What Is 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was an IndyCar Series race held on April 21, 2002, on the streets of Long Beach, California. Paul Tracy won the race driving for Team Green, marking his first victory at the event after several near-misses.

Key Facts

Race held on April 21, 2002, on the 1.968-mile temporary street circuit in Long Beach, California
Winner: Paul Tracy, driving for Team Green with a time of 1:48:11.725
Started from 5th position and led 40 of the 85 laps
Race distance: 165.29 miles (85 laps around the 1.968-mile circuit)
Second place: Michel Jourdain Jr., third place: Patrick Carpentier

Overview

The 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was the second round of the 2002 IndyCar Series season and a key event in American open-wheel racing. Held on April 21, 2002, the race took place on the temporary 1.968-mile street circuit along Shoreline Drive and other city streets in Long Beach, California.

Known for its tight corners and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach circuit has hosted top-level open-wheel races since 1975. The 2002 edition attracted a strong field, including stars from CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams), competing for 100 championship points and prestige.

Paul Tracy secured his first Long Beach victory after five previous attempts, driving the #12 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Green with a race time of 1:48:11.725.
The race covered 85 laps, totaling 165.29 miles, making it one of the longest street circuit events in the series that year.
Michel Jourdain Jr. finished second, posting a time of +10.383 seconds behind Tracy, driving for Team Rahal.
Patrick Carpentier claimed third place, completing the podium after a strong performance in the final 20 laps.
The event drew an estimated 45,000 spectators, continuing Long Beach’s reputation as one of the most popular stops on the IndyCar calendar.

How It Works

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach followed the standard format for CART IndyCar Series street races in 2002, combining qualifying sessions, a warm-up lap, and a full-distance race under FIA-inspired regulations. The race tested driver precision, team strategy, and mechanical durability on a challenging urban layout.

Qualifying Format: Used a 15-minute single-car time trial system where drivers set fastest laps to determine starting grid positions; pole position went to Alex Tagliani.
Race Start: A standing start was used, with drivers lining up in two-by-two formation based on qualifying results, adding risk and excitement to the initial lap.
Chassis and Engine: All cars used Dallara or Reynard chassis powered by Toyota or Chevrolet 2.65L V8 turbocharged engines producing approximately 700 horsepower.
Pit Stops: Required at least once due to fuel limits; average pit stop duration was 12.8 seconds, including tire changes and refueling.
Track Layout: The 1.968-mile circuit featured 11 turns, including the famous Turn 1 hairpin and the fast Turn 6 kink near the Queen Mary.
Safety Measures: The race used full-course caution periods (yellow flags) for incidents, with 3 caution periods totaling 14 laps in the 2002 event.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach:

Position	Driver	Team	Time/Gap	Laps Led
1	Paul Tracy	Team Green	1:48:11.725	40
2	Michel Jourdain Jr.	Team Rahal	+10.383	0
3	Patrick Carpentier	Team Green	+13.872	15
4	Christian Fittipaldi	Newman/Haas Racing	+14.911	0
5	Jimmy Vasser	Team Green	+16.203	0

The table highlights how Paul Tracy dominated the race by leading the most laps and maintaining consistent pace under pressure. Despite starting fifth, his strategic pit stops and clean driving allowed him to overtake early leaders. The close finish times among the top five reflect the competitive nature of the 2002 CART field, where mechanical reliability and driver focus were crucial.

Why It Matters

The 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was significant not only for its competitive racing but also for its role in the evolution of American open-wheel motorsports during a transitional era. As CART faced financial challenges, high-profile races like Long Beach helped sustain fan interest and media coverage.

Paul Tracy’s win was a breakthrough moment, ending years of frustration at Long Beach and boosting his championship campaign.
The race showcased Team Green’s dominance, with two drivers on the podium and a strong team strategy.
It highlighted the growing competitiveness of mid-tier teams like Team Rahal, which improved its standing in the constructors’ championship.
The event demonstrated the popularity of street circuits in the U.S., influencing future race location decisions.
Long Beach continued to serve as a model for urban race organization, balancing safety, logistics, and fan engagement.
The 2002 race was one of the last before CART’s bankruptcy in 2003, making it a historical milestone in IndyCar history.

Ultimately, the 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach stands out as a pivotal race that combined drama, strategy, and speed, while preserving the legacy of one of America’s most iconic street races.