70s Long Beach Grand Prix 1975 Formula 5000 Racing t-shirt Small

$199.99 USD

Chest 17 in.

Length 28 in.

Content: 100% Cotton

Tag Brand: Heavy

This awesome ringer tee commemorates the inaugural running of the Long Beach Grand Prix on September 28, 1975. This was the first and only time this race was run as a Formula 5000 race because it became a Formula One race the following year. The tee features a graphic of race winner, Brian Redman's Lola T332 Chevrolet.

This was a highly anticipated race and there was a lot of excitement surrounding its outcome. Drivers Mario Andretti, Al Unser, and Tony Brise were poised to battle it out for first place on the last lap but all three suffered driveshaft issues or vehicle damage that sent them to retirement for the race. This opened the way for British driver Brian Redman to swoop in and win first place. The only other driver to complete all 50 laps on par with Redman was second place winner, Australian Vern Schuppan. This win also clinched Redman's victory as the 1975 SCCA/USAC Formula 5000 Champion.

The Long Beach Grand Prix took drivers through 2.02 miles of the newly redeveloped downtown area. In the 1970s, Long Beach was a retirement town and local authorities allegedly offered citizens along the route free weekend getaways. Apparently, very few seniors accepted the offer because they too, were as excited to watch the race as Formula 5000's younger fans.

This t-shirt fits like a modern unisex adult small. Some fading on the collar, see pics.