Day 2 of Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach gets underway

Day 2 of the Grand Prix of Long Beach is officially underway, with thousands lining up to get glimpse of the event’s thrilling offerings on Saturday, April 20.

The 49th iteration of the city’s biggest annual event is expected to draw close to 200,000 people during its three-day weekend, from Friday to Sunday, April 19-21.

Gates to the Grand Prix opened at 7:30 a.m., with the first event, the Historical IndyCar Challenge practice run, scheduled for 15 minutes later.

The remainder of Saturday’s line-up will feature a slew of exciting races, including the first Historic IndyCar Challenge, IndyCar qualifying, the IMSA Sportscar Grand Prix, Formula Drift and more.

The vintage IndyCars have been a big draw for new and old racing fans alike — with many attendees at the first day of the Grand Prix on Friday voicing their excitement to see the historic cars back on the track.

Off the track, there’s tons more to do as well.

There’s the lifestyle expo, with more than 100 retailers featuring automotive, home, recreation, travel and entertainment products. It’s also a great place to get an air-conditioned break from the outside.

You can also check out exotic cars, try out some delicious food and even imbibe a drink or two.

There are also some new things to check out this year, aside from the aforementioned Historic IndyCar Challenge races, including a new simulator at the lifestyle expo, in which you can race around Long Beach’s iconic street course.

Day 2 festivities will finish off with the Grand Prix’s annual Saturday night concert – though this year’s show will have a country twist.

The concert, which will kick off at 6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Theater plaza, will feature country stars Eddie Montgomery, Gretchen Wilson, David Lee Murphy and the band Sixwire.

It’s free for ticket holders.

To learn everything you need to about attending the Grand Prix, click here. For the rest of our Grand Prix coverage, go here.

Source: Orange County Register