LONG BEACH, Calif. — Two past Grand Prix of Long Beach winners, James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Hunter-Reay, will be inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame on April 13, ahead of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach taking place April 14-16.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back past Grand Prix winners, James and Ryan, and congratulate them on their well-deserved induction into the Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Mayor Rex Richardson.
Hinchcliffe and Hunter-Reay will be inducted in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue. During the ceremony, each will unveil a 22-inch bronze medallion featuring renditions of their iconic cars and descriptions of their major achievements, permanently enshrining their contributions to motorsports on the Walk of Fame.
“It is an honor to welcome these two racing icons and past Grand Prix winners into the Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “Located in our scenic downtown-shoreline area, their medallions will be seen by racing fans from all over the world for many years to come.”
“James and Ryan have both had exceptional careers in auto racing and it is a privilege to present them with this prestigious honor,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. “I congratulate them on all of their incredible achievements.”
Toronto-born Hinchcliffe won the Grand Prix in 2017 and finished third in 2012. He was the NTT IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year in 2011 and got his first Indy NXT win at Long Beach in 2010. He is now an IndyCar commentator for NBC.
“I thought Jim had the wrong email!” the always entertaining Hinchcliffe said about being notified by Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Seriously, it’s such a huge honor. This race is one of my favorites, if not the favorite, on the calendar and has been for a long, long time. That email was one of the best things I could have gotten; the list of the people on it are some of my heroes. It’s a huge, huge honor. Winning Long Beach in 2017 was a really special moment.”
Hunter-Reay, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., took the Long Beach checkered flag in 2010, and later won the 2012 IndyCar championship and the 2014 Indianapolis 500 during an outstanding career that spanned 19 seasons and included 18 wins and 72 top-five finishes.
“The Grand Prix of Long Beach has essentially been a cornerstone of my racing career,” said Hunter-Reay. “What an honor it is to be inducted into the Walk of Fame. This circuit has always been one that suited me naturally. The best all-around street course in the world, no doubt. My wife, Beccy, and I got engaged during the 2009 race weekend. The highlight on track was dedicating my 2010 win to my Mom, Lydia, who lost her battle with cancer late 2009 and Long Beach was her favorite race of the season.”
“We are very honored to be able to induct James and Ryan into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “They are two very accomplished drivers who have represented motorsports at the highest level. They certainly deserve this special recognition.”