Community Corner

Lake Elsinore Grand Prix Expected To Attract Thousands This Weekend

While this year's event will be a bit tamer than decades past, but some tradition will prevail.

More than 1,000 entries have already been received for this weekend’s Lake Elsinore Grand Prix and more racers are likely to sign up for what is billed as an "historic event" in the city.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix that, for motorcycle enthusiasts, is an iconic race forever memorialized in the classic 1971 documentary film “On Any Sunday” starring Steve McQueen.

Last year’s Grand Prix attracted more than 10,000 spectators, according to event producer Heather Sebastian of Podium Productions, and she expects bigger crowds this weekend at The Diamond Stadium, where the race begins.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While this year's event will be a bit tamer than when Hollywood took interest, some tradition will prevail.

“The Grand Prix is an annual November race dating back to the late 1960s, drawing the likes of dirt bike greats such as Malcolm Smith and Hollywood legend Steve McQueen. The unique open forum race allows not only professional drivers but also amateurs and families to participate as well,” according to a city news release about the Nov. 9-10 event.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Unlike back in the day, the 2013 Grand Prix will take place on a 7-mile track (see attached image of the course) and is being hosted by the city and the Lake Elsinore Storm, with Lucas Oil as the key sponsor. In decades past, the race meandered through the streets and hills of the city, although some of the original Lake Elsinore Grand Prix track is incorporated into the 2013 race, according to Sebastian.

Saturday will be full of race action, but the weekend highlight is the 100-mile Harvey Mushman that takes place Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and features a $5,000 purse, according to Sebastian. Last year’s Mushman winner Justin Seeds has registered for this year's event and may be a favorite among insiders.

Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m., Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee (a racer himself!) will host the Mayors/Vet Memorial Ride. The entry fee is $40 and all proceeds benefit charity, according to Sebastian.

Racing will halt for a brief Veterans Day Observance on Sunday at The Diamond when Lake Elsinore City Councilman and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brian Tisdale will lead a tribute that begins at 9:15 a.m.

This year's Grand Prix flavor is about attracting families to the venue, according to Bruce Kessman, general manager for Lake Elsinore Storm Events. A new skate and BMX park has been set up, six live bands will perform over the weekend, and there will be a special viewing area from the stadium.

There will be some street closures this weekend, and residents should expect traffic delays around The Diamond and near the racecourse. According to the city, the following segments of roads will be closed between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. this weekend.

  • Lakeshore Drive between Country Club Blvd. and Main Street (see map)
  • Avenue 6 between Franklin and Mill Street (see map)
  • Avenue 7 between Franklin and Mill Street (see map)

Need more info about the weekend event?

Click here for the race schedule:

http://lakeelsinoregp.com/registration

and here for race info and rules: http://lakeelsinoregp.com/info

NOTE: Spectators should park at the stadium.


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