The roar of engines, the thrill of world-class racing and the excitement of America’s premier motorsports festival are returning to the streets of downtown Long Beach next April 16-18! The 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will bring three action-packed days of racing, entertainment and incredible experiences to the city's iconic waterfront circuit. Fans can secure their place in the action when tickets go on sale this Sunday at 10 a.m. PT.
‍

On Sunday, April 18, the fifth round of the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES will race with celebrated drivers such as defending race winner and five-time series champion Alex Palou, past Long Beach winners Kyle Kirkwood, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden and Will Power, along with young stars such as Pato O’Ward and 2026 Rookie of the Year Dennis Hauger expected to battle on the iconic 1.97-mile, 11-turn circuit through downtown Long Beach.
‍

In addition, the Saturday, April 17 featured event will be the third round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with its headlining GTP (GT Prototype) class, featuring hybrid prototypes from Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche. The GTP cars will be joined on track by the GTD (GT Daytona) class, making for an exciting and pass-filled race expected to have a field of at least 25 cars.
‍

Fans will also see two nights of the Formula DRIFT Super Drift Challenge Friday and Saturday, as well as doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, Porsche Carrera Cup North America and, announced yesterday, the Historic F1 Challenge, featuring historic Formula 1 cars that raced between 1975 and 1984.
‍

Off the track and free to all race attendees will be the popular Lifestyle Expo featuring more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in automotive, travel, home, sustainability, fitness and recreation as well as the large Family Fun Zone in the Long Beach Arena. There will also be Friday and Saturday evening concerts, more than 150 concession stands throughout the venue, unique car displays, driver autograph sessions, the CARnival car show, and a wide variety of activities for everyone.
‍

“There's nothing quite like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and we're looking forward to making 2027 another incredible experience for our fans,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Liaw. “From the best drivers in the world battling wheel-to-wheel on our legendary street circuit to the concerts, entertainment and excitement throughout the weekend, this event delivers an atmosphere you simply can't find anywhere else. Our fans will see that we keep raising the bar, bringing them even closer to the action and delivering the kind of racing and entertainment that has made Long Beach a must-attend event for over 50 years.”
‍

Ticket prices range from $59 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $232 for a three- day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. As always. children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult, although they will need a Junior ticket to sit in the grandstands.
‍

Starting on Sunday, fans can select and pay for their 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.
‍

Fans can also follow the 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB), Instagram (@GPLongBeach) and TikTok (GPLongBeach).

The unmistakable roar of Formula 1 engines will once again echo through the streets of Long Beach as the legendary machines of the 1970s and 1980s return to the iconic seaside circuit for the Historic Formula 1 Challenge at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 16-18. Race fans will be transported back to one of the most thrilling eras in motorsports history as these spectacular cars bring the sights, sounds and excitement of Formula 1’s golden years back to Long Beach.
‍

The historic F1 machines will take center stage in two action-packed, 20-minute races throughout the weekend. The first will thunder through the streets on Saturday, April 17, alongside the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, with a second showdown on Sunday, April 18, adding even more excitement to a spectacular day headlined by the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES race.
‍

Formula 1 ran for eight years in Long Beach, from 1976-83, and the “who’s who” list of winners during those years includes Mario Andretti (1977), Niki Lauda (1981), Nelson Piquet (1980), Clay Regazzoni (1976) and Gilles Villeneuve (1979). Andretti’s 1977 black and gold John Player Lotus, along with 1982 Long Beach runner-up Keke Rosberg’s Williams FW07D are expected to be in the field, with other entries from famous marques like Shadow, Penske, Wolf, McLaren, March and Surtees to be announced in the coming weeks.
‍

The historic event at Long Beach will be sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA).
‍

