Tudor joins Long Beach sponsor family

Race officials announced today that TUDOR Watch U.S.A. is an Official Sponsor and the Official Timepiece for the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, set to run April 11-13.

As part of its sponsorship of the Grand Prix, TUDOR will also entitle the top-of-the-line hospitality suites available during race weekend, the TUDOR Pit Row Suites and TUDOR Pit Lane Club.

In addition, TUDOR is the Entitlement Partner of the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, a merger of the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Series, running under the auspices of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The 13-race series makes its third stop of 2014 on the streets of Long Beach with the Tequila Patron Sports Car Showcase, slated to take the green flag at 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. The series has already run at Daytona and Sebring.

“We’re delighted to be able to host a round of the TUDOR Championship here at Long Beach as our fans will find the competition between these world-class sports cars very exciting," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “And speaking of world-class, that certainly describes the TUDOR brand and its association with our event at our highest-level hospitality options couldn’t be more appropriate."

"TUDOR is proud to support the prestigious 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as the Official Timepiece of the event," said Russell Kelly, Brand Manager for Tudor Watch U.S.A. "Since its creation, this American version of the famous race at Monaco has lured many notable competitors to take on the challenges of this seaside road course. During its third stop of 2014, the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship will make its debut as part of the 40th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. We are proud to be a part of the longest-running major street race in North America, which, like a TUDOR timepiece, continues to stand the test of time."

TUDOR is a premium Swiss watchmaking brand, its name first registered for Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, in 1926. TUDOR has benefitted from Rolex's outstanding watchmaking expertise, quality control and service.

TUDOR was re-launched in 2007 with a distinctive personality and high level of independence in its design, manufacturing and communication. TUDOR is also the World Timing Partner for both Ducati and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

In addition to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race, the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature the Verizon IndyCar Series, Pro/Celebrity Race, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Pirelli World Challenge, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Series and Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge.

Fans can select and pay for their 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 82-SPEED. Also featured on gplb.com is the latest Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach news, downloadable ticket brochure and racetrack information, photos and ongoing announcements of special race week activities.

Ticket prices range from $28 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $135 for a three- day ticket that includes Saturday/Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, IndyCar Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of Hospitality Club packages.