Longtime Grand Prix Leader Jim Michaelian to Transition Roles; Jim Liaw Named New President and CEO

LONG BEACH — The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach announced a major leadership transition this week, as longtime President and CEO Jim Michaelian will move into a new role with Penske Entertainment effective June 30, 2026. Veteran motorsports executive Jim Liaw has been named as his successor and will assume the President and CEO position on July 1, 2026

Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian is interviewed by public television producer German Angel during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Media Day

Michaelian, 82, has been part of the Grand Prix Association since its founding in 1975 and has served in several key roles, including Controller, Chief Operating Officer, and President and CEO since December 2001. His tenure spans more than five decades of growth for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, now the longest-running street race in North America.

Before stepping into his new role, Michaelian will continue leading the organization through the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, scheduled for April 17–19. He will also work closely with Liaw to ensure a smooth transition. Liaw will take on the temporary title of General Manager for the 2026 event beginning February 9.

“Leading the Grand Prix Association and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Michaelian said. “Coming off our very successful 50th celebration, I feel this is the right time to make this transition.”

Over the years, Michaelian has also served on the boards of the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach, and the Los Angeles Sports Council. In addition to his executive leadership, he is an accomplished sports car racer, having competed at world-renowned circuits such as Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, and Sebring. He has expressed hope to participate in a few more races before retiring from competition.

Incoming President and CEO Jim Liaw brings extensive motorsports and business experience to the role. He currently serves as General Manager of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), which produces the world’s largest annual motorsports trade show. Prior to joining PRI in 2021, Liaw co-founded Formula Drift in 2003, helping transform drifting from a niche Japanese motorsport into a global professional racing series. Formula Drift’s “Super Drift Challenge” has been part of the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend since 2005.

“I’m honored to join the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach and to help lead one of the most recognized and respected events in motorsports,” Liaw said. “The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach was the first major race I ever attended nearly 30 years ago, and it helped spark a lifelong connection to motorsports.”

A Southern California resident since childhood, Liaw said he is excited to represent Long Beach while helping guide the future of the iconic event. Outside of motorsports, he enjoys traveling, watching historical documentaries, and spending time with his wife, Angela, and their two daughters.

Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles praised Michaelian’s legacy and expressed confidence in Liaw’s appointment.

“INDYCAR owes an immense debt of gratitude to Jim Michaelian,” Miles said. “As we look to the future, we believe Jim Liaw is an ideal fit to expand the recent growth and popularity of a race weekend that is strategically important to INDYCAR.”

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach remains one of the city’s most prominent annual events, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans and generating significant economic impact for the region.

For more information and updates on the 2026 race weekend, visit gplb.com or follow the event on social media.