Track Construction Begins For Grand Prix Of Long Beach
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Construction of a temporary racetrack began Tuesday in preparation for the 40th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach .
The construction of the 1.97-mile temporary track is expected to take about 60 days. Roughly 1,400 concrete blocks will be used to form the temporary racetrack, debris fencing and grandstand seating.
"What that does is it encompasses this whole area downtown and creates an attractive venue to come watch the race," Jim Michaelian, CEO of the Toyota Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, said.
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster joined Michaelian for the start of construction.
"What we do is we build a circuit that is safe for the competitors and for the fans that come, and will afford the racers the chance to compete on our two-mile circuit here," Michaelian said.
The Toyota Grand Pix of Long Beach is expected to draw nearly 200,000 fans from April 11-13.
The event will feature the IndyCar Series, Pro/Celebrity Race, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, Pirelli World Challenge, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks and the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge.
Tickets are available at gplb.com.
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