Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe getting sideways in Long Beach

Earlier this month, Rhys Millen took to Formula Drift Long Beach to introduce his newly updated 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe racer. After securing second place during qualifying and besting Nick D'Alessio in the top 32 battle, Millen spun on his second run of the top 16 contention versus Daigo Saito. Saito was 2011's D1 Japan champion. The spin knocked Millen from a shot at the podium all the way to sixth place, where he tied with Tyler McQuarrie with a combined 64 points. With a total of six rounds left in the season, Millen and the Hyundai crew still have a shot at nabbing a championship podium finish.

Road Atlanta is next on the schedule. The sideways action gets started on May 11, so stay tuned for the results. In the meantime, you can check out the rather excellent HD video after the jump of the team's Long Beach effort, complete with about a thousand different camera angles.

Continue reading Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach

Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 genesis coupe2013 hyundai genesis coupedrift videoformula dformula d long beachformula driftgenesis coupehyundai genesis coupelong beachrhys millenvideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/20217367/article-detail.xml 20217367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/millen-at-long-beach-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/millen-at-long-beach-628.jpg <![CDATA[Adam Carolla wins Long Beach Grand Prix Celebrity/Pro race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/adam-carolla-wins-long-beach-grand-prix-celebrity-pro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/adam-carolla-wins-long-beach-grand-prix-celebrity-pro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/adam-carolla-wins-long-beach-grand-prix-celebrity-pro-race/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adam Carolla Toyota Celebrity race

Adam Carolla has thrice contested the Toyota Celebrity/Pro race held before the Long Beach Grand Prix, previously finishing third and ninth but this year taking the chequered flag in first place. After qualifying positions were set based on the last free practice times due to washout rains, Carolla started second behind Kim Coates of the F/X show Sons of Anarchy.

Three laps in, Carolla had got into the lead and crashes behind gave him some daylight. With under two laps to go, however, Hill Harper from CSI: NY had the front bumper of his Scion tC tapping Carolla's rear, but there wasn't enough time left in the race for Harper to get around.

Third place was nabbed by Toyota dealer Biff Gordon, with drifter Frederic Asabo (above left) the first professional to cross the line, in fourth.

Adam Carolla wins Long Beach Grand Prix Celebrity/Pro race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam carollacarollacelebrity pro raceFrederic Asabolong beachlong beach grand prixmotorsportstoyota celebrity raceMon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/adam-carolla-wins-long-beach-grand-prix-celebrity-pro-race/20216111/article-detail.xml 20216111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyotaprocelebrityracing-carolla_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyotaprocelebrityracing-carolla.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Pro/Celebrity race will feature Rutledge Wood, Cain Velasquez]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/toyota-pro-celebrity-race-will-feature-rutledge-wood-cain-velas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/toyota-pro-celebrity-race-will-feature-rutledge-wood-cain-velas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/toyota-pro-celebrity-race-will-feature-rutledge-wood-cain-velas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

Toyota has assembled its talent roster for this year's Pro/Celebrity Race. Names from all corners of entertainment will go head to head against pro drivers in identically-prepared Scion tC racers during a 10-lap battle over a 1.97-mile course on the streets of Long Beach, California. 2012 marks the 36th running of the event, which will feature comedian and podcast personality Adam Carolla, Top Gear USA host and friend of Autoblog Rutledge Wood, and former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. Pros like Frederic Aasbo and Bryan Clauson will also go fender to fender with the amateurs on track.

While we love to watch celebrities bash into each other, the real point of the event is to raise money for charity. Toyota donates $5,000 per entry to the winner's charity of choice, and kids from various children's hospitals all around the country get a chance to hang out with their favorite celebrities before the race kicks off on April 13. Check out the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota Pro/Celebrity race will feature Rutledge Wood, Cain Velasquez

Toyota Pro/Celebrity race will feature Rutledge Wood, Cain Velasquez originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacelebrity racelong beachscionscion tctctoyotatoyota celebrity racetoyota pro celebrity raceSat, 10 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/10/toyota-pro-celebrity-race-will-feature-rutledge-wood-cain-velas/20189695/article-detail.xml 20189695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pro-celebrity-race-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pro-celebrity-race-628.jpg <![CDATA[See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Corvette Racing Long Beach
Corvette Racing Long Beach - Click above to view video after the jump

Corvette Racing went into the ALMS round in Long Beach, California ready for a fight. Coming off of the long grind that is 12 Hours of Sebring, the two-hour slam around a concrete-lined street course promised a new challenge for the team and drivers. As promised, the race was a hard fight, demanding the drivers stay vicious and focused from beginning to end.

