“For 25 years, we’ve hosted a series that has given our fans countless great racing thrills,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach CEO Jim Michaelian, “We plan on using the weekend to celebrate the many notable drivers, great cars and memorable moments that have been a hallmark of Champ Car racing here at Long Beach for a quarter-century. We’ll be honouring our past and, at the same time, setting the stage for the showcasing the unified IndyCar Series as it comes to the streets of Long Beach in 2009."
Paul Tracy and Jimmy Vasser undoubtedly headline the entry in terms of stature, both being former series champions, but may find their work cut out against drivers who have already seen action this season - and, in Vasser's case, the past couple of Champ Car seasons.
Tracy returns with the Forsythe Pettit team that confirmed him for 2008, then promptly shut up shop following unification. The atmosphere in the Canadian's section of the paddock could be tense, however, as Forsythe has so far refused to release him from his contract to pursue a ride either in the IRL or, at least, in the Indianapolis 500. Look for the 'Thrill from West Hill' to try and prove a point at a circuit that has dealt him a number of challenges in the past.
Vasser, meanwhile, comes out of retirement for one last run in a Champ Car, joining Oriol Servia and Will Power in a three-car KV Racing Technology line-up on the streets of his home state. Servia and Power both have more recent CCWS experience, having raced last season, and have shown their mettle on the streets of St Petersburg in the team's Dallara-Hondas.
“I don’t expect to be fighting for the victory, having been out of the car for two years, but it will be a lot of fun and a great honour to take part in the Champ Car World Series’ final race,” Vasser insisted, “It will also be great to compete one more time in front of all the southern California fans that have been so supportive of me throughout my career.”
