A message from the 1997
Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
As the Queen for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (TGPLB), I have been afforded many incredible opportunities. My experience began January 25, 1997, with the Committee of 300 TGPLB Pageant. The Long Beach Convention Center and International Beauty Expo hosted 18 beautiful, intelligent and charming young women in competition for the coveted title.
The 1997 Court was rounded out with Princesses Sonja Rosado and Tricia Bateman. Our responsibility was to represent and support the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, Grand Prix Foundation, Committee of 300, and the beautiful city of Long Beach. It has been our pleasure to attend not only the race, but other community events as well. Our first official appearance was the 1997 Miss Long Beach USA pageant. We watched and cheered as fellow TGPLB Pageant contestant, LeLani Mandac, captured the prestigious crown. We signed autographs at the Wranglers Bull Riders Only Rodeo and at a Turner Cup finalist Long Beach Ice Dogs hockey game.
In conjunction with the No. 1 street circuit motor sports event in North America, we attended many exciting and magnificent affairs. The princesses and I were also given the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. The Grand Prix Foundation did an excellent job of fund-raising for local charities while celebrating the excitement of the Grand Prix. This year's total donations exceeded $180,000.
A Celebrity Golf Tournament was played at the gorgeous Old Ranch Country Club, kicking off a week of non-stop fun. We attended the Art Festival and Classic Car Show with the cast of "Coach", the television show; a press conference with the best TGPLB drivers; and a Pro Celebrity visit to Long Beach Children's Memorial Hospital. Even with our hectic schedule, we were able to visit some local elementary and high schools.
The premier event was the Grand Prix Foundation Charity Ball. Many drivers including P.J. Jones, Max Papis, and Richie Hearn, found time in their busy schedules to attend this grand occasion. The traditional silent auction this year included the opportunity to experience "Street Thunder" first hand in the 1998 Toyota Pro Celebrity race. The thrill-seeking driver seat was auctioned at a record-breaking $50,000. WOW! Bob Fouts' generous contribution will allow him the enviable position to fulfill his "need for speed" in the streets of Long Beach.
For me, the true adrenaline rush began Saturday with the Toyota Pro Celebrity race and continued through the last race on Sunday. The emotions experienced by the Princesses and I are unexplainable. The cheers of 100,000 fans, the roar of the engines on Shoreline Drive, and the American flag waving in the coastal breeze all combined to peak my senses. Never have I known such anticipation, excitement and pride. Alex Zanardi, the talented Italian driver and Target Chip Gannassi teammate of last year's winner, Jimmy Vasser, seized the win from a field of outstanding CART drivers.
Though the Grand Prix is over, the memories linger and we continue to appear at many community events such as the "Blues and Brews" Festival, Belmont Shore Christmas Parade and many others. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting the gracious and hospitable community of Long Beach. The Princesses and I are very grateful to everyone who made this dream come true.
Mark your calendars for January 31, 1998, for this year's pageant, and April 3-5 for the 24th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. See you at the races!
ARLENE M. HERNANDEZ
1997 Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach