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Feel the roar: It's Grand Prix weekend in Long Beach
From top to bottom, Christian Rasmussen driving the yellow Indy car and Graham Rahal driving the green and white car prepare to go head to head at The Pike Outlets for the Thunder Thursday event where Indy cars race against each other in Long Beach on April 16, 2026.
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Justin Enriquez
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Long Beach Post
)
Crowds packed into the Pike Outlets in downtown Long Beach on Thursday evening for the free motocross and car show that marks the beginning of Grand Prix weekend every year: Thunder Thursday.
Stunt motorcyclist rides in the air for the Thunder Thursday event by The Pike Outlets, Long Beach on April 16, 2026.
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Justin Enriquez
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Long Beach Post
)
Already, the area has transformed into 1.97 miles of track that, on Sunday, will belong to the world’s best IndyCar racers as about 200,000 fans watch them during the 51st annual Grand Prix.
Grand Prix in Long Beach
See the full weekend event schedule here.
Marcus Ericsson driving the purple and black indy car races against Rinus Veekay driving blue and white car race on Shoreline Drive, Long Beach on April 16, 2026
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Justin Enriquez
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Long Beach Post
)
On Thursday night, families, fans and revelers got a taste of the high-energy fun with motocross stunt shows, exhibition races, classic car displays and pit crew competitions.
Audiences took their phones to record the final race for the Thunder Thursday event on Shoreline Drive by The Pike Outlets, in Long Beach, April 16, 2026 Photo by Justin Enriquez
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Justin Enriquez
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Long Beach Post
)
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