CHOLULA HOT SAUCE TO HELP FIRE UP THE TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH

LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 17, 2009) -- There’ll be more than just hot race cars scorching the streets of Long Beach April 16-19!

Cholula Hot Sauce – “The Flavorful Fire” – will be adding even more heat to the 35^th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as the race’s Official Hot Sauce.

During Sunday’s pre-race ceremonies, Cholula will present the IndyCar polesitter with the “Hot Lap Award,” a $2,000 check to be donated to the charity of his or her choice.  And, the Cholula brand name will be highly visible throughout race weekend on the Shoreline Drive pedestrian bridge.

In addition to being served at condiment stands throughout the race circuit, race fans can pick up a free bottle of Cholula and enjoy games and prizes at the Cholula Booth in the Lifestyle Expo, located in the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

“We’re proud to welcome Cholula Hot Sauce to our family of sponsors,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “As a long-time supporter of IndyCar racing, it’s entirely appropriate that Cholula should join us as a first-time sponsor at the debut of the series on the streets of Long Beach.”

Admission to all activities is FREE on Thurs., April 16. Admission prices for Friday through Sunday have not changed from 2008, and range from $25 for a Friday-only general admission ticket to $125 for a three-day ticket, which includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating on upper levels of the grandstands. Pre-paid parking packages are also available.

In addition to the downtown walk-up service, tickets can be ordered via credit card by using the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 82-SPEED. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at www.gplb.com or at Ticketmaster outlets.  Handicapped seating, IndyCar Paddock Passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality club packages are also available.

A ticket brochure and Fan Guide that includes circuit map, ticket prices and order form can also be obtained by calling the hotline.