The Long Beach Grand Prix was this past weekend! Did you feel the race fever? You know? The fever: The roar of race cars, the leather racing jackets, the 30 year old hair cuts and the checkered flag bikinis, the beer in hand fanatics of the sport, the warm breeze and more loud sports cars whizzing by a cluster of race fans. That’s the FEVER!
Being at the Toyota Grand prix isn’t something you should read about, its something you should experience with your own hands (banners/beer/hotdogs) and ears (music/screeching tires/loud speakers announcing), and eyes! (you can only imagine what you can see…if you have no imagination…scroll down for my photos).
Heres my first hand experience:
I slipped 90 cents into the bus payment slot and was on my way. (community transit bus’ allow you to avoid $25 parking fees and miles of traffic.) I walked right into the gates and began enjoying the race spirit (or fever as I call it) Loud engines, beer booths, free promo gear everywhere! The warm southern california air in your face, camera in hand and people all around, it feels like a festival of car enthusiasts. Look around for a racing buffet for the eyes, chances are, you won’t look for long. Yes, this year’s Grand prix is over, but get ready for next year, it’ll be on us in an
instant (Along with back to school and christmas) So next year, grab some tickets, your favorite energetic friends, a bus pass and I’ll see you at the next Long Beach Grand Prix!
Don’t forget to take a break from the sun and go into the performing arts center to see some amazing cars on display, chances to win big prizes and get your photo taken with real race cars.
Below are images I took to give my readers a view from “The outside looking in” I didn’t have a press pass, I didn’t have credentials (like I should have) I had my own camera, friends in tow and the fever to experience Southern California racing!
Enjoy.
Drew Lechey was one of the celebrity drivers. Other Notable celebs were John Salley (He’s 6’10” how did he fit in that little race car?) Wilmer Valdarama & Jaime Little (She ended up winning the race!)
Racing through Downtown Long Beach isn’t illegal during this weekend
Got to have a beer when watching racing in the hot sun!
Toyota Grand-Prix. These stands filled up in seconds!
Sound tunnel crossing the racetrack
These drivers are amazing!
What did I say about racing jackets and 30 year-old hair styles? It’s the FEVER!
What a photographer does for a good view when he doesn’t have a press pass.
Feel the Fever!
The crowd was louder than the cars that roared by
The team
Long Beach Skyline and the Grand prix in full swing
Believe it or not, this Ferrari is going over 120 mph!
The tickets are worth it!