Grand Prix of Long Beach set for leadership change

A leadership change has been confirmed for later this year by the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, organizers of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The organization announced that longstanding President and CEO Jim Michaelian will assume a new role within Penske Entertainment effective June 30, 2026, with Jim Liaw named the new President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association starting July 1, 2026.

Michaelian, 82, has been a part of the Grand Prix Association since its founding in 1975. He has served as Controller, Chief Operating Officer and was named President & CEO in Dec. 2001. He has also served on the boards of the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Council over the years.

The upcoming 2026 event in April will continue to be overseen by Michaelian, who will work closely with Liaw to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Liaw, 50, will assume the temporary title of General Manager for the event.

Marcus Ericsson, Andretti Global

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

“Leading the Grand Prix Association and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Michaelian.

“This event and this community mean a great deal to me, and I’m proud of what our team has built together. Coming off our very successful 50th celebration, I feel this is the right time to make this transition. For 50 years, I have been given the unique opportunity to merge my passion for motorsports with involvement with the longest-running street race in America, which has been a distinct privilege.

“I’m grateful to the City of Long Beach, our sponsor partners, participants, volunteers, and fans for their continued support, and thanks also to Chris Pook, the originator of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, and Kevin Kalkhoven and Jerry Forsythe for their invaluable support during the challenging times in the past 50 years. And with the leadership of Penske Entertainment, the new owners of the Grand Prix Association, the future of the event is in excellent hands.”

Liaw comes into the role with an extensive background in the motorsports industry, including being a General Manager of Performance Racing Industry. He also served as President of Formula Drift, which he co-founded with Ryan Sage in 2003.

“I’m honored to join the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach and to help lead one of the most recognized and respected events in motorsports,” said Liaw.

“The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is incredibly meaningful to me – it was the first major race I ever attended nearly 30 years ago, and it helped spark a lifelong connection to motorsports. Southern California has been home since I was six, so it’s truly an honor to represent Long Beach and the region while leading such a special event. I’m excited to be part of this iconic race and to help shape its future for generations to come.”

President Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles extended his appreciation for Michaelian’s contributions to the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

“IndyCar owes an immense debt of gratitude to Jim Michaelian,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “From Day One, his guidance, management and exemplary leadership, has made the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach a marquee event and a beloved fan-favorite on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. I know our paddock – past and present – and decades of racing champions and legends join me in congratulating Jim on the impactful legacy he leaves.

“As we look to the future, we believe Jim Liaw is an ideal fit to expand the recent growth and popularity of a race weekend, which is strategically important and a big priority for IndyCar. His unique background and passion for motorsports will serve this historic event in a powerful way.”