First Formula One street race in Long Beach and the first new F1 calendar addition since 1973, won by Clay Regazzoni for Ferrari.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Clay Regazzoni (Ferrari 312T)
- Winning margin
- 42 seconds over Niki Lauda
- Third place
- Patrick Depailler (Tyrrell 007)
- Race distance
- 260 km
- Number of laps
- 80
- Circuit length
- 3.251 km
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Organizers sought to expand Formula One's presence in North America by introducing a street circuit race in Long Beach, California. It was the first new race added to the F1 calendar since the Brazilian and Swedish Grands Prix joined in 1973, and only the second F1 race ever held in California.
On March 28, 1976, the 1976 United States Grand Prix West was held over 80 laps of the 3.251-kilometre Long Beach Street Circuit, constituting the third round of the 1976 Formula One season. Swiss driver Clay Regazzoni drove his Ferrari 312T to victory, finishing 42 seconds ahead of teammate Niki Lauda, with Patrick Depailler third in a Tyrrell 007.
Regazzoni's dominant victory gave Ferrari a strong result in the early 1976 season, while points leader Niki Lauda finished second, maintaining his championship position. The race established Long Beach as a fixture on the Formula One calendar and helped grow the sport's audience in the United States.