Despite a lackluster last-place qualifying effort for the number 3 machine, car number 4 managed a second-place grid spot. Ten minutes in, Corvette Racing had first place, though they were only able to hang on until around minute 40. Despite its less-than-desirable start, car 3 managed to work its way up the ranks to a respectable finish.

Both cars came away with the scars of an all-out street race, but managed to finish near the top of the heap. Corvette Racing now heads into LeMans with a renewed focus and the momentum of two positive results in California. Click past the break to see the team's results and get a closer look at the action.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing

See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet corvette c6.ralmsamerican lemans seriesc6.rcaliforniachevroletcorvettecorvette racinglong beachWed, 27 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/19925289/article-detail.xml 19925289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/corvette-racing-lb-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/corvette-racing-lb-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Reflecting on America's Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grid Girls - Click above for high-res image gallery

The great thing about a weekend of racing action in Long Beach is that there is so much to see and do besides the already thrilling track action and automotive displays. Vendor alleys, 'extreme sports' demonstrations, free concerts, '50s-style Mexican wrestling with a little extra vavoom thrown in...they all add to the payout on your already value-packed ticket purchase. That last one, though, is something new for the GPLB, via something old.

Dubbed Lucha VaVoom, it's a fairly new show that recalls the burlesque shows and masked wrestling matches of the '50s and '60s, but adds a few modern twists, along with a bunch of comedy and some daredevil antics to keep everyone happy and alert. Why do we bring this up when we're supposed to be covering an auto race? Because there's always more to the scene than just the racecars. Being at an event like the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an experience. Anyone can watch a race on their LCD screen, but actually being at the track, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling the cars is a whole 'nother ball of wax.

A race event can be like having the circus in town. In fact, a whole little city sprouts up for these types of events, with restaurants, hair salons, recruiting centers, auto dealers, chapels, hospitals and entertainment spots galore. Participating in a race weekend is something all auto enthusiasts should do at least once in their lives, if not once a year or more. Long Beach in particular is such a great event because of its proximity to Hollywood, the Pacific Ocean and downtown Long Beach. And if you should ever think that attending a race is just a guy thing, know that there are plenty of families there as well, and plenty of ladies too, giving us all hope that the future of the hobby is in good hands.

This past weekend we were so pleased to find so many young women, in particular, at the track, that we couldn't help but take some pictures of all their smiling faces to prove our point. Take a look at the gallery below and you'll understand why we love Long Beach, and why it's been referred to as America's Monaco.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grid Girls


Photos by Frank Filipponio and Andre Ravinowich/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Reflecting on America's Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booth babesBoothBabesD1driftdriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftGPLBGrid GirlsGridGirlsindy carIndyCarlbgplong beachLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixTGPLBtoyota grand prix of long beachToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachMon, 19 Apr 2010 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/19443699/article-detail.xml 19443699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gridgirls2010tgplb---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gridgirls2010tgplb---00.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Toyota Pro/Celebrity race never flops [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-toyota-pro-celebrity-race-never-flop/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-toyota-pro-celebrity-race-never-flop/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-toyota-pro-celebrity-race-never-flop/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Long Beach Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race - Click above for high-res image gallery

The annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach just wouldn't be the same without the rough-and-tumble slugfest known as the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Even though the actors, singers, pro athletes and television personalities who compete could probably care less, they have actually been driving safety-modded Scion tC street cars (StopTech brakes, window netting and roll cages) instead of Toyotas ever since the Celica went the way of analog television. No matter, Toyota is still the title sponsor of the whole shebang, even though there are no Toyotas in any of the racing classes tearing up the nearly two-mile street course in downtown Long Beach. Renaming it the "Scion Grand Prix..." just doesn't have the same ring to it anyhow.

