The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend got off to a soaring start yesterday with Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets.

The free event marks the start of the race weekend with stunt motorcycles and freestyle motocross demonstrations, which took over Shoreline Drive with a pit stop competition.

Gates are now open for today’s Grand Prix events, which include practice runs and Formula D Super Drift Challenge Competition #1. The races will culminate with the main event—the 85-lap NTT IndyCar series race—getting underway at 12:45 p.m. Sunday.

A stunt cycle does air tricks on Shoreline Drive for Thunder Thursday at the Pike for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photos by Jose Cordon.

The pit stop competition gets heated up with Mexican driver Pato O’Ward on Shoreline Drive for Thunder Thursday at the Pike for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photos by Jose Cordon.
Race cars are lined up at the Pike for Thunder Thursday of Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach Thursday, April 7, 2022.
The Emerald Street Band performs as they entertain the crowd on Thunder Thursday at the Pike for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photos by Jose Cordon.
Stunt cycles take to the streets of Shoreline Drive on Thunder Thursday at the Pike for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photos by Jose Cordon.