Long Beach Grand Prix

Monaco comes to Southern California! The Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest running street race in the United States, a 1.968 mile circuit that caroms through downtown, then chicanes and hairpins its way past palm trees, the Aquarium of the Pacific and spectator-packed yachts. Begun in 1977 as a Formula One race populated with driving legends such as Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Mario Andretti, the race now runs Indy Cars, piloted by stars like Danica Patrick and Dario Franchetti. Standing at the crash guard as 20 ethanol-burning, 650 horsepower demons scream by is a gut-twisting thrill that even us go-green Metro Rail types can appreciate. In addition to the main event, race weekend features the Toyota Celebrity race, pitting major and minor notables like Keanu Reeves, Adam Carolla and Sabrina the Teenage witch against each other in customized, Toyota street rods. www.gplb.com