Follow the jump to see the full list of entrants and the race recap, and don't forget to click below to see the rest of the pics.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race


Photos by Frank Filipponio and Andre Ravinowich/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Toyota Pro/Celebrity race never flops [Spoilers]

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Toyota Pro/Celebrity race never flops [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam carollaAdamCarollaAdrien brodyAdrienBrodybrian austin greenBrianAustinGreenchristian slaterChristianSlatergrand prixGrand Prix of Long BeachGrandPrixGrandPrixOfLongBeachJamie BestwickJamieBestwickjesse mccartneyJesseMccartneyKeanu ReevesKeanuReeveslong beachLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixmegyn priceMegynPricepatrick warburtonPatrickWarburtonProCelebrity RaceProcelebrityRaceTanner faustTannerFausttika sumpterTikaSumptertony hawkTonyHawktoyota grand prix of long beachToyota ProCelebrity RaceToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachToyotaProcelebrityRacezach leviZachLeviMon, 19 Apr 2010 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-toyota-pro-celebrity-race-never-flop/19443696/article-detail.xml 19443696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/proceleb2010tgplbw---43_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/proceleb2010tgplbw---43.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Lone caution makes for fast IndyCar action [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-lone-caution-makes-for-fast-indycar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-lone-caution-makes-for-fast-indycar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-lone-caution-makes-for-fast-indycar/#commentsFiled under:


2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Click above for huge high-res image gallery

Sometimes referred to as America's Monaco, the Izod IndyCar Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach typically means sun, surf, stargazing and sensational street racing action in one weekend-long party. The 2010 edition looked to be no exception as the weather was beautiful and there were plenty of stars in attendance. Some were competing in the weekend's well-known Pro/Celebrity race while others were competing or managing in other series, and others were just there as fans.

Going into this, the fourth round of the 2010 IndyCar Series, Will Power was coming off his first loss of the season in Alabama and looking to regain his invincible status. Several other drivers were glad to see Power falter, giving them some hope that they could claw their way back into contention. After all, the season is far from over. After the first practice session, however, Power was once again on top. The question would be whether or not he could stay there through qualifying and in Sunday's featured event.

Follow the jump to see if Power could make it three-for-four in Long Beach or whether Alabama-winner Helio Castroneves could continue his winning ways, or if maybe, just maybe, somebody else could step up and beat these Penske boys.


Gallery: IndyCar 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach


Photos by Frank Filipponio and Andre Ravinowich/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Lone caution makes for fast IndyCar action [Spoilers]

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Lone caution makes for fast IndyCar action [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach2010ToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachdanica patrickDanicaPatrickGPLBGrand Prix of Long BeachGrandPrixOfLongBeachindy carindycarindycar seriesindycarsIndycarSeriesjustin wilsonJustinWilsonlbgplong beachlong beach gpLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGpLongBeachGrandPrixryan hunter-reayRyanHunter-reayTGPLBtoyota grand prix of long beachToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachwill powerWillPowerMon, 19 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-lone-caution-makes-for-fast-indycar/19443694/article-detail.xml 19443694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/indycar2010tgplbw---17_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/indycar2010tgplbw---17.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-alms-race-goes-down-to-the-wire-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-alms-race-goes-down-to-the-wire-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-alms-race-goes-down-to-the-wire-spo/#commentsFiled under:

ALMS Long Beach 2010
2010 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The featured race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach might be Sunday afternoon's IndyCar race, but for the hundred thousand or so fans at the street course in downtown Long Beach on Saturday afternoon, it was all about the American Le Mans Series. The Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach is the official title for this exciting event, which has been part of the Long Beach schedule four times in as many years.

While the series had its first race of the season at Sebring in March, Long Beach would be the first time the former LMP1 and LMP2 cars would be running together in the new LMP class, joining the handful of slightly slower LMPC-class Oreca FLM09 prototypes on track. LMP didn't have the Peugeots we had seen dominate at Sebring, but there were plenty of other strong competitors. Long Beach was also the debut of the new former-GT2-like GT class, joining the GTC category, the latter of which is essentially a spec series for Porsche this year.

Street races are always exciting because of the concrete walls surrounding the circuit, which give very little comfort to drivers who overdo it even a little bit. Long Beach can be particularly hard on machinery in that respect and even with the long front straight producing very high trap speeds, the technical nature of its 11-turn, 1.9-mile layout can also favor smaller, nimbler cars over heavier, higher-horsepower vehicles.

