Firestone Returns as Presenting Sponsor of RRDC Evening with Derek Bell MBE in Long Beach on April 16, 2026

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (November 11, 2025) – Firestone returns as presenting sponsor of the Road Racing Drivers Club annual legends dinner in Long Beach, California, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The 2026 gala, held in advance of the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, will honor Derek Bell MBE, whose racing career is one of the most successful, diverse and wide-ranging of any British racing driver.

The "Evening with Derek Bell MBE" is the RRDC's 16th banquet honoring auto racing's most influential leaders. This is Firestone's 15th year as presenting sponsor of the RRDC gala, and the brand has been affiliated with the Grand Prix of Long Beach for almost three decades.

The dinner and gala will be held at the Westin Long Beach Hotel at 333 E. Ocean Blvd., the Thursday before the start of the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the fifth race of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 

Derek Bell MBE. (Image courtesy of Derek Bell Archives)

All proceeds of the dinner will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation, which supports the RRDC’s SAFEisFAST initiative.

Tickets may be purchased on the RRDC web site https://rrdc.org/events/. All are welcome. This event is expected to sell out, so early reservations are recommended.

“As Firestone celebrates 125 years of innovation and excellence, we’re honored to support this annual event recognizing the legends of motorsport,” said Lisa Boggs, Director, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. “Our long-standing partnership with the RRDC and support of The Mark Donohue Foundation and the SAFEisFAST initiative reflect the commitment to motorsports that started with our founder, Harvey Firestone. Our sincere congratulations to Derek Bell on being this year’s deserving honoree.”

"Having Firestone support the RRDC Long Beach dinner for 15 years is a true privilege," said RRDC President Bobby Rahal. "And there is no one more deserving to be recognized for his outstanding achievements in our sport than Derek Bell MBE. As a longtime friend and fellow racer, I'm proud to represent the RRDC in honoring him."

Rahal added, "Firestone has an unrivaled heritage in motorsports dating back to the first Indy 500® in 1911. We always welcome Firestone's support, and salute the brand's long-standing success and contributions to the sport."

Bell is best-known as the consummate endurance sports car driver who won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times, the Daytona 24 Hours three times and the World Sports Car Championship twice.

At the height of his career, in the 1980s and early '90s, he was one of the top sports car and endurance race-car drivers in the world, achieving no fewer than 16 outright victories in the World Endurance Championship and 19 in the IMSA Camel GT Championship – a total of 35 wins in seven years.

In 1986, Bell was awarded the MBE for services to motorsport and in 2012 was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and in 2013 the Le Mans 24 Hours Drivers Hall of Fame.

Splitting his time between homes in the U.K. and the U.S., Bell can still be seen at the world's major automotive and motorsport events. He has never officially stopped racing, and still enjoys carrying out demos at historic races.

In previous years, the RRDC has honored Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Brian Redman, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, George Follmer, Emerson Fittipaldi, Johnny Rutherford. David Hobbs, Rick Mears, Jacky Ickx and Sir Jackie Stewart. In 2025, to celebrate The Grand Prix of Long Beach's 50th anniversary, the RRDC, in cooperation with the GPLB, honored Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Brian Redman.

These RRDC galas are acknowledged as highlights of the auto-racing social calendar, drawing fans and luminaries from all forms of motorsports.

About Firestone Racing:

Firestone is the exclusive tire supplier of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including the iconic Indianapolis 500®, and the highest tier of its development series, INDY NXT by Firestone. Firestone is also the Official Tire of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Built on a foundation of innovation, durability, and dependability, Firestone Firehawk™ race tires are engineered to meet the extreme demands of open-wheel racing and have delivered trusted performance for INDYCAR champions for more than a century.



Firestone views motorsports as the ultimate proving ground for innovation. It is committed to using racing as a mobile lab to accelerate the use of experimental materials and technologies that help support Firestone’s goal of a more sustainable future for mobility, both on and off the racetrack.

About the RRDC:

The Road Racing Drivers Club was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both amateur and professional levels. The Club's membership includes leading industry professionals, race officials and motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names.

