Long Beach Grand Prix 2012 Celebrity Race and Promo Models
This weekend I spent two days at the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix in Long Beach taking pictures of the popular celebrity race as well as the various practice runs by the IZOD Indy cars and of course the promo models (can you blame me?).
Before I go on, let me first say to those who are new or have never attended a racing event. At these events everyone is taking pictures of three major subjects; cars, people and pretty promotional model girls. Although these events are family friendly, it’s obvious they are geared towards the male audience.
Unlike many of the pro photographers attending the Long Beach Grand Prix every year, I don’t purchase the Super Photo Ticket. Why you ask? Well unless I’m working or getting paid to take the pictures, I don’t see the need to pay the $265 for the SPT.
Now to the photos. All images were taken with a Nikon D7000, 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF lens, SB700 and a few with a Canon G12. Images are hi res so you can click on them to see them larger. They are not what I would consider “pro” images but still worth sharing.
I have them grouped below in three categories:
- Celebrity Race Pictures
- Promo Models Pictures
- Race Car Pictures
Toyota Grand Prix 2012 Celebrity Race Pictures
This year Adam Carolla took the trophy. It’s a 10 lap race that is lots of fun to watch. A few spin-outs, crashes and friendly competition by non pros makes it one of the highlights of the LBGP on Saturday.
Besides Adam Carolla, the other stars included Jillian Barberie Reynolds, Adrien Brody, Kate del Castillo, Eddie Cibrian, Kim Coates, Eileen Davidson, William Fichtner, Hill Harper Brody Jenner Cain Velasquez and Rutledge Wood.
Below, the stars riding on the pickup bed towards the starting line.
Promo Girl Models at the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Seems like fast cars and promo models go hand in hand at these events. Every company whether involved directly or indirectly with racing hires sexy fit models to promote their product or service.
The Long Beach Grand Prix has a Lifestyle expo that takes place at the Convention Center which is at the center of the racing venue. Lots of cars, products and services are found and of course the sexy promotional models, yeah you probably saw that one coming.
Laura Baker representing K1-Speed
The Pirelli World Challenge Promo Models
The Tecate Light Promotional Models can always be found at the LBGP.
Sylvia Wrosz Representing Cadillac Racing
Alicia and Chantel promote the Speedster at the LBGP
Hall Ass Model at the Spin 2 Win at the LBGP 2012
Kymco Promo Model
Two more pictures of Tecate Light Models enjoying the 2012 LBGP
Miss Southern California – Meg O’Connell, Miss Teen Long Beach – Haley McDonald, and Miss Long Beach, Kristin Bopp
Cars at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 2012
In the end it’s the car races that everyone comes to see. The Celebrity Races I mentioned above are fun, but seeing the pro’s drive and their cars are what keeps everyone around. It’s the noise, the power and the overall coolness of the cars that makes this event fun.
For now that’s all the pictures, although I may post up more on this article so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via RSS so you don’t miss any updates. After this it’s back to talking about camera’s and other photo equipment, like the upcoming release of the new Nikon D3200 later in the week.
