Photos by Patagonia/VisualSolutions
The annual pilgrimage to downtown Long Beach is this weekend for the Grand Prix. Since 1975 the streets of the coastal city have been one of the world's premier motorsports events. The Acura Garand Prix of Long Beach is one of the best California events that combine the roar of engines and multiple opportunities for a family to have a great day.
With the Pacific Ocean, Queen Mary, Convention Center, and the Aquarium of the Pacific as backgrounds, the races take on a different note.
The premier single-seater racing series in the USA, Indycar, is the main event. These cars go over 200 mph as they run through shoreline dr. With more than 800 HP and special bodywork, these cars look more like jets than cars. Names like Andretti, Castro Neves, Rossi, Sato are known worldwide. This event allows you to meet them face to face and get their autograph.
The IMSA series also races through the streets this weekend. These cars race long-distance races, like the 24 hours of Daytona and 12 hours of Sebring. This time is just a stint but enough to feel what these machines can do. Many racecars are based on production cars like Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and the like.
One more reason why to go this weekend is to see the wildest of races: the Formula D and Super Drift series. Cars race sideways through the corners and get pints for how close they get to the wall. Tires burning and squealing earn additional points too.
Jim Michaelian did not forget that this is a family event; thus there are activities for children and teens in addition to an expo inside the convention center.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach runs Saturday and Sunday. It is one of those California bucket list things to do. See you there.
www.lbpg.com
by LABest Editor Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
