The Grand Prix of Long Beach, one of North America’s most prestigious street races, is preparing for a significant leadership transition that will take effect in mid-2026. The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach (GPALB), organiser of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, has confirmed that its long-serving President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Michaelian, will step aside from his current role after more than half a century of involvement with the event.
Michaelian, now 82, will assume a new position within Penske Entertainment effective 30 June 2026. His successor, Jim Liaw, has been appointed President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association, formally beginning his tenure on 1 July 2026. The change marks the end of one of the longest and most influential leadership eras in American motorsport event management.
To ensure continuity, Michaelian will remain fully involved through the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, scheduled for April. During that period, Liaw will work alongside him and take on the interim title of General Manager for the event, allowing for a carefully managed and collaborative transition.
Michaelian has been part of the organisation since its founding in 1975, holding roles including Controller and Chief Operating Officer before being named President and CEO in December 2001. Beyond the race itself, he has been deeply embedded in the civic and sporting life of Southern California, serving on the boards of the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Council. His tenure has encompassed periods of extraordinary growth, economic uncertainty and, most recently, the highly successful 50th anniversary of the event.
Reflecting on his career, Michaelian described leading the Grand Prix Association as “the privilege of a lifetime”, noting the rare opportunity to unite a lifelong passion for motorsport with stewardship of the longest-running street race in the United States.
Incoming President Jim Liaw brings with him a broad and modern motorsport résumé. A former General Manager of Performance Racing Industry, Liaw also co-founded Formula Drift in 2003 and served as its President, helping transform it into a globally recognised championship. He has spoken of a personal connection to the Long Beach Grand Prix, recalling it as the first major race he attended nearly three decades ago.
Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles praised Michaelian’s enduring influence, crediting his leadership with establishing Long Beach as a cornerstone of the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. Miles also expressed confidence that Liaw’s experience and enthusiasm would help build on the event’s recent momentum and growing popularity.
Leadership Timeline at the Grand Prix of Long Beach
| Year | Leader | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Jim Michaelian | Founding executive | Joined GPALB at inception |
| 2001 | Jim Michaelian | President & CEO | Appointed in December |
| 2026 (June) | Jim Michaelian | Penske Entertainment role | Steps down after 50+ years |
| 2026 (July) | Jim Liaw | President & CEO | Assumes full leadership |
As the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach looks beyond its landmark anniversary, the transition signals both respect for an extraordinary legacy and confidence in a new generation of leadership poised to guide the event into its next chapter.