Long Beach Grand Prix events: Roar in the Shore

Residents could hear some noise coming from Belmont Shore before the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach — Roar in the Shore.

The free, fifth aual event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

“There are so many visitors the week of Grand Prix, and Belmont Shore offers race fans a chance to explore our unique seaside community,” said Dede Rossi, executive director of the Belmont Shore Business Association. “Everything that has to do with the race is downtown, so it’s nice to have the first racing event here to start off the week.”

The BSBA sponsors the event and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach brings in the cars and drivers for the evening. Race cars, exotic cars, race car drivers, as well as stunt motorcyclists and race simulators will be on hand during the event.

Three or four teams from the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach are expected to be there, Eric Johnson, Legends Sports Bar co-owner and board member of the BSBA, said.

Ferraris, Lamborghinis and a 1990s Indy Car are among those that will be showcased.

Crowd favorites will be there once again, Rossi said, including stunt motorcyclists Tony Carbajal, Joe Dryden and stunt driver Webster Whinery, Jr. performing at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Second Street and Corona Avenue.

Race car drivers will sign autograph between shows. Also back are the racing simulators, which were a hit with children, Rossi said, so they added a second one after last year’s popularity. Those will be on Second Street and Covina Avenue, she said.

The side roads will close to all traffic begiing at 11 a.m., with the south side of Corona Avenue. Then, at 3 p.m., the north and south sides of both Corona and Covina avenues will be closed. Second Street will remain open, Rossi said.

Emily Thoton is a staff writer with Gazette Newspapers. She can be reached at [email protected].