In 2011, the RRDC launched a free on-line training seminar – www.SAFEisFAST.com – featuring RRDC members and other industry experts in high-quality videos covering subjects from physical and mental preparation to driving techniques, driver safety to car setup and sponsorship. The videos are updated regularly. Each week, a professional from the world of motor racing answers readers' questions on the site in a feature called 'Ask a Pro.' Bobby Rahal is President, John Fergus is Vice President/Treasurer and John Clagett is Secretary. The RRDC presents three annual awards: the Phil Hill Award, the Mark Donohue Award, and the Bob Akin Award. Membership in the RRDC is by invitation only. Additional information on the organization may be found at www.rrdc.org.

Article By: Judy Stropus

Firestone Returns as Presenting Sponsor of RRDC Celebration of 50 Years of the Grand Prix of Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (February 24, 2025) – Firestone returns as presenting sponsor of the expanded Road Racing Drivers Club annual legends dinner in Long Beach, California, on Thursday, April 10. The 2025 gala will celebrate the 50 years of racing on the streets of Long Beach, California, and will honor Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Brian Redman – legendary drivers from the Grand Prix's rich history.

The "RRDC Celebration of 50 Years of the Grand Prix of Long Beach Presented by Firestone" is the RRDC's 15th banquet honoring auto racing's most influential leaders and iconic events. This is Firestone's 14th year as presenting sponsor of the RRDC gala, and the brand has been affiliated with the Grand Prix of Long Beach for almost three decades.

The dinner and gala will be held at a new venue – the Westin Long Beach Hotel at 333 E. Ocean Blvd. – one day before the start of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the third race of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

All proceeds of the dinner will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation, which supports the RRDC’s SAFEisFAST initiative, and the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, which supports charities in the Long Beach area. The Foundation’s proceeds from the gala will go to Long Beach City College’s Automotive Technology Program.

Tickets may be purchased on the RRDC web site rrdc.org. All are welcome. This event is expected to sell out, so early reservations are recommended.

"Having Firestone support the RRDC Long Beach dinner for more than a decade is a true privilege," said RRDC President Bobby Rahal. "This year's gala is very special, as it celebrates the 50 years that racing has taken place annually on the streets of this great port city.

"Firestone has an unrivaled heritage in motorsports dating back to the first Indy 500® in 1911. We always welcome Firestone's support, and salute the brand's long-standing success and contributions to the sport."

“Each year, the Road Racing Drivers Club event is a highlight of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “And this year is especially meaningful as we join with the RRDC in honoring three true legends of the sport—Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Brian Redman. Their contributions to Long Beach motorsports history have inspired generations of drivers and fans alike, and we are thrilled to celebrate their incredible legacies during this special evening."

In previous years, the RRDC has honored individual icons of the sport: Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Brian Redman, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, George Follmer, Emerson Fittipaldi, Johnny Rutherford. David Hobbs, Rick Mears, Jacky Ickx and Sir Jackie Stewart. These RRDC galas are acknowledged as highlights of the auto-racing social calendar, drawing fans and luminaries from all forms of motorsports.

About Firestone Racing: The Firestone brand has participated in world-class motorsports events for more than a century, and racing has played an integral role in building and shaping Firestone into the time-tested, iconic brand it is today. Harvey Firestone, the brand's founder and a pioneer of sports marketing, was one of the first to use racing as the ultimate proving ground for his tires. Ever since Ray Harroun's Firestone-equipped Marmon Wasp won the inaugural Indianapolis 500® in 1911, Firestone has worked to constantly evolve and advance race tire technology. Overall, Firestone tires have carried the winner of the Indy 500 to victory circle 75 times - more than double all other tire manufacturers combined. Firestone has served as INDYCAR's sole tire supplier since 2000, and the brand's on-track success translates to durable, dependable performance and uncompromising quality on the open road.

About the RRDC: The Road Racing Drivers Club was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both amateur and professional levels. The Club's membership includes leading industry professionals, race officials and motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names.