“We’re bringing together an incredible field of historic Formula 1 cars that represent one of the most exciting eras in racing,” said HMSA President Cris Vandagriff. “These legendary machines are an important part of Long Beach’s rich racing heritage, and there’s nothing quite like hearing their engines roar through the streets where Formula 1 history was made. Giving fans two opportunities to experience these remarkable cars in action will make this year’s event even more special.”
‍

“The return of historic Formula 1 cars brings an exciting new level of energy to an already spectacular race weekend,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Liaw. “These legendary machines are part of Long Beach’s racing DNA, and fans will love seeing and hearing them roar through our streets once again. With 10 races from six world-class series, including these cars, INDYCAR and IMSA all on the same weekend, it’s a motorsports experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
‍

The 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In addition, the weekend will include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, Porsche Carrera Cup North America and the Historic F1 Challenge.
‍

Tickets go on sale Sunday morning at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket prices range from $59 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $232 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. As always. children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult, although they will need a Junior ticket to sit in the grandstands.
‍

Fans can select and pay for their seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.
‍

Fans can also follow the 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB), Instagram (@GPLongBeach) and TikTok (GPLongBeach).

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach crossed the finish line for the 51st time on Sunday, but the Long Beach Vibe it created will last well into the future.

Alex Palou won Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race before full grandstands while thousands of other fans watched on big screens from concession areas, inside the Long Beach Arena, while jamming to a DJ in the Korbel Welcome Plaza and elsewhere while they enjoyed the overall atmosphere of the event. People cherished the scene so much they stayed well past the final checkered flag, as if savoring every possible second like one does the last bites of a great meal.

“It’s an incredible atmosphere here with the fans,” Palou said. "It’s our biggest race outside of the Indy 500."

Polesitter Felix Rosenqvist was second, two-time winner Scott Dixon was third and defending champion Kyle Kirkwood was fourth. That gave Honda not just a podium sweep but the top four spots. Earlier, Tom Sawer won the Porsche Carrera Cup race, Matt Brabham took the win in the SPEED Energy Super Trucks and Chris Hines raced to the win in the Historic Sports Car Challenge in a 1990 Chevrolet.

This was a successful weekend not just for title sponsor Acura – which also took the top spot in Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race – but also for everyone who came out during the three-day extravaganza. Those who were here were treated to six different types of racing, a lively atmosphere with the AAA Travel Lifestyle Expo, a Family Fun Zone, a dizzying array of food and drink concessions, way-cool merchandise at booths and two concerts. The tradition of are-you-kidding-me-this-is-perfect sunny mid-70s weather only enhanced the positive experience.

The improvements Penske Entertainment made to the event with grander grandstands and the all-new double-decker Premium Pit Row Suites was evident, and it’s only going to get bigger and better in the future as this was just the beginning of a three-year improvement plan.  The race went on without long-time President and CEO Jim Michaelian, who passed away just prior to this year’s event. Still, his presence was seen and felt everywhere and his 51-year involvement was remembered prior to the start of the Indycar race.

It was always the goal of the Grand Prix to create such a fun time that when it was all over, people would say, “that was a fun day, a fun weekend! What’s the date for next year!?” The 51st race succeeded in this goal most spectacularly, and we'll see you next April 16-18, 2027!

‍

There were a lot of winners on Day 2 of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. There was Acura, which won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the first time since it took over as the event’s title sponsor in 2019, and the first time locally since 2009. There were the GTP class drivers in that event, Nick Yelloly and Renger van der Zande in their No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06, as well as the drivers in the IMSA GTD class, the Porsche Carrera Cup, the SPEED Energy Super Trucks, the Historic Sports Car Challenge and Super Drift races.

And there were the other winners, the tens of thousands of fans who turned out on a super sunny Saturday and felt the event’s Long Beach Vibe.

Felix Rosenqvist felt that vibe, too, as he took the pole position for Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR race in the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda. He was followed by Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou. Defending champion Kyle Kirkwood was fourth.