With typically gorgeous weather at this track nestled up against the Pacific Ocean in the shadow of the Queen Mary, it set up well for a memorable second race on the ALMS calendar. We were there ourselves this year and bring you our own live gallery to accompany the race report. Click below to see the pics, and follow the jump to see how the race unfolded.


Gallery: 2010 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach


Photos by Frank Filipponio/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers]

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsALMS at Long Beachalms green challengeAlmsAtLongBeachAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGrand Prix of Long BeachGrandPrixOfLongBeachLe Mans SeriesLeMansSerieslong beachLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixmotorsportmotorsportsraceRacingTequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long BeachTequilaPatrónAmericanLeMansSeriesAtLongBeachtoyota grand prix of long beachToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachSun, 18 Apr 2010 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/18/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-alms-race-goes-down-to-the-wire-spo/19443693/article-detail.xml 19443693 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alms2010tgplb---035o_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alms2010tgplb---035o.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rhys Millen drifting primer - click above to watch the video

After struggling in his first season of Formula Drift competition with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Rhys Millen finally came good at Long Beach this week. Millen still hasn't won with the Genesis, but he managed to get second place on the podium against over 50 other drivers.

After rushing to get the coupe ready for the season opener a year ago, Millen's team spent this past winner thoroughly going over the car. Hyundai's Lambda V6 now produces over 650 horsepower compared to the 480 hp it turned out last year. Vaughn Gittin Jr. grabbed the top spot on the podium with his new Ford Mustang. For those unfamiliar with drifting, you can check out Millen's video primer after the jump along with the official press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]

Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drifterdriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDFormulaDriftFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipgenesisgenesis coupeGenesisCoupelong beachLongBeachred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingRhys Millenrhys millen genesis couperhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenGenesisCoupeRhysMillenRacingWed, 14 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19438511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/19438511/article-detail.xml 19438511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lb-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lb-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Patrick Dempsey to race at Long Beach... but not in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/patrick-dempsey-to-race-at-long-beach-but-not-in-the-toyota-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/patrick-dempsey-to-race-at-long-beach-but-not-in-the-toyota-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/patrick-dempsey-to-race-at-long-beach-but-not-in-the-toyota-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Actor Patrick Dempsey is no stranger to racetracks, nor to the pages of Autoblog. We've run into the Gray's Anatomy star at various races and automotive events over the past few years, most recently piloting a '90s Mazda RX-792 LeMans racer in the Historics at Laguna Seca. We've even seen him run at Long Beach, although that was in their annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race that usually features as many crashes and spins as a roller-derby match.

This year, Dempsey is set to return to the streets of Long Beach, but not in a Scion tC, nor even his usual ride, the Mazda RX-8 he runs in the Rolex Grand-Am GT series. No, Patrick will instead be driving the wheels off a 2010 Mazda3 prepared by Tri-Point Motorsports for the World Challenge race during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. So what was it like going from a push-me to a pull-me? Dempsey says he was impressed with the Mazda3, the first front-driver he's ever raced, though not surprised, as his daily driver is a Mazdaspeed3.

We'll be sure to keep an eye out for him when we head to Long Beach in a couple of weeks to cover the racing activities, which will include IndyCar, World Challenge and ALMS action. There's a longer press release from Mazda after the jump, with more details about the weekend of racing from Long Beach.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Patrick Dempsey to race at Long Beach... but not in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

Patrick Dempsey to race at Long Beach... but not in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand prixGrandPrixLong BeachLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixmazdapatrick dempseyPatrickDempseySCCASCCA World ChallengeSccaWorldChallengetoyota grand prix of long beachToyota ProCelebrity RaceToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachToyotaProcelebrityRaceWorld ChallengeWorldChallengeFri, 02 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19422388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/02/patrick-dempsey-to-race-at-long-beach-but-not-in-the-toyota-p/19422388/article-detail.xml 19422388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/patrick-dempseywclbgp-1270089627_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/patrick-dempseywclbgp-1270089627.jpg <![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-2009-long-beach-grand-prix-toyota-pro-celebrity-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-2009-long-beach-grand-prix-toyota-pro-celebrity-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-2009-long-beach-grand-prix-toyota-pro-celebrity-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at Long Beach - Click above for gallery of high-res pics

