Celebs prepare to race at Long Beach: Keanu Reeves, Adrien Brody and Raven-Simone are among the stars that will get behind the wheel to participate April 18 in the annual Pro/Celebrity Race for charity on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach circuit.
The celebs, who will compete against pros including two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr., have trained at the Danny McKeever Fast Lane Racing School at Buttonwillow Raceway near Los Angeles, but April 7 was their first opportunity to drive on the 1.97-mile Long Beach temporary street course. ESPN’s Jamie Little won in 2008.
“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek told reigning IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon that he wasn't used to driving on city streets at high speeds. Dixon was taking part in a media day at the venue.
"I've been driving for 35 years, and I've never gotten a speeding ticket," Trebek said. "So this is taking a lot to get used to."
The “Jeopardy” clue crew will be taping IndyCar Series answers during race weekend April 17-19.
The festival kicks off April 16 with Tecate’s “Thursday Thunder on Pine” from 6:30-9 p.m. in downtown Long Beach, featuring freestyle motocross, BMX, live music and the Tecate Light Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach pageant.