Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach to end after 40-year ride

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- When the checkered flag drops on the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race next month, it will be for the 40th and final time.

The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach and Toyota made the announcement on Wednesday that the April 16 race will be the final edition of the long-running charity event.

The final race comes as Toyota moves its North American headquarters from Torrance to Texas.

Toyota said it can no longer commit to providing the support required for the event.

Toyota will remain the name sponsor of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, as the auto giant has a multi-year deal that will last through the 2017 race.

Race officials said the bittersweet farewell event will feature a special cast of competitors, who are mostly past winners.

The drivers include past winners Dara Torres, Alfonso Ribeiro, Ricky Schroder, Stephen Baldwin, Frankie Muniz, Adam Carolla and Brian Austin Green.

The race raises money for Racing for Kids, a charitable organization that supports children's hospitals throughout the U.S.