6:45am | The main event of this weekend’s 37th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is the IndyCar race on Sunday afternoon. But the most diverse and exciting race is undoubtedly the Patron American Le Mans Series race on Saturday. The league features a wide array of sportscars that differ in appearance and performance… and that can lead to some really interesting partnerships.

Take, for example, the new marriage of Magnus Racing and sponsor Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles. The former competes a Porsche GT3 Cup car in the ALMS GTC class, while the latter is a Southern California dining legend that popularized a trend that is spreading across the nation. The Magnus Porsche, covered in Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles racing livery, will compete in a massive 31-car field this weekend.

The ALMS races four separate classes at the same time: the powerful P1 and P2 prototypes, the lower-weight spec LMPC roadsters, and slower but still very quick GT sportscars and GTC spec Porsches, like the Magnus Racing No. 077. It won’t be hard to spot.

The Magnus Racing Porsche will sport a prominent chicken superimposed onto a waffle, a familiar sight to anyone who’s traveled down Broadway in downtown Long Beach, where one of the original Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles restaurants is located. The company began in Los Angeles in 1977 as the Southland’s first 24-hour diner and has a devoted cult following. Speaking subjectively, it’s like the best chicken you’ve ever had and the best waffle you’ve ever had on the plate, together, at the same time. It’s amazing, and anyone who’s been can recite their order on command (i.e. Jeanne Jones omelette with one waffle and a Coke, please).

The growing phenomenon has spread to IHOP and even – unsuccessfully, I might add – some ballparks. But those in the know aren’ fooled by these new contenders. If Magnus Racing was trying to endear themselves to the local crowd – and associations with Pit Bull energy drinks and Long Beach’s Seabird Jazz Lounge would indicate that they are – then they couldn’t have picked a better partner.

“Roscoe’s is an institution in Long Beach,” said Craig Stanton, who will be driving the car. “It’s like a secret handshake – if you are from this area you know all about Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Everyone has been there at least once. It is a real honor to be a part of this, especially since I’m from Long Beach, and I hope the fans enjoy this as much as I am going to.”

Why? Because racecar.