timscribbles.com

Words by Matt Willis

Continuing from our earlier coverage, today’s material is from day 2 of the Long Beach Grand Prix. The weather had cleared up significantly and the track was hot all day long. When we arrived, the IZOD Indy Cars were just starting their qualifying session.

Couple of my co-workers were in the area, so they stopped by to check out the racing. On a side note, the kid in the back is wearing a 3X hoodie…

More tandem rides were being given in between races…

I stayed on track while Tim ventured off and scoped out the Lifestyle Expo, located in the convention center.

Cars from the previous week’s event, Formula D, were on display.

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Rotora’s GTR…

Oh lord…

Various LMS cars lined up…

One of the TSXs from the prior day’s Pirelli Challenge being worked on…

Meanwhile, back outside, preparations were being made in the paddock.

After making our way through the crowds, we ate lunch and then got right back out to catch the ALMS race.

A massive C-17 flew over during the national anthem.

The two narrow-to-wide turns challenged drivers as they tried to gain time on entry. Some pushed it a little too far…

When all was said and done, the #4 Corvette won the GT class. The combined efforts of drivers Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin got the car from an 18th place start to the front of the field by sunset.

…and that’s a wrap. It was a great couple of days and I am already excited to go back next year. As I mentioned before, it is a well-organized event that is kept going by tradition and community patronage. The ALMS can hold the race elsewhere if they want to…but its the dedicated fan base that keeps it there year after year. And for that – race fans – we can only thank you!    – Matt