Fittipaldi and Kendall to be Inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame
 |
| Emerson Fittipaldi |
Two legendary drivers with proud histories at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach – Emerson Fittipaldi and Tommy Kendall – will be inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame on Thursday, April 6, at 11:00 a.m.
The public is invited to attend the free, 12th annual induction ceremony, which will be held on South Pine Avenue in front of the Convention Center, along the route of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
"Emerson Fittipaldi and Tommy Kendall have truly earned their place on the Motorsports Walk of Fame," said Mayor Robert Garcia, who will be presenting medallions to the honorees. "It is a privilege to welcome them back to Long Beach and honor them for all of their outstanding achievements in the racing world."
Emerson Fittipaldi, one of the world’s most recognized drivers, took second place at the Toyota Grand Prix in 1985 and 1990, and third place in 1980, 1989 and 1992. The Brazilian, who began racing motorcycles at age 14, is a two-time winner of both the Formula One World Championship (1972 and 1974) and the Indianapolis 500 (1989 and 1993). He won the Indy Car World Series Championship in 1989, and has a total of 40 wins across Formula One and Indy cars.
 |
| Tommy Kendall |
Tommy Kendall, a member of the Kendall racing family, took second place in the Trans-Am series at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in 1987 and 1989. The Santa Monica native won the Trans-Am Series Championship in 1990, 1995, 1996, and 1997, and the IMSA GTU Series Championship in 1986, 1987, and 1988. He also has enjoyed a successful broadcasting career.
“We’re thrilled to induct Emerson and Tommy into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame this year," said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “They have both made enormous contributions to the sport of racing, as well as the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach."
The Walk of Fame medallions include renditions of the racers' cars, as well as their major achievements in motorsports. For more information, visit www.lbmotorsportswof.com.
The induction ceremony kicks off the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend, which brings more than 180,000 people to Downtown Long Beach. For more information, visit www.gplb.com, call (888) 827-7333, or follow the race on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, Twitter @ToyotaGPLB, Instagram @ToyotaGPLB and Snapchat @ToyotaGPLB.