One of our favorite events at the annual Long Beach Grand Prix is the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. The slash in its name lets you know that this event features celebrities racing against real pro drivers, as well as a few buy-in drivers. In this case, each entrant gets the chance to pilot an identically prepped and lightly modified Scion tC. Basically, Toyota has removed the mufflers and added racing wheels and StopTech brakes, plus a rollcage and other safety equipment. The pros spot the celebs 30 seconds at the start of this 10-lap race, and then it's every driver for him-or-her-self.

This year's field featured some pretty big names from the entertainment and racing worlds. The race itself sometimes becomes secondary to the mere spectacle, but this year's race featured some pretty good on-track action as well. After jumping out to a huge lead, skateboarding legend and polesitter Danny Way pushed a little too hard trying to hold off the hard-charging Farnsworth Bentley. They tangled, allowing the "pro" triumverate of Al Unser Jr., Johnny Benson and Tom Tudnai through. If that last name doesn't sound familiar, that's probably because Tudnai is the president of a local Toyota dealership - but he won this event once before in 2001, elevating him to pro status.

Just behind the top three, Keanu Reeves inherited the the top celebrity title, just ahead of Ken Baker and Carlos Mencia. Raven Simone finished last after an early shunt ended her run. This means that Little Al now has seven wins at Long Beach, six in an open-wheeler. No wonder he's known as "King of the Beach" in these parts. There's a full rundown after the jump and a gallery available by clicking on any image here.


Gallery: 2009 Toyota Pro/Celeb Race at Long Beach GP


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrien brodyAdrienBrodyal unseral unser jralex trebekAlexTrebekAlUnserAlUnserJrAnnamarie DeanAnnamarieDeancarlos menciaCarlosMenciacelebrity raceCelebrityRaceCoy GibbsCoyGibbsDouglas FreginDouglasFregineric closeEricClosefonzworth bentleyFonzworthBentleyGPLBGrand Prix of Long BeachGrandPrixOfLongBeachJamie LittleJamieLittlejohnny bensonJohnnyBensonkeanu reevesKeanuReevesken bakerKenBakerlbgplong beachlong beach grand prixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixMary Lynn RakskubMaryLynnRakskubProCelebrity RaceProcelebrityRaceraven symoneRavenSymonescionscion tcScionTctim dalyTimDalyTom RudnaiTomRudnaitoyota grand prix of long beachToyota ProCelebrity RaceToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachToyotaProcelebrityRaceMon, 20 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1521400/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-2009-long-beach-grand-prix-toyota-pro-celebrity-r/1521400/article-detail.xml 1521400 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/tproceleb09_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/tproceleb09_lead.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach K9 Officers Association Car Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/long-beach-k9-officers-association-car-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/long-beach-k9-officers-association-car-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/long-beach-k9-officers-association-car-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for more photos of classic cars and dogs

City of Long Beach police cruisers were movie stars in the original Gone in 60 Seconds film. The 1970's cult classic featured the black and white playing chase with a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. These days, though, the officers use more efficient methods to capture muscle cars; they invite them over for a fundraising car show. Over the weekend, the Long Beach Police Academy held a classic car show to benefit the department's K9 Officers Association. A few dozen impeccable examples of automobile preservation took over the grounds of the Long Beach Police Officers Association Park. Not to be rude hosts, the organization even showed off an old Dodge Cornet and Model T police cruiser amongst the numerous Bel Airs, Mustangs and Vegas.

Browsing through the rows of vintage automobiles wasn't the only event incentive for us to attend. The Orange County German Shepherd rescue showed off dogs available for adoption and the K9 officers put on a training demonstration. As a new GSD owner, I could not resist the combination of sleek cars and furry wet noses. The dual purpose car show/charity event is always a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Be sure and check out the event gallery in the link below.

