Long Beach to Heat Up with Solar Grand Prix Today

Long Beach students will gather at today for the 3rd Annual Solar Grand Pix Competition--a solar model vehicle race.

Sponsored by 5th District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, the race -- in which both middle and high school students aged 10-17 will compete -- gives competitors creative leeway to design and build cars using their own resources. Students will compete in several categories, including Fastest Car, Best Overall Design, Most Innovative Design and Best Green Design.

More than 18 are set to participate in the environmentally conscious competition, which expects to welcome more than 1,000 spectators. Students will race on two race tracks built by the and Union Local 630. Also, players from the Major League Soccer team the Los Angeles Galaxy Stars will be on hand to help KIPP LA Prep students plant flowers and vegetables in a community garden, in addition to taking part in the solar derby race.

Food trucks provided by Lee’s Philly, Red Robin YUMMMMobile and Tango Mango will be on hand and ready to take orders.

Also taking part in the event are more than 30 sponsors and exhibitors, including , Long Beach Fire Fighters Association, Ameco Solar, Segue to Solar, Waste Management, Grand Prix Foundation, , Harbor Trucking Association and many more.

Volunteers will include workers from Southern California Edison, Eco Point Energy Services, North American Association of Green Technology, and students from the Automotive Engineering Department of California State . 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Dorado Park, located at 2800 N. Studebaker Rd. in Long Beach. Click here for directions.