11:30am | Despite the rain this morning, the ever-familiar sounds of race cars filled the air of Long Beach this morning as the Grand Prix practice runs got off to a start with some cars reaching speeds of 170mph. In its history, it has never rained on the Grand Prix but there might be a slight chance and if so, racers are prepared. Rain will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the race — literally and figuratively — since the tires would change from slick racing to tires to grooved tires, shifting the drivers’ skill to a different set of gears.

Nonetheless, come rain or shine, the race goes on. And this Long Beach staple is a key social event for the city — not to mention its largest, with over 170,000 racing revelers invading in on Shoreline Drive and the city. With its national TV and media coverage, the Grand Prix acts as a marketing megaphone that introduces Long Beach to the country at large. 

And even more importantly, it’s a tradition that is deeply rooted in Long Beach. In its 38th year, the cars on the track of the Long Beach Grand Prix have changed over the years — from Formula 5000 to Indy Cars, through CART to IndyCar Series sanctions — but the celebration of racing itself remains unaltered, respected amongst racers and fans alike. 

Though six races occur throughout the weekend, the big event is the IndyCar race this Sunday at 1:30pm. Whether you’re a devout fan or just visiting, here are the names you gotta know to keep your racin’ skills intact:

  • Sebastien Bourdais: This three-time LBGP winner has a major setback this year: his engine didn’t pass IndyBook regulations, setting him back 10 spots in violation.
  • Helio Castroneves: The Brazilian racer won the LBGP in 2001 and holds three Indianapolis 500 wins. He leads the IndyCar Series point standings after winning the season opener at St. Petersburg as well as taking podium at the Barber Motorsports Park race.
  • Mike Conway: This young Brit would have finished second in last year’s Grand Prix — except his main competitor (Ryan Hunter-Reay) had major mechanical issues that led Conway to easily win the title. This AJ Foyt Racing teammember hopes to seal the top spot again this year.
  • James Hinchcliffe: This Rookie of the Year at last year’s LBGP is gaining notoriety, having finished in the top 10 in two major races this year. However, like Bourdais, his engine didn’t pass inspection and he is set 10 spots back.
  • Ryan Hunter-Reay: Winner of the 2010 LBGP and losing 2011 only due to mechanical issues, this Andretti Team member is determined to not let that get in the way this year. 
  • Will Power: This LBGP native is the winner of the 2008 race under Walker Racing. This year, he took an impressive victory on the Barber road course with the Penske Team, which he has been with since 2009. 
  • Scott Dixon:Honda’s top racer, teamed with Target Chip Ganassi Racing, finished second in both St. Petersburg and Barber, lying behind Castroneves by only two points.

CORRECTION: It was originally reported that Castroneves had two Indianapolis 500 wins; he has three. It also originally stated that Power changed to the Penske this year when he became part of the team in 2011.