On a weekend that celebrated the rich 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a bit of history met the present: the name Andretti was again in Victory Circle.

It was not Mario or Michael but Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global who took the checkered flag in Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. Counting the four victories here by Mario, the two by Michael and now seven by this team, the Andretti family has now been involved in an incredible 13 victories at Long Beach. 

Al Unser, Jr., for his six wins as a driver, is known as the “King of the Beach.” Perhaps the Andrettis should now be known as the “Monarcas of the Beach.”

“It’s massive,” Kirkwood said. “This is an historic race and I don’t think it’s set in yet for me. But I know how special it is to win the 50th anniversary/ To be a multi-time winner is absolutely massive. And do it in an Andretti car, too. Andretti has a huge history here and to add to that history is big for me, big for the team and big for everyone involved."

The pole-sitter was joined on the podium by Chip Ganassi's Alex Palou and Arrow McLaren's Christian Lundgaard. The race was a rarity in street races and Long Beach in particular in that the entire race was run under a green flag. There was not one caution period for the entire 90 laps for the first time since 2016. An even more rare situation nearly presented itself: It initially appeared that the race would be run under a sky full of clouds. But at the very moment the drivers started their cars, the sun came out and a long-standing Long Beach tradition - a sunny race day - continued on its 50th anniversary.

Sunday was a full day of activity that started with a race featuring different generations of cars that raced here throughout the decades, a Historic Formula Exhibition. GT America then showcased its series with its second race of the weekend and as a grand finale – an encore, if you will – the SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks kept people on the edges of their seats until the end of the afternoon. For many fans throughout the day, they paid for a full seat in the grandstands but only used the front of it. 

For the 50th, legends Andretti and Unser, Jr., were brought back as co-Grand Marshals. They then joined 1975 race winner Brian Redman, four-time winner Paul Tracy, members of the family of Dan Gurney, race co-founder Chris Pook and Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian for pre-race laps in vintage cars provided by Petersen Automotive Museum. A special display in the Lifestyle Expo showcased the history of the race through photos and descriptions of the previous 49 winners as well as Gurney, without whom there would be no Grand Prix in Long Beach.

Sunday also featured a big thank you to the LA wildfires first responders, who rode along with the 27 drivers in pickup trucks to wave to fans around the track prior to the start of the IndyCar race. 

The 50th year of the Grand Prix sure went a lot smoother than the first, and it provided a perfect reflection of its past while also setting the pace for even more success in the future.

The weather cooled a bit but the action did not during the second day of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The cars were rolling, the music was pumping, vendors were talking with fans, merchandise booths were busy and people were enjoying all elements that make up this annual three-day Southern California event. 

Kyle Kirkwood, the 2023 winner, took the pole for Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race for a team name synonymous with Long Beach, Andretti Global, in his Honda-powered machine. He edged ahead of teammate Colton Herta, giving Andretti Global complete command of the front row.

“When you’re in an Andretti Global car at Long Beach, you know you’re going to be quick,” Kirkwood said. “You’ve got to be so happy with that, right? A front-row Andretti Global lockout here at Long Beach. I’m shaking. That was great. That was such a good lap, such a good qualifying. Fortunately, I didn’t put any wheel wrong or hit anything. That’s always a question here at street courses. You’ve got to send it to get that top spot.”

Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship race resulted in Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy winning in GTP with Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell finishing second, giving Porsche Penske Motorsport a 1-2 finish. In GTD, Laurens Vanthoor and Jonny Edgar combined to reach to the top of the podium in the AO Motorsport "Rexy" Porsche. 

All competitors raced in front of grandstands so full it looked like a Sunday rather than a Saturday. Even more fans were at concession stands, in the paddocks, on boats in the harbor and taking in the entire iconic scene as morning clouds gave way to afternoon sunshine. They were also entertained by the first of two weekend Historic Formula Exhibitions – won by Jordon Roddy in a 2005 Lola 05/00 – the GT America sports cars race, the high-flying SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, the Super Drift Challenge and the Saturday concert starring Foreigner presented by Cuervo Tequila.

All the tied into Sunday, which features the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race starting at 1:30 p.m. Prior to that is the Historic Formula Exhibition at 10:45 a.m. and a GT America race at 11:20 a.m. At 12:15 p.m., the pre-race ceremonies start and, while walking around the grounds provides plenty of atmosphere, fans are advised to be in their seats or in front of one of the many giant video screens to witness very special events tied to this event's 50th anniversary. 

There are two co-Grand Marshals tomorrow: four-time winner Mario Andretti and the “King of the Beach,” six-time winner Al Unser, Jr. At 12:40 p.m., a Grand Prix Legends Parade of six cars will feature Andretti; Unser, Jr.; Brian Redman; Paul Tracy, and race founder Chris Pook riding in vintage cars provided by Petersen Museum, after the Mother’s Exotic Car parade. The cars will then be on display the rest of the day in the Mother’s Exotic Car Paddock between Turns 9 and 10. It is also highly recommended that fans spend time at the historic display in the Lifestyle Expo, which has information on all the previous 49 winners as well a tribute to race co-founder Dan Gurney. A special souvenir program is also being sold at the Grand Prix merchandise tents.

Back on track, there will be pre-race laps from an INDYCAR two-seater in the “Fastest Seat in Motorsports.” The national anthem will be performed by recording artist and producer Tim Kepler, a Riverside native who is the regular anthem singer for the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Sunday’s pre-race festivities will also feature a U.S. Navy flyover as well as the United States Army Golden Knights parachute team.

And as a tribute to the LA wildfires heroes, 27 first responders from various departments will be riding in the back of pickup trucks along with the INDYCAR drivers in the parade lap. The Honorary Starter is Captain Erik Scott with LA City Fire and there will be a special recognition for Department Chief Anthony James with Pasadena Fire.

The first day of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach was a roaring success as thousands of fans raced into the facility, filled the exhibition hall, got autographs of their favorite NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and enjoyed the fullness of this event.

They were treated to a warm and sunny day as well as qualifying for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, GT America and, in the evening under the lights, the Formula D Super Drift Challenge Competition and a free concert in front of the Performing Arts Center with the Concert Presented by Acura featuring EDM DJs DVBBS. 

Fans were also exposed to the incredible diversity of experiences that are featured atthe Grand Prix. They heard both the sounds of race cars and of a DJ in a "dayclub" setting at the outdoor open-to-the-public Korbel lounge. They listened to vendors explaining products as they lined up to spin prize wheels for free samples and overheard conversations among groups of friends saying things like “dude, they have Mario Andretti’s winning car from 1977 here!” 

Their senses were also alerted to the various smells of the Grand Prix. In some areas it was burning rubber from the cars. In others, it was a smoky smell coming from grills serving barbecue, burgers, tacos and other food items. The latter was particularly prevalent behind the Shoreline Drive grandstands and was enough to even make full stomachs start to growl.

And, being a warm day, many people had a beer in hand – most opted for the 24-ouncer – Cuervo Tequila margaritas or other beverages.

Saturday promises even more with the activities going from 7:45 in the morning until 8:30 at night. Racing wise, the day is highlighted by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship race (2-4 p.m.) and qualifying for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. There is also race #1 for GT America, the SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks and the Historic Formula Exhibition. Plus there is the Super Drift Challenge and the Saturday concert starring Foreigner presented by Cuervo Tequila.

In a very special moment, the Grand Prix will be honoring first responders from January’s LA wildfires in a ceremony prior to the IMSA race. This will  consist of helicopters from LA County Fire, LA City Fire, Cal Fire, LA County Sheriff, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department. The Grand Marshal is County of Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Malcolm Dicks, who risked his own well being to rescue a stranded woman during the Malibu fires.  He will be with Patty Phillips, the woman he rescued from a burning car.

The national anthem will be performed by LaShana Dendy – known as Shana Dee on social media – a pop, R&B, Hip-Hop and Gospel singer and actress. The elite United States Army Golden Knights parachute team will land in multiple places on the racetrack, including the start/finish line.

