The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach has announced that Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves will be honored with induction to the city’s Walk of Fame in ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday April 12, preceding this year’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Colombian Montoya (left, above) and Brazilian Castroneves (right, above, photo courtesy of Acura Motorsports) were victorious in the Long Beach streets in 1999 and 2001, respectively, and this year will be part of the weekend’s festivities racing the Penske Acuras in Saturday’s feature race for IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Challenge. Castroneves also won the Long Beach Indy Lights race in 1997, and is a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. Montoya has won Indianapolis twice and posted seven Formula One victories, as well being crowned CART Indycar National Champion in 1999.
The public is invited to attend the 13th annual Walk of Fame induction ceremony, which will be held on South Pine Avenue in front of the Convention Center. Admission to the ceremony is free.
“It is entirely appropriate that we recognize these two racing legends here at Long Beach this year,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “They have excelled in their performances both here and around the world, and this year return to Long Beach both driving sports cars for Team Penske.”
The Walk of Fame medallions include renditions of the racers’ Long Beach-winning cars, as well as listing their major achievements in motorsports. For further information, please visit www.lbmotorsportswof.com
