In honor of Long Beach’s most notable sporting event of the year, Long Beach City College hosted its very own mini Grand Prix celebration to bring students together on campus.
The event was multi-faceted, beginning with an Remote Control (RC) car race, and a Mario Kart video game tournament at the student union later in the day.
Students could grab their customized snack plate then sit and watch the RC car races. The event kicked off with a loaded tater tot bar as well as fruit plates available to all students present.
“I think it’s excellent, it does wonders for the students,” said 1st place winner and student secretary of the automotive club, Christopher Mcquillin.
By taking major city events and making them accessible on campus for LBCC students to participate in, LBCC facilitates connection among students and with their surrounding community.
“Events like this are great, they make me want to actually be here on campus,” said 3rd place winner Devan Hicks.
First place winner of the LBCC Mini Grand Prix, Christopher Mcquillin, right, and third place winner Devan Hicks, left, while racing RC cars on April 16, 2026. The was held in in tiem for the Long Beach Grand at the LBCC Lac campus A-quad. (Alyssa Redrup)
Many students, like Hicks, had seen the Mini Grand Prix flyers around campus and decided to join in on the festivities.
Even for students who had not previously seen the event flyers around campus, and were just walking by on their break, they are able to benefit from the sense of campus community.
Many students grabbed their food and sat down with friends to socialize with a view of the RC mini car races.
“We’re so happy to see students out here enjoying their meal and getting to participate in the race, in their own way,” said director of student life and conduct, Sylvia Garcia.
“Sports aren’t really my thing but I’m happy to be here with my friends and enjoy the sunshine,” said LBCC student, Sarah Finch. Even if students do not have a direct interest in the Grand Prix itself, campus events still provide an outlet for students to bond with classmates on campus.
In the student union were couches full of students participating in the Mario Kart video game tournament, many excited at the chance to win a trophy or medal.
Although the actual Grand Prix may not be accessible for a majority of students to attend, by bringing it to campus it gives the opportunity to get excited about events going on in their local community.
You must be logged in to post a comment.