The 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach announced that Cuervo®, the tequila that invented tequila, has signed on as the Official Tequila of the legendary motorsports event, set to take place April 11-13.

This exciting partnership will introduce race fans to the iconic 100% blue agave tequila brand through official activations and add the bold spirit of Cuervo to the festive atmosphere in the heart of downtown Long Beach.

As part of the sponsorship, Cuervo signage and branding will be featured prominently throughout the event, and be highlighted by the Cuervo Agave Bar and Festival on the Promenade near Turns 6 and 7, and the Devil’s Reserve and Cuervo Tequila Bar on Vendor Row, just east of the Korbel Welcome Plaza.

In addition, Cuervo will be the presenting sponsor of the Saturday night concert starring legendary rock ‘n’ roll band Foreigner.

“We are very happy to welcome Cuervo as an official sponsor of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Their rich heritage as the oldest tequila company and passion for celebration align perfectly with the high-energy atmosphere of our event, and we look forward to their offering fans memorable experiences with the Foreigner concert and various activations around the race circuit.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most anticipated motorsports events in North America, featuring a weekend of world-class racing, live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and more. The addition of Cuervo, the world’s number one tequila brand1, as a sponsor underscores the event’s commitment to providing fans with premium hospitality and exceptional experiences.

The 2025 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, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 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.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is proud to welcome Sunbelt Rentals as the Official Equipment Supplier for its 50th anniversary race weekend, taking place April 11-13 on the streets of downtown Long Beach.

As a premier provider of rental equipment and solutions across North America, Sunbelt Rentals will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless setup and operation of Southern California’s premier motorsports event. The partnership affords Sunbelt Rentals to supply essential equipment, including material handling and construction solutions, to support the infrastructure and logistical needs of the event.

With an expansive network of locations across North America – including several in the Long Beach area – and a deep commitment to service and sustainability, Sunbelt Rentals provides best-in-class equipment solutions for industries ranging from construction to live events. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will benefit from Sunbelt Rentals’ expertise and vast inventory, ensuring a smooth and efficient race weekend.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sunbelt Rentals and welcome them to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach family,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Their reputation for quality, reliability, and exceptional service makes them the perfect partner to help us deliver a world-class experience for teams, drivers, and fans alike.”

The 2025 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, GT America Powered by AWS and the unique Historic Formula Exhibition, featuring cars from the three racing eras at Long Beach – Formula 5000, Formula 1 and Indy Car – racing together for the first time.

Acura Grand Prix ticket prices range from $54 (“all-in” pricing) for a Friday General Admission ticket to $215 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. Continuing a longstanding policy at the Grand Prix. children 12 years and under can get free general admission with a ticketed adult.

Fans can select and pay for their 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333.

Fans can also follow the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X at GPLongBeach (#AGPLB50), Instagram at GPLongBeach and YouTube at GPLongBeach, as well as via the official Grand Prix app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The City of Long Beach, in partnership with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, announced today the honorees for the 2025 Motorsports Walk of Fame, Scott Dixon, Jim Michaelian and Beverly O’Neill. The honorees will be inducted during a public ceremony taking place Thursday, April 10, ahead of the 50th Anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 11-13.

“As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach turns 50, we are not just celebrating the spirit of the racing world—we are honoring the legends who helped shape it,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “It is a privilege to welcome this year’s esteemed honorees to the Motorsports Walk of Fame and pay tribute to their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they have had on Long Beach and the racing community.”

Dixon, Michaelian, and O’Neill will be inducted into the Walk of Fame during a free, open-to-the-public ceremony at 11 a.m. in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue. During the ceremony, each honoree will unveil a 22-inch bronze medallion featuring renditions of their iconic cars and descriptions of their major achievements, enshrining their contributions to motorsports on the Walk of Fame.

“We are honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach by recognizing Scott, Jim and Beverly for their wonderful contributions to the world of motorsports,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “With these beautifully crafted medallions in the heart of our scenic Downtown shoreline, their legacies will live on and inspire the racing community for generations to come.”

