Yahoo Autos Penske Entertainment Acquires Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
Penske Entertainment has another major racing event in its portfolio.
Today, the Penske organization announced that it has acquired the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC—effectively taking control of the Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend—from longtime owner, former Champ Car team owner and former co-owner of Champ Car Gerald R. Forsythe.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Southern California is the longest-running street circuit race in North America. The 2025 IndyCar race will cap off the Long Beach race weekend on April 13.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event,” said Penske Entertainment boss 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.”
The 2025 event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Grand Prix of Long Beach event.
“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.”
The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of more than 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile race course surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
“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.”
This is the second major event announcement in a busy offseason to come out of Penske Entertainment—owners of the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In October, the group announced a partnership with the Dallas Cowboys NFL team to bring the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington street race to the Dallas market in March of 2026.
