The Long Beach Grand Prix-circuit) originated as the brainchild of promoter Chris Pook, inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix. Pook believed a similar event could succeed in Southern California, and the city of Long Beach was selected as the location. The inaugural race was held in September 1975 as part of the Formula 5000 series, drawing 30,000 fans.
In 1976, the event became the United States Grand Prix West, hosting Formula One races until 1983. Despite gaining prominence due to its pleasant weather and proximity to Los Angeles, the event was not financially successful as a Formula One race. Fearing bankruptcy, Pook convinced city leaders to switch to a CART Indy car event beginning in 1984. This transition proved successful, contributing to a renaissance in the city of Long Beach, with dilapidated buildings replaced by hotels and tourist attractions.
The Grand Prix served as a CART/Champ Car World Series race from 1984 to 2008, then transitioned to an IndyCar Series race in 2009. The 2017 race was the 43rd running, and the 34th consecutive as an IndyCar race. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 race was canceled, and the 2021 race was rescheduled to September, serving as the season finale. The event returned to its traditional April date for the 2022 season.
In March 2024, Gerald Forsythe acquired full ownership of the race, only for Penske Entertainment to acquire it later that year.
After switching to a CART event in 1984, Mario Andretti won the race, leading all 112 laps. He had previously won the 1977 Formula 5000 race at Long Beach. Al Unser Jr. secured his first career Indy car win at Long Beach in 1988. Paul Tracy also achieved his first Indy car victory at Long Beach in 1993.
Al Unser Jr. dominated the Long Beach Grand Prix-circuit) throughout the 1990s, winning in 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996. In 1985, Mario Andretti won after a battle with Danny Sullivan, who ran out of fuel late in the race. Scott Dixon has also been a frequent contender, winning in 2015 and 2024.
The 1989 race saw a controversial incident between Al Unser Jr. and Mario Andretti, with Unser making contact with Andretti and causing him to spin out. The 1992 race also featured a collision between Al Unser Jr. and Paul Tracy, resulting in Unser’s victory. In 2014, a crash involving six cars, including the race leaders, reshaped the race outcome. The 2008 Long Beach Grand Prix-circuit) was part of a unique "split weekend" due to the unification of the Champ Car World Series and the IRL IndyCar Series, with the former Champ Car teams racing at Long Beach while the IRL teams raced at Motegi.
Beginning in 2005, the event included demonstrations by Formula D drifting series participants. Since 2006, Formula D has held the first round of their pro series on the weekend prior to the Grand Prix. The track was also used for a modified version of the Long Beach Grand Prix-circuit) track for the FIA Formula E Championship in 2016. The North American Touring Car Championship also held a round at Long Beach in 1997, won by Neil Crompton.
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