977 Grand Prix of Long Beach

Overview

The 1977 Grand Prix of Long Beach was a landmark event in American motorsport history, marking the first time a major international open-wheel race was held on temporary street circuits in the United States since the 1958 Cuban Grand Prix. Though often mistaken for a Formula 1 event, it was actually a round of the Formula 5000 series, a high-performance single-seater category popular in North America during the 1970s.

Staged on April 3, 1977, the race took place on a 1.968-mile temporary circuit winding through the streets of downtown Long Beach, California, near the waterfront. Its success laid the foundation for the Long Beach Grand Prix to become a permanent fixture in international motorsport, transitioning to Formula 1 the following year in 1978.

• Alan Jones won the race driving a Lola T490 powered by a Chevrolet V8 engine, completing 95 laps in 1 hour, 57 minutes, and 22 seconds.
• The race was part of the 1977 L&M Championship, the premier Formula 5000 series in North America, sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).
• The Long Beach street circuit measured 3.167 kilometers (1.968 miles) with 11 turns, combining tight chicanes and long straights along Shoreline Drive.
• This event attracted over 40,000 spectators, a significant turnout for a non-F1 race, demonstrating strong public interest in street racing.
• It was the brainchild of promoter Chris Pook, a British event organizer who envisioned transforming Long Beach into a major motorsport destination.

How It Works

The 1977 Grand Prix of Long Beach operated under Formula 5000 regulations, which governed car specifications, race format, and scoring. These rules ensured competitive balance while allowing for powerful, production-based engines in open-wheel chassis.

• Formula 5000: A single-seater racing class using 5.0-liter production-based V8 engines, primarily Chevrolet small blocks, limited to 500 cubic inches (8.2L).
• Car Specifications: Chassis were typically from manufacturers like Lola, March, or Eagle, with aluminum monocoques and rear wings for downforce.
• Race Format: The event consisted of a single 95-lap race, with qualifying sessions held the day before to determine starting grid positions.
• Driver Eligibility: Drivers were required to hold FIA Super Licenses or equivalent SCCA credentials, ensuring professional standards were met.
• Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, contributing to the overall L&M Championship standings.
• Safety Measures: The temporary circuit included tire barriers, run-off areas, and medical response units, though safety standards were less advanced than modern F1.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1977 Long Beach Grand Prix with the 1978 Formula 1 edition to highlight key differences in class, regulations, and outcomes.

While both events were held on the same street circuit, the 1978 race featured smaller, more technologically advanced 3.0L naturally aspirated engines under FIA Formula 1 regulations. The transition marked Long Beach’s elevation to a global motorsport stage, attracting top F1 teams and drivers.

Why It Matters

The 1977 Grand Prix of Long Beach was a pivotal moment in American motorsport, proving that street circuits could host world-class events in major U.S. cities. Its success reshaped the landscape of open-wheel racing in North America.

• It demonstrated the commercial viability of street racing, influencing future events like the Detroit Grand Prix and Miami GP.
• The race elevated Alan Jones to international prominence, preceding his 1980 Formula 1 World Championship win.
• It established Long Beach as a motorsport destination, with the event continuing annually for over four decades.
• The event helped popularize open-wheel racing in the U.S., contributing to the growth of CART and later IndyCar.
• It showcased the ingenuity of temporary circuit design, balancing safety, visibility, and driver challenge.
• The success led to the 1978 F1 inclusion, making Long Beach one of only a few U.S. cities to host Formula 1.

Ultimately, the 1977 race was more than a motorsport event—it was a catalyst for urban motorsport culture in the United States, blending entertainment, engineering, and civic pride into a lasting legacy.