The temperature may be 85 degrees along the oceanfront course, but the streets of Long Beach are blazing hot as the roaring thunder & burned rubber on the Long Beach pavement fills the air with excitement in downtown Long Beach April 15 - 17, 2011. The annual tradition, Grand Prix of Long Beach, is three fun-filled days of fast cars, pretty girls, bands, concerts, food, vendor expos (this year a zip line has been added), and so much to see and do that your engine can go into overdrive if you don't pace yourself.

On Sat., Apr. 16, there's a Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying at 12:55 p.m.; Izod IndyCar Qualifying at 2:30; American LeMans Series Race at 4:30 and Rock&Roar Concert starring John Kay and Steppenwolf at 6:30 p.m. The concert is free with race ticket.

On Sunday, Apr. 17, look for these events and entertainment:
8 a.m. Lifestyle Expo Opens
8 - 8:15 a.m. Firestone Indy Lights Practice
8:25 - 8:55 a.m. World Challenge Qualifying
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. IndyCar Practice
10:40 a.m. Grid Firestone Indy Lights Cars/Indy Lights Pre-Race
11:05 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Firestone Indy Lights Race
12:30 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Pre-Race Ceremonies
1:15 - 3:30 p.m. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (Race number 3 of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series)
3:40 - 3:55 p.m. Team Drifting Challenge
4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge Championships Presented by Stop Tech Race
5:30 p.m. Lifestyle Expo Closes

Saturday General Admission is $44, Sunday is $54 (parking not included — parking is around $15). Tickets: gplb.com