“What Scott, Jim, and Beverly have accomplished inspires us all,” said Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. “With this prestigious honor, we are proud to celebrate their exceptional achievements and recognize their lasting impact on the motorsports community and beyond.”

Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and defending Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach winner Scott Dixon is entering his 25th season racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the past 24 of which have been with Chip Ganassi Racing, the longest tenure for a driver in team history. Dixon has 58 career wins, second in series history behind only A.J. Foyt (67). His six championships are also the second-most, trailing only Foyt (seven).

Nicknamed “The Iceman,” Dixon produced another impressive season in 2024 winning at Long Beach and Detroit and scoring his 142nd career podium finish – an INDYCAR record. He won a race for the 20th consecutive season and the 22nd season overall. That extended his series records in both categories.

The New Zealand native became part of British Commonwealth royalty when he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II on the 66th anniversary of her Coronation as Queen of the United Kingdom. Her Majesty the Queen appointed the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit to him in recognition of his services to motorsports in 2019.

"It's an honor to be added to the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Dixon. “The first time I came here was 1999 in Indy Lights. It's always a marquee event. There are not many events on any schedule that people can celebrate like this. I think what we really enjoy as drivers and teams is the atmosphere. This place is wild. It's got a lot of energy. It's a lot of fun. Hopefully the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda team can get another victory there this season."

President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC (GPALB) since 2001, Jim Michaelian has been involved with the organization since its inception in 1975, serving in a number of functional areas including finance, operations and marketing.

In his current capacity, Michaelian is responsible for the overall management of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as well as its subsidiary, Grand Prix Special Events, which specializes in temporary structure rentals for such events as the Academy Awards, Rose Parade, Electric Daisy Carnival, Emmy Awards and various other events.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Physics and an M.B.A., Michaelian also serves on the board of directors of the Grand Prix Foundation, Los Angeles Sports Council and Visit Long Beach. He holds a competition driver’s license and has participated in a number of endurance races, including Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Spa and Dubai.

"It truly was a surprise and an honor to be included in this year’s Motorsports Walk of Fame,” said Michaelian. “When we started this event back in 2006, it was for the purpose of recognizing those who had achieved success here in Long Beach as well as at other major racing venues around the world. I’m very humbled to now be included with these venerable icons of the racing world. “

Beverly Lewis O’Neill was born and raised in Long Beach, the city she often said she loved. After a 31-year career in education culminating in five years as president/superintendent of Long Beach City College, Beverly was elected Mayor of Long Beach in 1994. She was the first big city mayor to win a third term through a write-in campaign, serving 12 years.

Mayor O’Neill led the remaking of the city’s economy after the U.S. Navy’s departure, including rebuilding of the downtown waterfront, with the Grand Prix of Long Beach at its center. She was directly involved in adjusting the course to accommodate redevelopment while keeping the spotlight on the Grand Prix.

In her 12 years as mayor, Mayor O’Neill never missed opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix event, addressing the crowd in her trademark black and white checkered scarf. She embraced the role of biggest cheerleader, for the city and the race.

After the ceremony, the honorees will sign autographs for those in attendance. For more information, visit lbmotorsportswof.com.

The Motorsports Walk of Fame is a joint project of the City of Long Beach and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. It was created in 2006 to honor key contributors to the sport of auto racing, with Dan Gurney and Phil Hill as the inaugural honorees, both of whom greatly contributed to the success of the early days of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Since then, 37 honorees have been recognized. The Walk of Fame is located in front of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment building, across from The Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex on South Pine Avenue. New members are inducted every year as part of the week-long series of events leading up to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The induction ceremony kicks off the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend which brought more than 194,000 people to Downtown Long Beach in 2024. For more information, visit gplb.com, call 888.827.7333, or follow the race on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, X @GPLongBeach (#AGPLB), Instagram @GPLongBeach and YouTube @GPLongBeach.

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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:
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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.

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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.