Is the average vacation just not enough for you? Does the concept of a peaceful serene beach with peace and quiet just bore you beyond comprehension? Perhaps you are one of the chosen few that require a bit more edge to your vacation plans, something a little saltier than a nap in the sun. You may just be the type of person that needs to spice things up a bit. Imagine, if you will, roaring engines, screaming fans and speeds in excess of two hundred miles per hour in the California Sun. This can be your vacation dream in Long Beach California during the summer race season.

The Main Event:- Long Beach has been the host to the Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix since the early 1970's. It was originally a Formula 5000 race but was inevitably named a Formula one event. In the early 1980's, it was re-titled a Champ Car event. Regardless of the format, one cannot argue with the 200,000 plus fans that show up every year about the status of this legendary racing experience.

Big Dogs on the Track:- These aren't local racecar driver wannabes that are flying around the track at heart pounding speeds. No, these are the big boys, the major names in the Nascar circuit. Here you will find such racing legends as Al Unser Jr., Michael Andretti, Paul Tracy, and Mario Andretti. Those who set their wheels in motion at the Toyota Grand Prix are the ultimate legends in this sporting arena. To have the opportunity of getting to see them live in action is far more than most would ever ask from a vacation getaway opportunity. You might even be fortunate enough to get to meet the drivers in person, as they tend to stay in local hotels and dine in local five star restaurants. Who knows, you may just end up going home with an autograph or two!

Races Galore! If you time it right, you could even get to see more than one racing event as there are several that are held in Long Beach, California. This is the home of the Trans-Am Series, the American Le Mans Series, the Champ Car Atlantic Championship and the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race.

Come Early, Stay Late:- You might want to get to Long Beach a week or so early, as the region is gripped in a massive pre-race celebration. This period of "gassing up," as it is called, consists of a citywide conglomeration of wild fairs, music in the streets and promotional activities by the racing sponsors. You can almost feel the excitement building as race day nears. The city seems to be lit up with pure energy and the sidewalks are never rolled up. The town is abuzz all day, everyday in great expectation of the event to come.

If high-energy, adrenaline pounding excitement and life in the fast lane is your ideal of a really good time, then check out Long Beach California during the racing season. Be advised to get a good hotel and tickets to the race early. If you wait, you will be competing with 200,000 other fun hungry racing fans!