For a racing fan like myself, this list could easily extend to at least 20—if I had to ballpark it.  But I realize that not all sports fans are auto fans—a travesty in itself—so I’ll keep this brief and leave you with five surefire reasons that you won’t want to miss this year’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

History

The Long Beach Grand Prix enters its 34th year this weekend, still standing as the nation’s longest-running road race.  That’s quite a feat in itself, but history takes on a different meaning when you consider all of the great names and marques that have made their way down Shoreline over the years.  I’m talking Gurney, Rahal, Andretti, Redman, Villenueve, Lauda, Unser, Zanardi, Castroneves, Buerdais, etc. etc. etc.  It’s really not even funny.  The race is dripping with prestige and it’s nickname—the Monaco Grand Prix of the US—gives it instant worldwide recognition and credibility.

Variety

This year there are six different kinds of races, from open-wheel to Le Mans to drifting, ensuring that there will truly be something for everyone.  The ear-splitting rattle of the Champ cars, the shattering roar of the Corvettes and the plumes of smoke from drifters’ donuts—the Long Beach Grand Prix embodies not only everything good about racing but everything good about car culture in general.

The Senses

I suppose you can bring earplugs if you like, but hundreds of Italian manufacturers worked tirelessly to painstakingly craft that Ferrari F430GT engine by hand so that you could enjoy its exhaust note, and even if you have trouble hearing for the next few days, it’s best to leave your ears vulnerable and appreciate the sweet, sweet assault of a Ferrari V8.  Gosh-darnett, it’s just polite—honor their work and hear it the way it was intended to be heard!  Throw in the sight of 180mph, the smell of rubber and octane, and the taste of Tecate and you’ve got the equivalent of hitting for the cycle.

History

I know I already said history, but this is a different kind.  The Champ Car Series’ appearance as the Long Beach Grand Prix’s main event is now history, or will be after this weekend.  Champ and IRL finally completed their historic merger after more than a decade, and from now on the LBGP will be an IRL event.  So here’s your last chance to get out and see that beautiful Panoz chassis before being inundated with the homologation of the IRL next year (P.S. That was a little harsh, I’m very much in favor of the merger).  As an added bonus—and not to jinx the kid, but…—Graham Rahal is coming off an IRL victory two weeks ago and performed impressively in last year’s LBGP.  Could the son of a Long Beach racing legend be ripe for the winner’s circle?  Do you want to miss the chance to witness history?

The Party

Races are one big party.  There is no debating this.  It is a scientific fact.  It’s the rock n’ roll party, the BBQ & beer party, the sporting event party and the family party all rolled into one.  There is plenty of fun and a whole lot of debauchery to be had, but spend a few hours just walking around the grounds and count how many father/son tandems you see, enjoying the race.  It brings people together.  There’s no better excuse.

See you there.