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Long Beach Canceled; IMSA Looking at Alternative Event

IMSA looking at possible alternative event to fulfill its target of having full 2020 season…

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been officially canceled for 2020, despite an effort to reschedule the famed Southern California street race to later in the year.

Confirmed in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, it will mark the first time in the race’s 45-year history that the event will not occur.

Event promoter, Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, announced last week that the April 17-19 race, which was to include the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Pirelli GT4 America Sprint-X series, would not take place at that time due to a citywide ban on large-scale events through April 30.

Sportscar365 understands that a date in September was initially explored between IndyCar and IMSA, although did not materialize.

“Over the past few days, we have actively pursued the possibility of rescheduling the Acura Grand Prix to a later date this year,” Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association, said in a statement.

“We are very disappointed that we were unable to put something together for all our loyal fans and valued clients, but trying to reassemble all the elements that have made the Long Beach event such a success does not appear feasible for 2020.”

In a statement provided to teams, IMSA has pledged to return to Long Beach next year, while also confirming that it is actively searching for a race to replace Long Beach on its 2020 calendar.

“IMSA is continuing to work with partners for possible alternative events to run a full 2020 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season,” the IMSA statement read.

“Details on any changes to IMSA-sanctioned series schedules will be communicated when available.”

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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