From the moment the green flag dropped on the day when the gates opened at a 7:30 a.m., to the concert presented by Acura by all-star rock band Kings of Chaos and the second of two Formula Drift challenges that went until 8:30 in the evening, it was a roar by the shore. Roaming around the grounds of the promenade, the Marina Green flanked by grandstands on one side and the waterfront on the other, around the Pike Outlets, in the area around the arena, the heavy activity at grandstands 9, 10 and 11, in luxurious Pit Row hospitality suites and beyond, people soaked in all the Grand Prix’s atmosphere and activities.  

There was music from DJs, sponsor activations with giveaways, concessions, souvenir stands, activities such as a bungee jump for kids in the Family Fun Zone and race cars everywhere, both sitting still in booths and paddock areas and moving fast on the track. Fans could also see a racing machine of a different kind inside the AAA Travel Lifestyle Expo.  Fresh off the Winter Olympics in Milan, Acura had an actual Team USA bobsled people could get into it for photos and videos. Afterward, they had their headshot superimposed into a picture which showed them raising a hand at the finish line as if they had just won gold.

That, and the winning performance by Yelloly and van der Zande, made it a golden day in Long Beach for Acura.

“We had to work for it,” van der Zande said, surrounded by his family in victory lane. “Cadillac seemed very fast and I was barely holding on. The rear tires were completely gone. But we did it! I was in the zone and pulling away in traffic. Traffic for me in IMSA is where my experience counts. The Cadillac came so close. But man, that was great!”

Aaron Telitz and Benjamin Pedersen won the IMSA’s GTD class for Vasser Sullivan Racing, Tom Sargent won the first of the weekend's two Porsche Carrera Cup races, Chris Hines drove a 1990 Chevrolet to victory in a historic sports car and in a thrilling Super Trucks race Max Gordon out-dueled his dad Robby to win.

Sunday’s on-track action starts at 9:20 a.m. with the second Historic Sports Car Challenge and accelerates through the INDYCAR race from 2:45-5 p.m. The day also includes the second Porsche Carrera Cup race (11:20 a.m. - Noon), the Super Trucks (12:15 p.m.) and the exciting INDYCAR pre-race ceremonies featuring Olympic athletes, two car parades (the all-new Mornings CARnival and an Acura Parade Lap that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the brand), the Golden Knights parachute team and a tribute to long-time President and CEO Jim Michaelian, who passed away prior to this year’s event.

If you did not know any better, as you walked around the grounds of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, you might be tricked into thinking it’s a Saturday or even a Sunday. Instead, it was Friday, the first day of the 51st annual event that captivates fans throughout Southern California.  

Race cars were zooming around the city’s downtown streets on this temporary circuit, music was playing, concessionaires were doing a brisk business, souvenirs were being purchased, sponsor booths were drawing attention and people wandered through all parts of the vast facility. Some places, such as along the row of sponsors and food vendors, the flow of people traffic backed up to the point where you literally had to stop and smell not the roses, but food cooking on a grill. Some people could not resist the temptation and peeled off to savor those delights.

Inside, the AAA Lifestyle Expo was buzzing with activity and kids were bouncing around on inflatables at the Family Fun Zone. In fact, the entire Grand Prix was a fun zone for everyone.

Then, as the sunshine turned to dusk and eventually to dark, the scene transformed into one of nighttime vibes with the Formula Drift Challenge and a free-with-your-race-ticket performance by Lupe Fiasco presented by Acura that created an exhilarating Long Beach vibe. And that was just Day 1.

Racing? Yes there was racing. And it blended in seamlessly with all the other activities.

Six different racing series’ saw action on Friday, highlighted by the IMSA WeatherTech qualifying session. This leads into Saturday when its race will take place from 1-3 p.m. Porsche Carrera Cup also qualified on Friday as the first of its two races on the weekend takes place Saturday at 5:15. Also out Friday were the NTT INDYCAR SERIES competitors the SPEED Energy Super Trucks and the vintage sports cars of the Historic Sports Car Challenge.

