“I have been associated with the Grand Prix of Long Beach since its beginning in 1975. So I think I speak with authority when I say that it is by far the most successful street race ever...”
Los Angeles: Racing legend Mario Andretti will be the grand marshal of the second race of the Indy Car series, the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, Indy Car announced on Tuesday.
Andretti, 74, won three Indy Car races and the 1977 Formula One race on the streets of Long Beach, California, the organisation said at its website. “I have been associated with the Grand Prix of Long Beach since its beginning in 1975. So I think I speak with authority when I say that it is by far the most successful street race ever staged in American motor racing history,” Andretti said.
As grand marshal, Andretti’s duties include giving the command for drivers to start their engines. There are 18 races in the 2014 Indy Car series, including the Indianapolis 500.
Among Indy Car’s current drivers are the Indianapolis 500 champion and former Formula One racer Juan Pablo Montoya, former Formula One racer Sebastien Bourdais and Mario’s grandson Marco Andretti, the website said.
Andretti has won races in Formula One, Indy Car, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR.
