INDYCAR will pay tribute to the brave first responders who battled the Southern California wildfires this past January during this weekend’s milestone 50th running of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, one of the most iconic events in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
As part of the anniversary celebration, several meaningful tributes will take place on the streets of Long Beach.
INDYCAR First Responders Tribute
- LA Strong Decals: All 27 cars competing in the Acura Grand Prix will display special “LA Strong” decals to raise awareness and show support for the firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to the wildfires.
- Honorary Starters: Los Angeles City Fire Captain Erik Scott will serve as the honorary starter for Sunday’s INDYCAR race. Pasadena Fire Department Chief Anthony James will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies, while Captain Malcolm Dicks of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will wave the green flag for Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.
- Pre-Race Salute: Twenty-seven first responders—one for each INDYCAR driver—will participate in pre-race festivities, riding in pickup trucks alongside the drivers during the ceremonial lap.
- Limited-Edition Merchandise: A commemorative “LA Strong” shirt, featuring the same design as the race car decals, is now available at the INDYCAR store and on site in Long Beach. Only about 200 shirts will be sold, offering fans a chance to participate in this weekend’s tribute. Proceeds from shirt sales will not go toward the charitable donation.
- Charitable Contribution: INDYCAR will make a dedicated donation to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation to support its continued service to the community.
Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, praised the first responders’ courage:
“The first responders performed heroic duty during a very difficult and challenging time in Los Angeles. They rose to the occasion and worked tirelessly to protect people’s lives and property. We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize their efforts by honoring them prior to the start of both the IMSA and INDYCAR races.”
The LA Strong initiative builds on INDYCAR’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Southern California’s first responders. Earlier this month, Colton Herta, a Southern California native and 2021 Long Beach winner, joined a special helmet swap at Fire Station 1 in downtown Long Beach with Captain Brian Sher and Engineer Tyler Vanderstelt, both of whom played key roles in fighting the wildfires.
