Thursday was a memorable day for two time winner of The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Alexander Rossi, as his induction into the Motorsports Walk of Fame solidified him as a motorsports legend.
Cheers and congratulations could be heard during the unveiling of Alexander’s bronze plaque that was placed with others who also contributed to the history of racing.
The bronze plaque marked Alexander’s induction and the late Long Beach mayor Bob Foster, also got inducted and got his own plaque for his contributions to the city’s racing heritage during his time as mayor in 2006 through 2014.
Alexander Rossi’s achievements reach farther than the shores of Long Beach, having won 8 IndyCar Series races, most notably the 2016 Indianapolis 500 as a rookie.
Pieter Rossi, Alexander’s father, recognized his son’s achievements that contributed to him being awarded his bronze plaque at the Walk located in front of the Long Beach convention center.
“By the time he was 13 he had won multiple national titles and he went on to race cars at 14, he was a former BMW world champion at 17, got his Formula 1 license then moved to Europe, and pursued his F1 dream,” Pieter said.
Pieter noted that even though Alexander’s goals were to begin with Formula 1, which Alexander later did reach, Rossi’s IndyCar journey worked out in the end.
“I knew he was very talented probably four years into go karting because of what he accomplished at a young age, it was pretty spectacular. But you never know where it’s going to take you, his goal wasn’t with IndyCar it was with Formula 1, which he reached it but he reached it at the wrong time,” Pieter said.
“Everything’s got timing in sport and in life,” Pieter added.
Many of Alexander’s supporters came out for the ceremony and noted how deserving he was of his accomplishment. Among them was a close friend of the Rossi family, Joseph Zammuto.
IndyCar racer Alexander Rossi delivers a speech during the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame Ceremony on Thursday at the Pike, where he was recognized and inducted. (Jayleen Vasquez)
“He was always focused and always driven, he made a lot of sacrifices. You can’t get there without sacrifices,” Zammuto said.
Another supporter in attendance came from Santa Ana, and has been a motorsports fan since childhood.
He agreed that Alexander was worthy of his spot in the Walk of Fame and highlighted his wins in the Long Beach Grand Prix, and overall.
“Well first of all, he won this race twice in a row. His accomplishments from the get go when he came into Indycar, he’s just been a stand out,” The fan Scott Richards said.
Bob Foster’s son, Kenneth Foster, accepted his father’s award and delivered a speech on his behalf.
During the ceremony, Alexander recognized former president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach Jim Michaelian during his speech.
“He was such an amazing supporter of every one of us as drivers for this event, it meant so much to him and the success that it is now wouldn’t exist without him,” Alexander said.
The unveiling ceremony for Alexander Rossi and late mayor Bob Foster’s bronze plaque served as recognition and remembrance for their contributions and accomplishments to the world of motorsport racing.
The event brought together community and loved ones to honor the lasting impact both have made to the city and the sport.
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