The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been shifted from its previously scheduled date in mid-April to be the 2021 IndyCar season finale on September 26.
The change in dates is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the implementation of strong restrictions in the state of California that will likely not be lifted by this spring.
It is hoped that the distribution of the vaccines will have reached enough people by the fall that it will be safe for fans to attend on the rescheduled date.
“It is important to have Long Beach rescheduled to continue the history and tradition for one of the series’ hallmark events in one of the nation’s premier media markets,” said Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles.
“Further, it’s a tremendous opportunity to wrap up the season with three-straight iconic venues for what we believe will be our most exciting season yet.
“As we did during the 2020 season, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and maintain flexibility across our schedule. We are committed to an action-packed and exhilarating 2021 NTT IndyCar series.”
The race at Long Beach was one of the many IndyCar events that were canceled this past season, joining the other traditional races on the west coast.
The rescheduled date puts all three west coast races back-to-back for the final month of racing, leading to an action-packed September.
The race in 2021 will mark the 37th time the NTT IndyCar series has raced on Southern California’s legendary street circuit.
Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian said, “We believe that this move will afford us the best opportunity to provide our guests with a fun and exciting experience in a safe and unrestricted environment.
“It will be a welcome sight to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars and stars back on the downtown streets of Long Beach in the fall.”
At this time, the other races on the 17-race calendar are not affected and are planned to go ahead as originally scheduled.
