1983 Formula One Long Beach Grand Prix
by Walt Ottenad on Mar.27, 1983, under Auto Racing, Formula One, Long Beach Grand Prix Circuit
1983 Formula One Long Beach Grand Prix – March 23-27, 1983Images by Walt Ottenad
I attended this race starting on Wednesday, when I walked right into the F1 garage (without credentials – see if that would happen today!) and was able to see all the cars being upacked after their transit from Rio. 1981 World Champion Alan Jones came out of retirement for this race and I was able to see his first sitting in the Arrows, where he would not fit – the head mechanic used a sledgehammer to pound in the tub(!) and in a couple minutes, he fit like a glove. The race was historic for the fact that John Watson came from 22nd on the grid to win, and I came away with memories that are still vivd 30+ years later…
I also attended a test that included the Arrows and Renault teams at Willow Springs, where I was one of maybe a dozen photographers on hand. Check out that gallery for some interesting shots of what was considered “state of the art” in 1983.
I also attended a test that included the Arrows and Renault teams at Willow Springs, where I was one of maybe a dozen photographers on hand. Check out that gallery for some interesting shots of what was considered “state of the art” in 1983.
