Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – The Pit Window by Mike Silver

Long Beach Grand Prix Announces Leadership Change

January 15, 2026 thepitwindowLeave a comment

Editor’s note: After Doug Boles, I have had more conversations with Jim Michaelian than any other track principal. I will miss his passion for the event, and he set a high bar for delivering an outstanding race weekend.

The following is from the Long Beach Grand Prix:

President & CEO Jim Michaelian Transitioning to New Role Effective June 30; Jim Liaw Named as Replacement

The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, organizers of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, announced that President and CEO Jim Michaelian will assume a new role in Penske Entertainment effective June 30, 2026, and that Jim Liaw has been named as the organization’s new President and CEO, starting July 1, 2026.

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

Michaelian will continue to guide the event and company through the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend and will work closely with Liaw to ensure a smooth leadership transition. On February 9, 2026, Liaw, 50, will assume the temporary title of General Manager for the 2026 event.

“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.”

Michaelian, a competitive sports car racer who, for more than 25 years has competed at such tracks as LeMans, Daytona, Nürburgring, and Sebring, hopes to be able to participate in a few more events before hanging up his helmet.

Liaw brings extensive motorsports industry experience and leadership from his position as General Manager of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), an organization that supports and advocates for the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies, and businesses. PRI runs the largest annual motorsports trade show in the world.

An entrepreneur by nature, Liaw has leveraged his experience and passion for motorsports into a successful career that has introduced and launched some of the hottest youth culture programs in America. Prior to joining PRI in 2021, Liaw served as President of Formula Drift, which he co-founded with Ryan Sage in 2003 and helped turn into the premier drifting series in the world. He and Sage were the first to take the unknown motorsport of drifting out of Japan and introduce it to America, eventually making it the global benchmark for professional drifting. Formula Drift’s invitational “Super Drift Challenge” has been a fixture at the Grand Prix since 2005.

“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.”

When he’s not binge-watching historical documentaries or traveling, Liaw enjoys spending time with his wife, Angela, and their two daughters.

“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.”

The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 17-19, 2026. For the latest news and information on the event, visit gplb.com or follow on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB), Instagram (@GPLongBeach) and TikTok (GPLongBeach).

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Long Beach Wrap Up

April 17, 2025 thepitwindow

Fifty consecutive races at the same venue is something to celebrate, and The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach honored its legacy in style. Historic cars representing the three formulae that have run in the Grand Prix- Formula 5000, F1, and Indycar- held two races. Six-time winner Al Unser, Jr. and four-time winner Mario Andretti were on hand to give the command. Echoes of the past were prevalent throughout the track and convention center.

In the modern era record weekend crowd of more than 200,000 spectators were many who had come back to the race after years of being away. I talked to Keith from Palm Desert, California, who attended the first F1 race in 1976. He has been to several Indianapolis 500s. Currently F1 is his favorite series, and he wanted to be in Long Beach for the 50th race. Keith told me how the track used run along Ocean Boulevard in its early days.

On each of my three trips to Long Beach, I have met car crazy race fans. My favorite memory was on my first trip when I met two brothers who watched Bill Vukovich race midgets at Ascot Park when they were kids. I wasn’t writing this blog then, but I wish I could have spent more time with those guys and recorded some of their stories. I assume they have passed on by now.

Back to the present. The race was a great race for the hard-core fan, but I’m not sure a new fan would be impressed. there was some early action and a late pass for a podium spot by Christian Lundgaard, but not a lot of intrigue at the top.

The Start

Long beach rolling starts have always been ragged, and Sunday’s was no exception. Only about a third of the field was in formation. Part of the problem is the field has to round the slowest turn on the schedule and line up before the green. It is an impossible task.

My friend Chris DeHarde of Frontstretch makes a good argument for a standing start. I agree with him. Other possibilities are a rolling start on Pine Street or moving the start line further toward turn one. The start and finish line do not have to be at the same place.

