Home of Long Beach Motorsport Legends
This annual free event honors the outstanding achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport of auto racing.
It is located on a palm-lined public sidewalk on South Pine Avenue in Long Beach’s downtown waterfront next to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and The Pike At Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex.
Rossi, an eight-time INDYCAR race winner, is one of the most successful American drivers of his generation, scoring and competing at the highest levels of international motorsport. Long before the Nevada City native became a global racing star, he kicked off his career at just 10 years old racing go-karts, winning multiple national and international karting championships in the first few years.
In 2016, Rossi made history when he became the first rookie to win the Indianapolis 500 since 2001, and the first American rookie to win since 1928. At 34, his impressive racing resume includes two Grand Prix of Long Beach wins, plus victories in Formula 2, World Series by Renault and the 24 Hours of Daytona, along with starts in Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Baja 1000 and Bathurst 1000.
To date, Rossi has gathered 97 Top 10 finishes, including 52 Top 5s and 30 podiums. The famed racer also celebrated a new milestone last year — becoming a father to his son, Ben, with his wife, Kelly.
Mayor Foster served two terms as Mayor of Long Beach from 2006 to 2014 through the worst economic downturn the City had seen since the Great Depression. Foster utilized his previous leadership experience as President of Southern California Edison and Chief of Staff for the Senate Public Utilities and the Transit and Energy Committee to navigate the instability the City faced. Under his leadership, the City achieved its first budget surplus in 14 years and the lowest violent crime rates seen in more than four decades.
Beyond City Hall, Foster’s impact was also significant. After he left office, the widely respected leader and dedicated public servant continued to serve Long Beach on local nonprofit and community boards. His unwavering support for the Grand Prix of Long Beach helped strengthen the city's role as a premier racing destination.
Mayor Foster, who passed away in November 2025 at age 78, was admired for his sharp wit, authenticity and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Mayor Foster’s wife, Nancy Foster, will accept the honor on her late husband’s behalf.
