Long Beach opens up for grand prix return, IndyCar closer

By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer

The Grand Prix of Long Beach returns to the IndyCar schedule after a one-year pause during the pandemic. The event is a crown jewel in both motorsports and street festivals that began in 1975. This year’s return is as the IndyCar season-ending championship race and the crowd will be treated to a changing of the guard in the series. IndyCar will have its first champion from a Spanish-speaking country since 1999 at the end of Sunday’s race. The three-day festival requires either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test under California rules. Masks are required.