FOX Broadcast- Better but not Yet 500 Worthy

I watched the replay of the FOX broadcast last night. It was their best presentation of the three. The driver’s eye camera provided some wonderful shots and perspectives, and I thought the booth crew did a better job of telling the story of the race. James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell broke the race down clearly and in plain language.

I like their showing of the cars and liveries in the driver introductions.

Many of the early passes were shown, and unlike an F1 broadcast, the leader appeared on screen enough that we remembered who was at the front.

Josef Newgarden’s seat belt issues got the attention they deserved.

One thing still missing is a pit stop timer. It is crucial that this clock is in place for the 500. I would also like to see the laps of the top two cars timed simultaneously once in a while.

The thing I enjoyed the most is that the winner can get right out of the car in Victory Lane without having to wait for a signal from a TV producer. The celebration was more spontaneous.

Overall, a much better job by FOX. They have two more chances to refine their race show before the big one. I think they’ll make it.

NOTE – IndyCar has a full field oval test at IMS April 23 and 24. Turn 2 mounds are open for viewing. Part of Wednesday is devoted to rookie orientation and refresher tests.

Quick Thoughts- Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

April 13, 2025 thepitwindow

Photo by Joe Skibinski

For those who enjoy tactical races, this one was a beauty. Several pit strategies were in play, but Kyle Kirkwood’s crew made he right calls. Kirkwood won his third career race and second Long Beach Grand Prix in three years.

There was some passing and some contact, but nothing that warranted a caution. In three 2025 races, the only caution took place at the start of the season opener at St. Pete. Christian Lundgaard thinks the hybrid has contributed o the lack of cautions since the drivers can refire the cars. Plaou thinks it is just a coincidence.

Kirkwood drove a masterful race. He maintained pace and there was perfect execution in the pits.

Kirkwood said that winning the 50th Long Beach Grand Prix was “massive.” He thanked Honda for their efforts over the off season, which led to improvements.

Top Drives

Christian Lundgaard drove a great race as one the six drivers starting on primary tires. His tire choice got him to the front and he stayed in the lead group all day.

Felix Rosenqvist finished where he started in fourth. He lost third to Lundgaard near the end of the race.

Will Power had another great drive, finishing fifth from 13th onn the starting grid. If Power can qualify in the top 12 or six, he will probably win a race or two.

Notes

Kirkwood is now second in points, just 34 points behind Palou. Lundgaard, in third is slightly more than a race behind Palou.

Josef Newgarden’s seat belt issue is the second for Team Penske in the last four races. Will Power had the same problem at Nashville in the 2024 season finale. I find this concerning that one team has had this problem twice over such a brief number of races.

There were 169 passes and 9 lead changes among six drivers, the most since 2012.

Unlike many races I have attended, most ofthe fans in the stands between turns 9 and 10 stayed for the entire race. Incan think of several tracks where fans began leaving before the halfway point.

Thanks for following along this weekend. Tomorrow is a travel day. On Tuesday I will have a wrap-up of this historic weekend.

Going Green- Long Beach Starting Tire Choices

April 13, 2025 thepitwindow

Race Day at Long Beach

April 13, 2025 thepitwindow

Today’s Schedule All times Pacific

9 am-9:30 am IndyCar Warm Up

1:30 pm- Fox broadcast begins.

1:52 pm- Green Flag

It’s another cool and cloudy morning at Long Beach, but green flag temperature for the 50th Long Beach Grand Prix should be around 63 degrees with mostly sunny skies.

Warm Up

In the just completed warmup period, Graham Rahal led the way followed by Josef Newgarden. Pole sitter Kyle Kirkwood was fifth.

There was one red flag when Colton Herta ran into the back of Jacob Abel, who appeared to slow down, Herta received a 5 minute hold penalty. Both cars returned to the track.

Tire strategy is the talk f the paddock, and the starting tire choices may determine the outcome of the race.

I am sticking with hedged prediction that one of the front row cars, either Kyle Kirkwood or Colton Herta, will win today. Kirkwood is just a bit hungrier for a victory, and I give him a slight edge.

Honoring the Past

In the exhibition area of the convention center, the Grand Prix had the historic cars on display and an area displaying the winners of every grand prix.

