Fans flock to Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach for fast cars, food, fun

Under a bright blue sky and to the roar of engines, thousands of racing fans attended the opening day of the 42nd aual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, either watching the competition on the track, or taking in cold drinks, live bands and hand-crafted munchies.

Larry Schaffer, who has attended the Grand Prix since 1978, matter-of-factly summed up the fan experience, after finishing a meal near the food trucks stationed behind Grandstand 31.

“I like the racing,” Schaffer said. “And it’s kinda nice to walk around.”

• PHOTOS: Fans have a good time at the Grand Prix

There’s lots to see this weekend, if walking around is your thing. The Lifestyle Expo features more than 130 exhibitors with the latest automotive, home, recreation, travel and entertainment products and services.

Want to know more about radio-controlled cars? Ask Ashley and Kimberly, the friendly supermodels of Traxxas, “the fastest name in radio control.” And there’s plenty of racing gear and trinkets to buy, including helmets and jerseys and key chains and caps.

Indeed, the Grand Prix is a racing bazaar, so bring lots of cash and expect to be hit up by vendors as you stroll the grounds.

• PHOTOS: Celebrity drivers tune up for the final LBGP celebrity race

But the people are friendly, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with merchants and other fans. Or, simply chat up guys like Dan Price, a trucker from Illinois who drove his $600,000 Mercedes rig out to the west coast for Optima Batteries and parked it in the Lifestyle Expo inside the convention center.

Sitting on a couch inside his rig, with a TV and refrigerator nearby, Price waxed long about the trucking life, “hammering down” on the highway and attending various races and automotive events. He lives on the road full time, more or less, and can watch races from on top of his truck.

“And if I waa stay in a KOA for two weeks, and swim in their pool, I can,” Price said.

If you work up an appetite during the Grand Prix, check out the food trucks. You’ll find Kona coffee ice cream sandwiches, Peking duck fries, and belly-filling items from Long Beach-area trucks, such as the buffalo chicken tater tots from Oh My Gaga.

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Pho King Awesome food truck served up some fantastic Spicy Asian Tacos, featuring chicken, cilantro and onions. Co-owner Jason Hong said the truck has been in business for about a year, and he’s excited about the early popularity and success.

Hong suggested folks try the Pho King Noodle, with oxtail-based broth, beef brisket and beef meatballs.

“It’s different because ours is more Cambodian-style,” Hong said. “It’s beefier than the average pho.”

• PHOTOS: Practice runs for the big race

The fun continues Saturday, with the main event being the final Pro/Celebrity race featuring stars such TV host and actor Alfonso Ribeiro, actor Ricky Schroder and comedian/actor Adam Carolla.

Sunday’s main event is at 1:30 p.m., the third race of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series.

Gates both days open at 7 a.m.