Thunder Thursday for a taste of what the Grand Prix of Long Beach has to offer – Click Telegram

The high-speed weekend in Southern California is about to begin – but before the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach officially begins, Thunder Thursday will get the party started.

The community event, as its name suggests, will take place on the eve of the Grand Prix, offering a free taste of what the city’s “200km beach party” has to offer.

Thursday Thunder — hosted by Visit Long Beach, known as the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau — will be held at the Pike Mall. The four-hour evening event will feature an NTT IndyCar Series pit stop along Shoreline Drive, with four drivers competing for a $10,000 prize, according to a recent release from the Long Beach Grand Prix Association.

Related: Here’s what’s happening, and when, during the 2024 Grand Prix of Long Beach

The drivers are Penske Chevrolet’s Josef Newgarden, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda’s Marcus Armstrong, Foyt Racing Chevrolet’s Santino Ferucci and Andretti Global Honda’s Marcus Ericsson.

“The first round will pit Newgarden’s team against Armstrong’s team and Ferucci against Ericsson’s team,” the news release said. “The winners of that round will advance to the finals.”

Thunder Thursday will also be enjoyed by two aggressive motocross demonstrations and Freestyle Kings. There will be a short show at 6:30pm and a full show at 7:45pm

“Nothing gets you closer to the sights and sounds of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach than Thunder Thursday,” said Morgan Blank, Pike Outlets representative. “We are excited to welcome locals and racing fans alike to The Pike Outlets for the sixth time to enjoy classic cars, race cars, motorcycles, shopping and more.”

Thunder Thursday will also feature the usual car show on The Paseo, autograph signings by various drivers, a beer garden and various food vendors – and live music.

Related: To read the rest of our Grand Prix of Long Beach coverage, click here.

Manuel The Band and The Moon Jays will perform for Thunder guests Thursday on the stage in the main hall at The Pike, a news release said.