On this Day: 1983 - Watson's Record Breaking Drive

On this day in 1983, John Watson won the Long Beach Grand Prix. But it was the matter of the victory that entered the history books.

Watson began the race in 22nd place on the grid, with his McLaren teammate Niki Lauda behind him in 23rd after a disastrous qualifying for the pair.

However, Watson finished the race nearly half a minute ahead of the pack which was headed by Lauda.

Lauda himself may have won the race if it wasn’t for cramp in his right leg which worsened throughout the race.

Watson’s victory in Long Beach is down in history for being the driver who has come from the furthest back on the grid to win a Grand Prix.

The second race of the 1983 season also brought Venezuela’s first F1 points, with Johnny Cecotto of Theodore-Ford finishing 6th.

McLaren’s 1-2 in Long Beach did not influence the end of season standing with Ferrari winning both the Constructor and Driver’s Championship with Nelson Piquet winning his second world championship.

Unfortunately for F1 fans in Long Beach, the race in 1983 was the last F1 Grand Prix, with F1 being replaced by the Champ Car World Series in 1984.