Team Penske and Bruce Flanders to be inducted into Long Beach Walk of Fame
The public is invited to the free, 11th annual induction ceremony, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. on South Pine Avenue in front of the Convention Center, along the route of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
"Team Penske and Bruce Flanders have made legendary contributions to the field of motorsports, and they have truly earned their place on the Motorsports Walk of Fame," said Mayor Robert Garcia, who will be presenting medallions to the honorees. “These two honorees have delighted race fans for years, here in Long Beach and around the world."
Penske Racing, Inc. is the most successful Indy car racing team in history, and has five victories at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach: 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001 and 2012. In 2016, Penske Racing, Inc. celebrates its 50th season, and enters the year having amassed 177 race wins, 13 Indy car championships and 16 Indianapolis 500 victories. Under the leadership of Roger Penske, many of Indy car’s greatest names have driven for the team, including Mark Donohue, Tom Sneva, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan, Al Unser, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr., Paul Tracy, Gil de Ferran, Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves.
Bruce Flanders, known as “The Voice of the Grand Prix," has announced every race here since 1978. He was born into a family steeped in motorcycles and racing, and in 1973 set a record on the Bonneville Salt Flats for the fastest production motorcycle at 141.703 mph. The record stood for seven years. Flanders began his announcing career in 1969 at the Orange County Fairgrounds, and his deep baritone voice has boomed across the loudspeakers at Irwindale Speedway, Laguna Seca Raceway, the Caesars Place Grand Prix, Watkins Glen, Wembley Stadium in England, Daytona Motor Speedway, California Speedway, and many more.
“We’re delighted to be able to induct Team Penske and Bruce into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “They have both contributed mightily to the success of our event and join an illustrious list of honorees who have preceded them over the past nine years."
The Walk of Fame medallions include renditions of the racers' cars and their major achievements in motorsports. Mr. Flanders’ medallion will include a microphone. For more information, visit www.lbmotorsportswof.com.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach