The Long Beach Grand Prix has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with its new date creating an IndyCar triple-header in September.
The California-based race was one of the first lost to the pandemic in the 2020 schedule, which eventually started at Texas in June once a rescheduled calendar was arranged.
The prestigious event will now become the season 2021 finale on September 26, with Portland, Laguna Seca and Long Beach running on consecutive weekends next September.
“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 Mark Miles, president and CEO of IndyCar promoter Penske Entertainment Corp.
“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.”
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) December 17, 2020
Grand Prix Association of Long Beach president and CEO Jim Michaelian added: “I want to thank all of the officials at IndyCar for their assistance in rescheduling the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach to September.
“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.”
The event is one of the most important on the calendar and is also Jimmie Johnson’s home race, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion moving to the championship with Chip Ganassi Racing for 2021.
Long Beach was due to be the third event on the 2021 IndyCar schedule after St Petersburg (March 7) and Barber Motorsports Park (April 11).
Those two events remain in those slots on the rejigged calendar with Long Beach the only event moving so far.
Ex-Formula 1 driver Alexander Rossi has won the last two Long Beach Grand Prix with Andretti Autosport.