The green flags wave again on Saturday starting at 8:30 am and lasting until 8:30 pm. That’s 12 hours of activity and action. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines for Day 2 of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is bringing even more local color to its world-famous street circuit in 2026, partnering with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event’s pedestrian bridges as part of an effort to beautify the racetrack ahead of race weekend.
‍

The new public art initiative will feature works by Long Beach artists in the bridges’ walkways, turning raceway infrastructure into vibrant canvases that reflect the energy of the Acura Grand Prix and the creative spirit of the city. The murals will be completed by Tuesday, April 7, ahead of the April 17-19 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
‍

Creative Class Collective, known for its work promoting accessible arts and culture and for initiatives such as Long Beach Walls, curated the artists for the project as part of its ongoing mission to elevate local creators and foster community pride through public art. Over the past decade, the organization has helped transform more than 150 blank walls and public spaces throughout Long Beach into works of art.
‍

“Public art has the power to transform spaces and bring communities together, especially during high-octane events like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said Blair Cohn, Executive Director of Creative Class Collective. “We tapped local Long Beach artists to create several dynamic murals on the pedestrian bridges, turning overlooked infrastructure into vibrant canvases that capture the spirit of the race and our city’s creative pulse. Seeing these works come to life amid the roar of racing engines reinforces what we are building toward every day in Long Beach: incredible artists whose work inspires cultural connection, celebration and pride in our spaces.”
‍

The mural project is designed to celebrate Long Beach’s homegrown talent on one of Southern California’s biggest stages, creating a visual connection between the city’s thriving arts community and its signature international sporting event.
‍

Artists selected for the project include:

• Eric Michael Rauseo, a Venezuelan-American painter and visual artist whose work explores color, form and cultural memory.

• Roshi, whose work focuses on themes of transformation, illumination and personal narrative.

• Brooks, supported by Sansone, Dlux and Dooms, is the only African-American graffiti artist from the subway train era in New York City to come to Long Beach, and open a shop celebrating Hip Hop culture. His AirGraFx Shop still operates online.

• Steve Martinez, a muralist, fine artist and curator known for blending traditional painting techniques with contemporary architectural elements and cultural symbolism.

• LaJon Miller, a Long Beach-based muralist whose vibrant work celebrates color, culture, storytelling and resilience.

By incorporating large-scale public art directly into the race circuit, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and Creative Class Collective are reimagining key pedestrian spaces as immersive landmarks that will welcome fans and showcase the city’s identity throughout race weekend.
‍

Grand Prix ticket prices range from $56 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $221 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality packages. As always, children 12 years and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult, although they will need a Junior ticket to sit in the grandstands.
‍

Fans can select and pay for their 2026 Acura Grand Prix seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.
‍

The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach can be followed on Facebook (GrandPrixLB), X (@GPLongBeach #AGPLB), Instagram (@GPLongBeach) and TikTok (GPLongBeach).
‍

About Creative Class Collective

Creative Class Collective is a Long Beach-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering creators through experience and community. Through public art initiatives, youth storytelling platforms and cross-sector collaborations, CCC works at the intersection of arts, culture and community development to build spaces where artists and communities can create, connect and thrive.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach continues to prove to be a powerhouse event, delivering nearly $100 million in economic impact to the City of Long Beach and the broader Southern California region, a $35 million increase over the last study completed after the 2018 event. According to the study conducted by Kleinhenz Economics, the 2024 event generated impressive economic benefits over its three-day duration.

The key findings of the study include:
‍

Regional Economic Impact

Economic Output: The Grand Prix produced a total economic impact of $98.7 million across a seven-county region, stemming from $58 million in visitor and operational expenditures.

Job Creation: The event supported 702 jobs across various industries, with 523 direct jobs and 178 indirect or induced positions. These positions included sectors like food and beverage, hotels, retail, entertainment, and transportation.

