Toyota ends 44-year-old sponsor deal with Long Beach Grand Prix
Toyota will not renew its 44-year-old title sponsorship of IndyCar's Long Beach Grand Prix, ending what organisers claim is the longest running commercial deal in the history of motorsport
The manufacturer was involved in the very first Long Beach GP in September 1975 as a pacecar provider to what was then a Formula 5000 event (pictured below).
It then continued its association in the Formula 1 years of 1976-83, becoming the title sponsor of the US GP (West) in '80.
When promoter Chris Pook was unable to extend his deal with Bernie Ecclestone, Long Beach became an Indycar event in 1984 and Toyota has remained involved ever since.
"We have had a phenomenal relationship with Toyota for 44 years, a record in the racing world," said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach president and CEO Jim Michaelian. "In recent discussions, however, Toyota elected not to continue as the title sponsor.
"This has now opened up the opportunity to identify a new title partner.
"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.
"I would like to thank Toyota for all that it did to help us grow our event and make it what it is today. We are proud to have had Toyota be the most prominent of our sponsor partners for so many years."
While Toyota had a spell as an Indycar engine supplier for much of the race's history it did not have a direct involvement in the headline event, however, it has supplied road cars for the Pro-Celebrity charity race since 1977.
McLaren F1 driver Alonso set for first 2018 IndyCar test soon
Honda would welcome Alonso in IndyCar, won't rule out McLaren supply
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Chip Ganassi Racing team was strong again in the Indianapolis 500, with poleman Scott Dixon and reigning champion Alex Palou leading almost three quarters of the race between them. But when dominator Dixon was penalised for pitlane speeding, ex-Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson stepped up to score the biggest win of his career and seize the IndyCar points lead
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
Romain Grosjean's swashbuckling rookie year in IndyCar captured the imagination of many in 2021. But another ex-Formula 1 driver whose potential was masked by five years of toil in, at best, middling machinery also enjoyed a breakout year in 2021 - winning twice and finishing sixth in points. Here's how Marcus Ericsson finally delivered on his promise
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
IndyCar sophomore Alex Palou stunned by overcoming team-mate Scott Dixon and the rest of a white-hot field in 2021. He was consistently fast and crucially showed a level head, rebounding well from setbacks to put himself in a near unassailable position entering the final round
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Despite appearing to have an IndyCar job for life with Meyer Shank Racing, Jack Harvey’s departure and move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate. However, Harvey's and RLL's combined strengths could prove to be a winning combination - if they get the balance right
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Saturday 16 October marks the 10th anniversary of Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong junior career and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear
Why IndyCar title glory is just the start for Ganassi's new star
Newly-crowned IndyCar champion Alex Palou has been lauded as a complete driver and veteran-like in only his second season. The 24-year-old is still in the early days of his career, but the parallels are there for all to see with his six-time champion Chip Ganassi Racing team-mate who has been CGR's team leader since 2014