The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will open up its track to the public on Tuesday, April 7 from 11:30am to 1pm during the third annual “Grand Prix View,” during which the community is invited to walk, bike, rollerskate or even push a stroller along the course where IndyCar drivers will speed by at over 180 miles per hour the following week. No motorized vehicles will be allowed. Animals are not permitted, with the exception of service animals.
“This free event is a great opportunity to get some exercise, socialize with friends and co-workers, and experience the race track from the perspective of some of the pre-eminent race car drivers in the world,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.
People can travel at their own pace while checking out the tire tracks and other sights of one of the most famous street courses in the world. The Grand Prix View will cover 1.5 miles of the course and travel in the same direction as the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which draws approximately 170,000 spectators, according to the City of Long Beach.
“I encourage the community to come out and enjoy this great experience,” said Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal. “The Grand Prix View is a fun and unique way to enjoy one of our city’s signature events.”
The Grand Prix View is an Open Streets event, which promotes the pursuit of innovative strategies to achieve environmental, social, economic, and public health goals. By repurposing streets for cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users, cities are encouraged to consider other ways streets can be used.
On Saturday, June 6, another Open Street event will occur in Long Beach. Beach Streets Uptown will open up Atlantic Avenue for walking, bicycling and socializing, by temporarily closing the street to vehicle traffic from 9am to 4pm. The event will stretch from Harding Avenue to Wardlow Road.
For the Grand Prix View, the entrance point for the public to access the track is at Hart Place and Seaside Way, just south of Ocean Boulevard. Parking is available for a fee at the Terrace parking structure.
For more information, including a map showing parking and entrance points, visit beachstreets.com or call (562) 570-3150.
Source: City of LB
