And we’re off to the races

The roar you hear this weekend is the 2006 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, with all-day racing action (gates open at 7 a.m.) and live entertainment into the evening. Along with the traditional open-wheel Champ Car competition, the three-day extravaganza features Formula Drift demonstrations, stock GT and prototype racing, plus the celebrity race midday Saturday. After the last car crosses the line Friday, Mexican rockers El Tri take the stage at the Convention Center as part of the “Fiesta Friday” celebration. Saturday’s post-race bill features SoCal punk legends Bad Religion in a KROQ-sponsored show to be followed by the Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach pageant.

Tecate’s “Fiesta Friday” featuring El Tri begins at approximately 6 p.m. Bad Religion kicks off about 5:30 p.m. Saturday; the Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach pageant follows the concert. All events are free with grand prix admission. Racing begins at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See www.longbeachgp.com for a complete schedule. $35 general admission; $115 three-day ticket includes reserved seating. (888) 82-SPEED, www.ticketmaster.com.