Gallery: 2008 Long Beach K9 Officer Benefit Car Show

Long Beach K9 Officers Association Car Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car showCarShowclassic carsClassicCarsk9 unitK9Unitlong beachLongBeachWed, 14 May 2008 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1193765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/14/long-beach-k9-officers-association-car-show/1193765/article-detail.xml 1193765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/05120838_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/05120838_450.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix: Final Champ Car race gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/long-beach-grand-prix-final-champ-car-race-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/long-beach-grand-prix-final-champ-car-race-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/long-beach-grand-prix-final-champ-car-race-gallery/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for huge high-res gallery of Champ Car action from Long Beach

We already told you about the final Champ Car race, how it marks the end of the series while signaling the start of a new era in American open-wheel racing. Although we think that we might have been among only a handful of fans to have noticed the series' demise (with most eyes glued to the Danica Patrick champagne bath over in Japan), we understand that with the reunification about to commence there should be happier times ahead for open top racing aficionados in the States. We didn't want it to pass, however, without a whole bunch of photos to commemorate the occasion. Besides this year's contenders the gallery includes some atmosphere shots of the spectacle surrounding Long Beach: The Queen Mary, C-17 and FA/18 flyovers, historic CART cars and plain old scenery shots. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them.

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: '08 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Long Beach Grand Prix: Final Champ Car race gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARTChamp carChampCarIndyCarIRLlbgplong beachlong beach grand prixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixWed, 23 Apr 2008 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1175044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/23/long-beach-grand-prix-final-champ-car-race-gallery/1175044/article-detail.xml 1175044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/lbgp08_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/lbgp08_450.jpg <![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix: People Gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/long-beach-grand-prix-people-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/long-beach-grand-prix-people-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/long-beach-grand-prix-people-gallery/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery from this weekend's LBGP

American open-wheel racing just had a pretty big weekend, in case you missed it. While one era was beginning in Japan, another was ending at America's Monte Carlo. With reunification finally about to commence, the last Champ Car (nee CART) race ever was held at the street course in downtown Long Beach. While we've already told you the outcome, we also wanted to share some more photos. Although the race should be back on the schedule for '09, this weekend's race was truly the end of an era.

After 25 years of Champ Cars and their predecessors, next year's race will bring us a series that has a female driver who is an honest-to-goodness winner. And not only is she a winner (and a part-time swimsuit model), but she is pretty hardy too. After winning the race at Motegi, she and unfortunate runner-up Helio "Dancing with the Stars" Castroneves hopped on a plane and made it back to LAX and the LBGP by the time things wrapped up on Sunday afternoon.

While we didn't get any pics of Danica or Helio, we did manage to capture a few dozen shots of some of the drivers (mostly ALMS and Champ Car), and a few of the models too. Click below to check out some of the people that made this race weekend a memorable one.

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: Long Beach Grand Prix: People Gallery

Long Beach Grand Prix: People Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champ carChampCardanica patrickDanicaPatrickhelio castronevesHelioCastronevesIRLlbgplong beachlong beach grand prixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixTue, 22 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1173607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/22/long-beach-grand-prix-people-gallery/1173607/article-detail.xml 1173607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/lbgppeople_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/lbgppeople_450.jpg <![CDATA[ALMS at Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/alms-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/alms-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/alms-at-long-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of ALMS action from Long Beach

With Champ Car going the way of the dodo bird after this year's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, it looks like the American Le Mans Series is poised to take over top billing at America's Monte Carlo. The street course around downtown Long Beach, California is quite a track, with a long tradition of motorsport excitement. Everything from Formula 1 to CART to Trans-Am have run here, but very few series can match the thrill of four different classes running into the dusk like the ALMS presents. This year's sophomore running of the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach showed exactly why the series deserves more support and coverage than it gets. Not only was the on-track action enthralling, but the huge crowds that Long Beach always attracts seemed to go ga-ga over the prototypes and GT cars wearing names like Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette and Ferrari. In case you haven't seen the race yet, the results are after the jump. Don't let that stop you from clicking through the massive high-res gallery however.

