Toyota Grand Prix Revs Up In Long Beach, Increased Security Expected
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — More than 175,000 people are expected to come out to the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend, benefiting Racing for Kids, which helps sick children through motorsports.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports security will be significantly increased at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the open-wheel auto race through the streets of the city of nearly a half-million people.
Toyota Grand Prix Revs Up In Long Beach, Increased Security Expected
The April 19-21 event features racing from the IZOD IndyCar Series, Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Pirelli World Challenge, Robby Gordon OFF-ROAD Stadium SUPER Trucks and the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge.
But despite the recent violence in Boston, Long Beach Deputy Police Chief Robert Luna said fans have no reason to fear for their safety.
"There is no credible threat to this event here in Long Beach," said Luna, who added that some security will be highly visible and other unspecified measures "that won't be so visible."
Ticket prices for the Grand Prix range from $28 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $130 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels.
Fans and families can also take a break from the racing action at the Family Fun Zone and Lifestyle Expo.
The Family Fun Zone will be packed with enjoyable activities for kids of ALL ages, including exciting BMX and skateboarding demonstrations.
The Lifestyle Expo also features automotive displays, the Formula DRIFT cars participating in the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge and the Pirelli World Challenge paddock and garages, giving visitors a chance to meet the drivers and crews as they set up their powerful racing machinery.
The Family Fun Zone and Lifestyle Expo are open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Grand Prix, like many other large public events across the Southland, are being watched closely after the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people Monday and injured more than 170 others.
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