A bartender. A firefighter. A group of revelers on a boat. These stories are the less well-known stories of the Grand Prix. One worker summed up the vibe: “It’s good to show that downto…
The 47th running of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach took place Sunday April 10, 2022. Confetti hides race winner Josef Newgarden as the champagne get sprayed between him and 3rd place finisher Alex Palou. Josef Newgarden races through Shoreline Drive during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Indycar drivers Rinus Veekay and Graham Rahal race together onto Shoreline Drive during the 47th annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 10, 2022.
The Long Beach native, who lives on the east side with her two boys, may not be a racing fan, but she’s enjoyed the weekend, she said.Friday was sweltering and featured few competitions – and, as usual, a relatively small crowd. Saturday saw the energy and crowds increase, with the concert serving as an effective prelude to Sunday’s main event.
The race was full of drama, with Tennesseean Newgarden — who has won two NTT IndyCar series championships — earning his first Long Beach win by holding off Romain Grosjean and Alex Palou until a yellow caution flag essentially ended the duel with a half-a-lap to go. And even some folks who enjoy the races find that the most alluring aspects of the Grand Prix come outside the track: Gathering with pals. Absorbing the festive atmosphere. Partying on a boat.
Esteban Nazarian, in blue sunglasses, is together with friends and family as they enjoy the day at the marina prior to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Preparations are nearly completed on Shoreline Drive at the finish line for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Anyone who has heard of the Grand Prix likely knows the basics: The myriad races. The fancy cars on display. The family fun zone.But perhaps the best and most exclusive party is not associated with the Grand Prix. It’s in the downtown marina.
Shekerdemian, who lives in Pasadena but once owned a deli in downtown Long Beach, told him to come aboard. Johnson, a Long Beach firefighter who recently turned 30, was assigned to the extraction team during the Grand Prix. “I don’t know anyone in the , but it’s fun seeing them go by,” Johnson, a member of Station No. 7 said. “But we still have jobs to do.”
The crowds, she said, come in waves. Her bar will go from empty to packed and back seemingly by the hour – depending on the race schedule.