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: Long Beach Grand Prix: ALMS highlights

Continue reading ALMS at Long Beach

ALMS at Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans ser...AmericanLeMansSer...lbgplong beachlong beach grand prixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixTue, 22 Apr 2008 17:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1174569/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/22/alms-at-long-beach/1174569/article-detail.xml 1174569 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/almslb_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/almslb_450.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R10s take on American Monaco for the first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/audi-r10s-take-on-american-monaco-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/audi-r10s-take-on-american-monaco-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/audi-r10s-take-on-american-monaco-for-the-first-time/#commentsFiled under: ,



This weekend the American LeMans Series is making it's first visit to the Monaco of America, more commonly known as Long Beach, California. Since the Formula One cars stopped running at Long Beach in the early 1980s, Champ Cars have always been the headliners on Shoreline Drive. This year they will be joined by the ALMS gang led by the storming Audi R10 diesels. The Audi's will be trying to repeat their one-two finish from the St. Petersburg street race two weeks ago and continue their undefeated streak. The Audi press release is after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R10s take on American Monaco for the first time

Audi R10s take on American Monaco for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audi R10AudiR10long beachLongBeachSat, 14 Apr 2007 15:48:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/874055/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/14/audi-r10s-take-on-american-monaco-for-the-first-time/874055/article-detail.xml 874055 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/copy-of-audi_motorsport-070413-0550_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/copy-of-audi_motorsport-070413-0550.jpg <![CDATA[The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



We imagine those brave souls who first turned oversteer into an art form on the dangerous twisties of Japan's mountain passes never imagined what would become of their beloved motorsport on American soil. Samuel Hubinette now drives a four-door Dodge Charger, Rhys Millen will pilot a Solstice GXP this season and Ken Gushi pilots a Ford Mustang GT. All do so with a great degree of success, as well. Now word comes that Hankook Tires will debut a drifting Porsche 993 car at the Formula D season opener in Long Beach on April 7th. The car features a 600-hp motor to help peel away its Hankook Ventus R-S2 rubber in a controlled manner. Unlike other drift cars, since the Porsche carries so much weight over its rear axle, the rear suspension had to be softened so the car could "squat" to get better traction. It will be driven by Tyler McQuarrie in the upcoming 2007 Formula D season, and for the purists out there will be accompanied by an S15 Sylvia Silvia driven by Kenji Yamanaka. We wonder what the official folks in Stuttgart think about all this.

Official press release from Hankook Tires can be found after the jump.

[Source: Hankook Tire]

Gallery: Hankook Tire Porsche 993 Drift Car

Continue reading The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car

The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftformula dFormulaDhankook tiresHankookTireslong beachLongBeachporsche 993Porsche993Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/848572/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/848572/article-detail.xml 848572 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/porsche-only_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/porsche-only_450.jpg <![CDATA[Motorsports this Weekend: April 15-16]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/motorsports-this-weekend-april-15-16/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/motorsports-this-weekend-april-15-16/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/motorsports-this-weekend-april-15-16/#commentsFiled under:

Easter weekend is traditionally an off-weekend for most racing series, providing TV-watchers a chance to catch up on some taped broadcasts from the supporting series that we often miss in the busier weekends.

NASCAR:
No Nextel Cup action this Sunday, but Saturday features a live broadcast of this week's Busch Series race from Nashville, Tennessee. Matt Kenseth will be without crew chief Chad Norris, who received a 3-race suspension for rules violations in the Texas race. Craftsman Truck rookie Erin Crocker will make a Busch Series start, driving a Dodge for Evernham Motorsports. Full info here.

FX, Saturday 3:30pm ET.

SPEED World Challenge GT Series (pictured)
Last week's SPEED World Challenge race in support of the Long Beach Grand Prix was a barn-burner! Here's your chance to watch the Caddys, Vipers, 'Vettes and Porsches take it to the streets. Guaranteed great racing! The series website has plenty of info, but watch for spoilers if you haven't heard the results yet!

SPEED, Sunday 2pm ET

Champ Car Atlantic
Another terrific support race for the LBGP, this time from the resurgent Formula Atlantic open wheel series. With a new chassis, new engines and a huge field of young drivers looking to prove themselves, this series will be one to watch all year. Here's the series website - wait until after the broadcast though!

SPEED, Sunday 1pm ET

Motorsports this Weekend: April 15-16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticbuschformula atlanticlong beachLongBeachnascarspeed world challengeFri, 14 Apr 2006 19:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/608702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/04/14/motorsports-this-weekend-april-15-16/608702/article-detail.xml 608702 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/swcgtlbgp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/swcgtlbgp.JPG -1 2