A gallon of regular gas cost less than a dollar the last time Toyota wasn’t supporting the Grand Prix of Long Beach. In 2019, it will happen again for the first time in 45 years.
On Thursday, Toyota Motor North America decided to not renew its title sponsorship agreement with the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Toyota became the Official Pace Car provider in 1975, and took over as the entitlement sponsor in 1980.
“This has now opened up an opportunity to identify a new title partner,” Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, said in an official statement. “Coming off a very successful 44th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, we’re excited about the future and are exploring all possible sponsorship opportunities that might exist in the market.”
Toyota started a version of the Pro/Celebrity Race in 1977, and that was the marquee event on Saturday at the GPLB until 2016.
The 2019 Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 12-14.
