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Tecate Light Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pageants Begin Tomorrow

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Miss Toyota GP of Long Beach in 2009 and the two runner-ups

The first of four preliminary pageants leading up to the selection of the 2012 Tecate Light Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and her court will be held from 9-10:30 p.m. Thurs., March 15 at Sharkeez, 52 Pier Ave. in Hermosa Beach.

The preliminary pageants, open to the public, will determine the finalists for the coveted title, with the finals to be held at 9 p.m. Thurs., April 12 on Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach during Tecate “Thursday Thunder on Pine," the popular annual pre-race celebration kicking off the 38th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 13-15.

The preliminary pageant schedule: Thurs., March 15 – Sharkeez, 52 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, (310) 318-0004; Thurs., March 22 – Legends, 5236 E. Second St., Long Beach, (562) 433-5743; Thurs., March 29 – Panama Joe’s, 5100 E. Second St., Long Beach, (562) 434-7417 and Fri., April 2 – Mai Tai Bar, 97 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, (562) 435-1200. Each preliminary pageant runs from 9-10:30 p.m.

Last year's winner

Tecate “Thursday Thunder on Pine," from 6:30-10 p.m. on April 12, includes pit stop demonstrations with Indy cars, freestyle motocross, car displays and motorcycle demonstrations. The current Tecate Light Miss Toyota Grand Prix race queen and her court are Venus Ramos, Courtney Kusek and Brittney Corey.

The 2012 queen and her court will reign over upcoming race weekend festivities, as well as serve as race ambassadors throughout the coming year at a variety of Southern California civic events, including car shows and parades. Associate sponsors of the 2012 pageant include Teeki, Fede Swimwear, Maya’z Jewelry, Beauty and Charm Artistry, EDLT Photo, Bench Warmer, SpeedZone and RejuvaYou.

Entrants in the 2012 Tecate Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach pageants must be at least 21 years of age. For more information, contact missgrandprixlb@gmail.com. You can also follow the pageant and get compete race weekend news and schedules at www.gplb.com, on Facebook at GrandPrixLB and Twitter @ToyotaGPLB.