On the eve of its 50th anniversary, the Long Beach Grand Prix has a new owner, Penske Entertainment.
The owner and manager of the INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES purchased the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC, which put on the annual Grand Prix. As a result, Penske Entertainment will take over America’s most popular street race. The 2025 event, formally known as the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, is April 11-13.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event,” said Roger Penske. “This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we’re excited to work with Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we’re looking forward to a very special 50th anniversary celebration this April, as well.”
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian said, “as we prepare to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone, the 50th anniversary of this amazing event, it’s fitting that we have such exciting and important news to share about its future. Roger and the team at Penske Entertainment understand the special history and unique qualities that give us such a strong foundation and will be ideal partners as we continue to deliver an exceptional race weekend for our fans moving forward. I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution that the previous owners, Jerry Forsythe and the late Kevin Kalkhoven, made to the success of our event over the past 19 years” of their ownership.
The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, which is the longest-running major street circuit race in North America.
The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of more than 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile
racecourse surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The Long Beach Grand Prix has a storied history, brings global attention and positive economic impact to its home city while also maintaining a charitable organization – the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach – which has donated more than $4.2 million to those in need within the Long Beach community.
“This is a major race weekend, not just on our calendar but across the motorsport landscape,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re committed to preserving the core attributes that make it best in class while also working on some exciting and bold initiatives to make its future even bigger and brighter.”
Earlier this year, Penske Entertainment unveiled the INDYCAR Grand Prix of
Arlington, powered through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Pangers.
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