Long Beach and IndyCar execute new 5-year deal

The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach (GPALB) and the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series, have agreed to a five-year contract that will have the cars and stars of the IndyCar Series racing on the streets of Long Beach beginning next year through 2013.

"In 2009 the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will celebrate our 35th year with a new era," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the GPALB. "Needless to say, we're extremely happy that the IndyCar Series will continue our tradition of being America's greatest street race.

"And, we're delighted that many great drivers will be returning to our streets, like Helio Castroneves, who won our race in 2001, and Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon, both of whom competed here often. They'll line up with rising stars like Danica Patrick, Graham Rahal, Will Power and Marco Andretti to again offer our fans the best racing weekend in California."

"Long Beach is an historic, world-class venue, and our entire organization is excited to have the race as an integral part of our schedule," said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "We can promise the racing fans of Southern California a highly competitive, fan-friendly experience for many years to come."

The contract follows the recently announced extension of an agreement between the GPALB and the City of Long Beach to conduct an annual open-wheel race through the downtown city streets through 2015, with an additional five-year option.