In 2011, the RRDC launched a free on-line training seminar – www.SAFEisFAST.com – featuring RRDC members and other industry experts in high-quality videos covering subjects from physical and mental preparation to driving techniques, driver safety to car setup and sponsorship. The videos are updated regularly. Each week, a professional from the world of motor racing answers readers' questions on the site in a feature called 'Ask a Pro.' Bobby Rahal is President, John Fergus is Vice President/Treasurer and John Clagett is Secretary. The RRDC presents three annual awards: the Phil Hill Award, the Mark Donohue Award, and the Bob Akin Award. Membership in the RRDC is by invitation only. Additional information on the organization may be found at www.rrdc.org.

About the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrates its 50th anniversary April 11-13, 2025, and is North America’s longest-running street race. Hosting more than 190,000 people over its three-day weekend, the Acura Grand Prix is second only to the Indianapolis 500 in popularity on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar. Five additional racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, compete during the weekend which also includes a variety of off-the-track activities such as concerts, a Lifestyle Expo, an exotic car show and more. For more information, visit gplb.com.

About the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach: The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, since its inception in 1991, has donated more than $4.2 million to Southern California charities. In addition, the Foundation donates tickets and hospitality packages to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and tickets to the Foundation’s “Grand Prix Charity Days” events to charitable and civic organizations to assist them in their fundraising efforts or, in some cases, to bring the physically or mentally challenged to a “day at the races.” For more information, visit gpflb.com.

Article By: Judy Stropus

Gorsline Company Announces 2025 Scholarship Candidates

Braselton, Ga., October 11, 2024 – The Gorsline Company is proud to announce the three exceptional candidates for this year’s prestigious Gorsline Scholarship in racing, which recognizes and rewards young drivers who display exceptional talent and a professional respect for motorsports. This announcement, which celebrates the future of motorsports and the remarkable talents of young racers, will take place during the IMSA Petit Le Mans race weekend at Road Atlanta, October 9-13.

Since its inception in 1994, the Gorsline Scholarship has honored outstanding individuals in the racing community, with previous winners including renowned names like Danica Patrick, Josef Newgarden, Conor Daly, Katherine Legge, Patrick Long, Bryan Herta, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., to name a few.

This year, the spotlight shines on three dynamic women racers, all of whom are poised to become future champions in the sport. The recipient of the scholarship will be revealed at the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2025.

Kelsey Pinkowski: A member of the Kiwi Crosslink Formula 4 team, Kelsey recently showcased her talent by finishing 2nd at the Watkins Glen SVRA after starting from 7th. Coached by Nic Jonsson, she balances her racing career with her studies in Global Business Management at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she also serves as the Business Associate for RIT’s successful Formula SAE team.

Isabella Robusto: A rising star in the ARCA Menards series with an impressive 10 starts and 6 top ten finishes this season, Isabella began her racing journey at just 5 years old. She is a member of the Toyota Racing Development Program and holds the record for being the youngest driver selected for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program (at age 12). Currently, she is an Aeronautical Engineering major at Arizona State University, having graduated high school a year early.

Lexy Barlow: Demonstrating exceptional race craft and determination, Lexy is advancing through the ranks and has competed in various vintage races. Currently working as a project manager in Norwalk, CT, Lexy embodies the spirit of the Gorsline Company’s mission to support emerging talents in motorsports.

“The Gorsline Company has been committed to the motorsports community for decades, and supporting the next generation of racers is at the heart of our mission,” said John Gorsline, principal of the Gorsline Company. “I am very proud and filled with gratitude about the ability to help these future champions in any way I can. God Bless them. And it’s an honor to spotlight these talented women who exemplify the spirit of competition and dedication to the sport when we present the 25th selection of the award next March at Sebring.”

About the Gorsline Company:
Headquartered in Rochester, NY, the Gorsline Company has been a pioneer in providing insurance for high-risk professionals in motorsports for nearly 50 years. With a focus on custom-designed insurance solutions and estate planning for drivers and team owners, Gorsline has supported some of the top names in racing. The company also awards the Gorsline Scholarship annually to aspiring drivers who display exceptional talent and professionalism, furthering its commitment to the motorsports community.

CONTACT:
John Crofts Gorsline
The Gorsline Company Inc.
2 Eagle Street
Rochester, NY 14608
(585) 232-3725 office
(585) 423-2212 fax
(704) 907-9058 worldwide cell
johng@gorsline.com
gorsline.com