Frist Ever Free-View Thursday Gave Grand Prix a Jump Start

Another year, another weekend of exciting Grand Prix race events throughout Downtown Long Beach.  There was a brand new element to this year’s event, however, that gave the weekend its official kick-off: Free-View Thursday.

On Thursday, April 17th – a day before the traditional first race – the American Le Mans series and the EZ Lube Formula Drift/Super Lap Beetle cars ran practice laps on the Grand Prix course, offering race fans the first-ever opportunity to watch the on-track action free of charge.

At Shoreline Village, Parkers’ Lighthouse RaceMania filled the parking lot where visitors took advantage of a custom designed go-kart track to do some racing of their own. 

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s Shark Lagoon Night at the Aquarium drew record attendance with opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most dangerous predators.  At The Pike at Rainbow Harbor race fans got a first-hand look at the Formula Drift Tuner cars.

On Pine Avenue, Tecate Thunder Thursday lit up the street with live music, motorcycle demonstrations, the Red Bull motorcycle stunt riders doing acrobatic flips through the air above a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd and classic car displays and exhibits.  The main stage featured two main performances by The Red Muffin Brew and Lights, a rocking Journey tribute band.

More than 5,000 visitors are estimated to have attended Free-View Thursday events in Downtown Long Beach.  If you missed out, be sure to mark your calendars for next year!