What Is 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was an IndyCar Series race held on April 20, 2014, on the streets of Long Beach, California. Mike Conway won the 85-lap race driving for Andretti Autosport.

Key Facts

The 2014 race occurred on April 20, 2014, marking the third round of the 2014 IndyCar Series season.
Mike Conway secured victory driving the No. 20 DHL-sponsored car for Andretti Autosport.
The race spanned 85 laps over a 1.968-mile temporary street circuit for a total distance of 167.28 miles.
Conway completed the race in 1 hour, 48 minutes, and 43 seconds, averaging 92.9 mph.
This was the 40th running of the Long Beach Grand Prix, the longest-running street race in North America.

Overview

The 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was a pivotal event in the IndyCar Series season, drawing international drivers and large crowds to the scenic coastal city of Long Beach, California. Held on April 20, 2014, the race served as the third round of the 16-race 2014 IndyCar Series calendar and continued a four-decade tradition of open-wheel racing on city streets.

Competitors raced on a 1.968-mile temporary circuit winding through downtown Long Beach, near the Queen Mary and Shoreline Drive. The event attracted over 170,000 spectators over the weekend, making it one of the most attended non-Indianapolis 500 races of the year.

Mike Conway claimed his second career IndyCar victory, winning after starting in 10th position and overtaking leader Will Power in the final laps.
The race lasted 1 hour, 48 minutes, and 43 seconds, with an average speed of 92.9 mph, reflecting the technical challenges of the tight street course.
Will Power of Team Penske dominated qualifying, securing pole position, and led 52 of the 85 laps before being passed by Conway.
The event marked the 40th anniversary of the Long Beach Grand Prix, first held in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race before transitioning to IndyCar.
Andretti Autosport fielded a strong four-car team, with Conway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, and Carlos Muñoz, showcasing the team’s depth.

How It Works

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach follows a structured race weekend format typical of IndyCar Series events, including practice, qualifying, and the main race, all adapted to the unique demands of a street circuit.

Qualifying Format: The event used a three-round knockout system. The top 12 drivers advanced to the final round, known as the Firestone Fast Six, to determine pole position. Will Power set the fastest time at 1:07.345 to secure pole.
Race Distance: The race consisted of 85 laps around the 1.968-mile circuit, totaling 167.28 miles, slightly longer than a standard IndyCar street race due to the circuit’s length.
Chassis and Engine: All teams used the Dallara DW12 chassis powered by either Chevrolet or Honda 2.2L V6 twin-turbo engines, producing approximately 550 horsepower.
Pit Strategy: Teams made an average of three pit stops for fuel and tires, with strategy playing a key role due to limited overtaking opportunities on the narrow track.
Points System: The winner earned 50 points toward the championship, with additional points awarded for pole position and leading laps, influencing early-season standings.
Safety Protocols: The race saw two caution periods due to incidents involving James Hinchcliffe and Simon Pagenaud, each lasting approximately 5–6 laps.

Comparison at a Glance

Race results and key performance metrics compared across top finishers:

Driver	Team	Starting Pos	Finishing Pos	Laps Led
Mike Conway	Andretti Autosport	10	1	13
Will Power	Team Penske	1	2	52
Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Peterson Motorsport	7	3	0
James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport	5	4	0
Carlos Muñoz	Andretti Autosport	11	5	0

The table highlights how race strategy and late-race execution trumped qualifying performance. Despite leading the most laps, Will Power finished second, while Mike Conway’s late charge and fuel-efficient driving allowed him to overtake on fresher tires. Andretti Autosport’s strong team showing underscored their competitive edge in street-course racing.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was more than just a race—it symbolized the endurance of American open-wheel racing and the growing prestige of the IndyCar Series in a motorsports landscape dominated by NASCAR and Formula 1.

The event generated an estimated $80 million in economic impact for Long Beach, supporting local businesses and tourism.
Its 40-year legacy makes it the longest-running street race in North America, surpassing even the Detroit Grand Prix and Toronto Indy.
Winning at Long Beach is considered a career milestone, with past winners including legends like Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Sebastien Bourdais.
The race helped boost IndyCar’s television ratings, with ESPN coverage reaching over 1.2 million viewers during the broadcast window.
It showcased advancements in hybrid technology, as IndyCar’s 2.2L V6 engines emphasized fuel efficiency and sustainability.
The event also featured the Stadium Super Trucks exhibition, expanding fan engagement and promoting off-road racing to a broader audience.

As a cornerstone of the IndyCar calendar, the Long Beach Grand Prix continues to attract top talent, global attention, and significant economic benefits, reinforcing its status as a premier motorsports event in the United States.