PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 94th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol.121 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1975 No 136

LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX
 NEW CALIFORNIA FIRST

HON. GLENN M. ANDERSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, September 17, 1975

Mr. ANDERSON of California, Mr. Speaker, on September 28 the city of Long Beach will be the scene of one of the most exciting events in the world of sports. The first annual Long Beach Grand Prix will be held, with some of the top drivers in the world of racing zooming through the streets of the busy California port city.

Long Beach perhaps, does not conjure up the same old visions of romance and exotic atmosphere as do some of the older cities on the Grand Prix circuit; Monaco for instance. But the Long Beach event will be the first auto race run through the streets of a U.S. city. The 'International City' as Long Beach is called, is a growing, changing community that has become a model of civic efficiency and progress.

The Grand Prix is, of course, designed to bring attention to the town and will undoubtedly help it become more well-known. However, the race would have never come off if all concerned with its organization and planning were not admitted 'racing buffs' themselves.

Preparations for the race have been painstakingly careful, with spectator and driver safety one of the main concerns in planning the course. As a result, the Long Beach race course will be the most modern in the world, specifically designed for safety, while preserving the excitement that has made Grand Prix racing one of the world's most popular spectator sports.

At this time, I would like to insert the following article from California magazine which gives an excellent preview to the race:

BIG LEAGUE RACING ON THE STREETS OF LONG BEACH
(By Gordon Rycroft and David Swarbrick)

An Indianapolis-500 type race on the streets of Long Beach? Impossible. Barring any technical/political snafus before the September 28 race date, the roar of Formula 5000 race cars will be off and running on the streets of this Southern California city. For one day of competition these complex machines, including the famous-name drivers, will be competing in a Grand Prix that's also a tune-up for a planned Formula One race to be held next March.

The Long Beach race is a dream driven to reality by sports promoter Chris Pook and a host of others. On a trip to Europe to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Pook asked himself enroute "Why doesn't America and particularly California have a Formula One race through a city?".

According to Pook, a beautiful convention center was being built in Long Beach and he felt it was time his city started receiving more recognition. "I used to push a Lotus around courses and dream of presenting formula driving here as it should be presented".

Pook shared his idea with Dan Gurney, one of the most successful and popular American drivers ever to participate in formula racing. Gurney, now the president of All American Racers, Inc. was overwhelmingly in support. The drawing boards were then passed to Les Richter, former All-Pro for the Los Angeles Rams and now president of Riverside International Raceway.

Richter added his enthusiasm along with Don Dyer who is Pook's co-partner and a Long Beach attorney, Dyer says, "The setting is fantastic. Within five years we hope to have the premier race in the world------surpassing even Monaco.

The group worked from August 1973 to June 1974 to polish the idea. Gurney designed the course utilizing existing city streets as a major guideline. Pook worked with the city fathers. "Every group (including city hall) has shown immense interest and support. They now realize we want to introduce Grand Prix racing to Long Beach because, in its simplest terms, we're just racing fans ourselves" Pook says.

Newly elected Mayor Tom Clark's administration has jumped in to support the race after being assured of public safety.

"I know there will be a few public concerns," Pook says. "The number one concern is safety. There will be about 500,000 feet of barrier set up so the spectator can enjoy the event and still be protected. We'll be introducing a few more safety innovations and the entire concept has been approved by top city and international racing safety officials", he says.

"In addition, the circuit itself will be used by the top, professional drivers," Pook adds. The rest will unfold September 28 when the European flavor and excitement of following the Grand Prix circuit arrives in Long Beach. People of worldwide beauty kissed by a same but different sun meet and mingle; bluebloods with blue collars and racing buffs with curious newcomers. It should be an exciting day.