Chris Pook, founder of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and pioneer of modern street course racing in North America, will receive the prestigious Bob Russo Heritage Award at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America's (MSHFA) 37th Induction Ceremony on March 11, 2025. Pook will also serve as Honorary Chair at the ceremony, held at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

The Bob Russo Heritage Award, MSHFA's second-highest honor, recognizes significant contributions to motorsports. Pook joins an elite group of just 17 recipients in the Hall's four-decade history.

Pook's vision transformed Long Beach from a struggling port town into a premier racing destination. After watching the Monaco Grand Prix in 1973, he conceived the idea of bringing Formula 1 street racing to Long Beach. With support from racing legend Dan Gurney, Pook organized a successful Formula 5000 proving race in 1975, followed by the first Formula 1 event in 1976.

The race gained international attention when Mario Andretti won in 1977. In 1984, Pook transitioned the event to CART and Indy cars due to rising F1 costs. Toyota's title sponsorship from 1981 to 2019 helped establish the race as IndyCar's second most prestigious event after the Indianapolis 500.

"It will be with great humility and considerable pride that I will accept this dual honor," said Pook, acknowledging the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Long Beach Grand Prix. He credited the success to numerous supporters, particularly the late Dan Gurney and the entire Long Beach community.

The 2025 MSHFA class includes notable inductees Skip Barber, Miguel Duhamel, Carl Haas, Ed Iskenderian, Dale Jarrett, Tony Schumacher, Bill Stroppe, Louie Unser, and William K. Vanderbilt. The two-day induction celebration culminates in the black-tie gala on March 11.

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