Ryan Hunter-Reay hunter-runs away from the field to win the 2010 Grand Prix. Photo by Samuel Lippke.

11:00am | Tickets went on sale this week for the 2011 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will mark the event’s 37th annual running. The largest event in the city brings hundreds of thousands of spectators each year and is known as the most famous street race in the country.

Ticket prices begin at $26 for a Friday general admission ticket during practices, but fares for race day on Sunday are very reasonable (even better for the American Le Mans Race on Saturday afternoon). The top-of-the-line three day pass runs $130 and includes reserved seating in the upper grandstands.  Call 888.82.SPEED or visit GPLB.com for ticket and event information.

This year, race weekend will again feature the IndyCar Series and star drivers like Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti, Danica Patrick and 2010 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay (pictured above). The Grand Prix of Long Beach will be the third race of the season. Also back for next year’s running Pro/Celebrity Race, the aforementioned ALMS and Formula-D drifting finals, among others.

“As the No. 1 Street Race in America, it is always our goal to bring our fans not only the best in motorsports, but a weekend of continuous entertainment for all ages,” said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “Together with all that the City of Long Beach has to offer, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach continues to be the best family entertainment value in Southern California.”

Besides the basic general admission tickets available, there are also exclusive numbers of tickets for Hospitality Club packages and the Vista Club on top of the Hyatt Regency overlooking most of the track. Any ticket gains you access to the Lifestyle Expo inside the Long Beach Convention Center, with booths from hundreds of vendors. Of course, the cash-strapped race fan can always pay $10 to park at the Pike parking structure and watch the race from the top level (wink).