Adults only

The 1976 United States Grand Prix West was a Formula One race held on March 28, 1976, in Long Beach, California. It was the first time the USGP West appeared on the F1 calendar, along with the long-standing autumn race at Watkins Glen, New York.

Picture above: James Hunt, Alan Jones, Harald Ertl and Mario Andretti (partially masked) seem to be interested in the ‘adults only’ movie playing next to the track, at Long Beach.

The new race’s organisers, headed by British businessman and Long Beach resident Chris Pook, could not have done a better job in their attempt to create an ‘American Monaco’.

Clay Regazzoni took an easy win, the fourth of his career, completing the Grand Chelem of pole position, fastest lap, victory and leading every lap. His team-mate Lauda finished second, 42 seconds back, and Depailler (Tyrrell 007) completed a fine recovery from a spin early on, taking third.

Picture below: Clay Regazzoni (Ferrari 312T) leading from pole position at the start from James Hunt (McLaren M23) and Patrick Depailler (Tyrrell 007).