Income Generation: The event generated $40.3 million in total income, with an average annualized wage of $57,400.

Tax Revenue: The Grand Prix contributed $17.9 million in tax revenues, including $8.3 million at the state and local levels.

City of Long Beach Economic Impact

Economic Output: Within the City of Long Beach, the event produced $58.7 million in economic activity.

Job Creation: The Grand Prix supported 525 local jobs with an average wage of $50,500.

Tax Revenue: The event brought in $8.9 million in local and state taxes, enhancing community resources and infrastructure.

‍

Beyond the Numbers

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is more than just a racing event. Its high visibility, with more than two million viewers across national and international media platforms, establishes Long Beach as a premier motorsport and tourism destination. The event fosters long-term business investment, infrastructure development, and economic vitality, leaving a legacy that extends well beyond its three-day schedule.

With more than 194,000 attendees in 2024 enjoying races, concerts, and other attractions, the Grand Prix continues to rev up the local and regional economies while delivering unforgettable experiences.

“The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is not just an exciting racing event—it’s also a dynamic economic engine for the City and the Southern California region,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “This year’s economic impact report highlights the substantial benefits the event delivers, from creating jobs to generating millions in revenue for local businesses and government. It’s a testament to the power of motorsports to bring people together while driving significant economic growth. We’re proud to play a pivotal role in enhancing Long Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and business investment.”

“Major events like the landmark Grand Prix of Long Beach create both excitement and economic opportunity for our city and region. From local businesses seeing a surge in customers to job creation and infrastructure investments, the impact extends far beyond the checkered flag,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “For Long Beach, this means more support for small businesses, increased tourism revenue, and a stronger local economy that supports city services that our residents depend on.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach remains a driving force behind Southern California’s economic growth and cultural appeal. As the 50th Anniversary event approaches this April 11-13, the focus remains on maintaining this iconic event’s reputation as both an entertainment spectacle and an economic catalyst. To read the full report, visit gplb.com/economic-impact-report.

Penske Entertainment announced today the newest member of its growing event portfolio, confirming the acquisition of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC, from longtime owner Gerald R. Forsythe. The association administers the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running major street circuit race in North America. The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, to further enhance this can’t-miss celebration of speed and Southern California motorsport culture for years to come.

This upcoming year marks the 50th edition of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, with special programming planned to mark the occasion. The race will return to network television, with FOX set to broadcast the event Sunday, April 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.”

“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,” said Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “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.”

As an acclaimed and highly attended annual event located in the nation’s entertainment capital, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a premier race weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Working alongside the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach team, Penske Entertainment plans to invest in bolstering and enhancing the experience for race fans, sponsors and hospitality customers.

“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.”

The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of over 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile racecourse surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The 2024 edition featured a supercharged atmosphere, which included the largest attendance in the modern INDYCAR era. The event 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.

“The Grand Prix is an incredibly vital and vibrant asset for our community and an annual event that drives commerce, attracts tourism and elevates cultural connectivity across our city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Penske Entertainment will be a committed and energetic partner for the future that seeks to preserve and enhance this event’s rich history and strong legacy. We’re looking forward to a great working relationship that benefits everyone who calls Long Beach home.”

As part of today’s announcement, Penske Entertainment and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach released a special video, narrated by former Indy 500 Honorary Starter and acclaimed actor Milo Ventimiglia. You can watch it here.

Today’s news marks the continuation of an ambitious and productive period for Penske Entertainment, which owns and manages INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In September, the organization announced the establishment of the first charter system in INDYCAR’s history, providing NTT INDYCAR SERIES owners meaningful and enhanced value across their entries. In October, Penske Entertainment unveiled the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, powered through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, featuring an international field of the world's most versatile drivers who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses across the United States and Canada. Beginning in 2025, FOX Sports will be the exclusive home of all INDYCAR action, providing a network broadcast via FOX of all 17 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsport series in the U.S. to broadcast every race on network television.