Special plaques honored Brian Redman, winner of the first rac, and Dan Gurney, one of the founders of the Grand Prix.

Redman’s winning Formula 5000 car from 1975

Some winners of the Formula 1 races at Long Beach

Long Beach Qualifying-Andretti Lockout, Lundgaard Heartbreak

April 12, 2025 thepitwindow

Andretti Global swept the front row with Kyle Kirkwood winning the pole and Colton Herta second. The third Andretti car of Marcus Ericsson will start fifth. Kirkwood led his first round group, and Herta was second in his segment. Kirkwood and Herta also finished 1-2 in the second round.

The pole is Kirkwood’s second in the last four races. he won the pole for the 2024 season finale at Nashville.

Penske Entertainment photo by Travis Hinkle

The hard luck story of qualifying is Christian Lundgaard. Lundgaard led Round 1, Group 1 after two strong practices. He was on track to solidly be in the Fast Six when he crashed on his final lap in round two, relegating him to 12th.

Team Penske was strong in the practice sessions, but only Scott McLaughlin made it to the final round. The lone Chevy in the Fast Six will start sixth. Meanwhile teammates Will Power and Josef Newgarden will start 13th and 15th.

Tomorrow’s race will be similar to St. Pete. Tire strategy, beginning with the starting rubber choice, will be crucial.

Results

Qualifying Day at Long Beach; Wickens Returns

April 12, 2025 thepitwindow

Today’s Schedule: All times pacific.

8:30 am-9:30 am- IndyCar Practice 2

11:30 am- 1:00 pm- IndyCar Qualifying

2:00 pm- IMSA race (100 minutes) GTP and GTD

Based on yesterday’s practice, the alternates are faster, but how long will they last? Teams appeared to be saving primaries for the race, resulting in less on track action. Will Power, yesterday’s leader, completed only 20 laps.

Maybe IndyCar should shorten the first practice a bit to encourage cars to be on track for the entire session.

IMSA

BMW locked out the front row with their third straight pole of the season. The team has yet to have success in a race. The Penske Porsches are in Row 2 and poised to take their third straight victory.

Today’s race marks the return of Robert Wickens to major competition. He will start eight in the GTD field. He called his qualifying effort “frustrating.”

Wickens will be in the ble Corvette (I know) number 36.

I’ll be back after practice with the qualifying groups,

Long Beach Practice 1:Two Team Battle Shaping Up

April 11, 2025 thepitwindow

While I don’t put a lot of stock in Friday practice, it5 appears that supremacy by the seas may come down to Penske versus Andretti. Will Power grabbed the top spot on his final lap, nipping Marcus Ericsson, who was just 0.002 seconds ahead of his teammate Kyle Kirkwood. Power’s stablemate Josef Newgarden finished sixth overall, but he led part of the 45 minute portion of the split practice.

Points leader Alex Palou was seventh quick, the fastest of the Ganassi cars.

Meyer Shank racing had a strong showing, with Marcus Armstrong fourth and Felix Rosenqvist fifth.

Notes

The grandstands in turns nine and 10 were nearly at capacity for practice. I haven’t been to Long Beach in three years, but I don’t remember the seats this full for the first practice.

The Grand Prix organization has gone all out to mark the 50th anniversary of a race on the streets. Their merchandise booth has very nice commemorative shirts and outerwear.

For the Golden Anniversary, even the event cars are gold.

IndyCar practice 2 is at 8:30 am Pacific, and qualifying is at 11:30 PT.

IMSA note– Robert Wickens just qualified eighth for tomorrow’s race.

Results

Morning at Long Beach- A Step Back in Time

April 11, 2025 thepitwindow

Photo: Historic cars warm uo for practice

The session lasted only 20 minutes, but it was the best 20 minutes od the morning as the historic cars took to to the track for their first practice. Formula 500, F1, and Indycars- all formulae that have raced in an iteration of the Long Beach Grand Prix -were represented.

Another highlight of the morning was seeing the ar Robert Wickens will drive during IMSA practice.