She’s isn’t “just a pretty face!” She’s the real thing — a stylish lady with a posh new makeover.
We’re talking about the sweeping visual changes at this year’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach venue.
As I walked the venue on Sunday’s race day, I marveled at the improvements. They weren’t subtle. They were spectacular.
Mary Michaelian, Chris and Ellen Pook at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for The Press-Telegram.
Mayor Rex Richardson, Ana Mendy of League One Volleyball, Nina Richardson and Jessica Zestar at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Telegram
Don Rodriguez, Greg Krikorian, and Cindy Rodriguez at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Telegram
Roberto and Tanya Uranga at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Telegram
“Golden Knights” U.S. Army Parachute Team, from left: Makayla Moynier, Brandon Guevara, Sloan Kanat, Ben Hall, Austin Smith, Brandon Hexum, Erik Dolores and Jon Schmertzler at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Telegram
The Michaelian family Mary, Mike and Bob. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Tekegram
Dan Gooch, Heather Moro, Laura Doud, Al Moro, Pat West, Desiree Gooch at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for the Press-Telegram
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Mary Michaelian, Chris and Ellen Pook at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Photo: Shirley Wild, for The Press-Telegram.
For starters, a tier was added to the grandstands, adorned at the top with colorful sponsor flags.
All of the entryways to the site were revamped and restored.
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Structural changes had a polished and more “finished” look. Pipes were covered and treads were carpeted.
Colorful artwork replaced dull backgrounds throughout the venue.
It was a sight to behold.
The Long Beach Grand Prix Association Pit Row Suite had the most notable impact of all the changes in the revamp project, rolled out by the race’s new owner, Penske Entertainment.
The entry was behind noise-curtailing curtains, separating the Pit Row hubbub from the crowd.
A second tier added several amenities: there was a cozy sofa and plush easy-chair seating area on both floors, providing a space for conversation while noshing on sweets offered. Carpeting softened the entire area.
A United States Army paratrooper desends with the American Flag during prerace ceremonies prior to the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Alex Palou (#10) and Pato O’Ward (#5) lead a group of cars heading into the first turn off Shoreline Drive early in the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Driver Alex Palou celebrates after winning the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Stadium Super Truck driver Robby Gordon rides on two wheels following a race during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Stadium Super Trucks Blake Wilkey sails through the air in a race during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Indycar driver Santino Ferrucci races around turn 10 during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Race fans pack the turn grandstand as Indycar driver Christian Rasmussen races through turn 10 during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Formula D Super Drift driver Rome Charpentier slides around the corner during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Landon Elms (5) and his father Logan from Bakersfield, enjoy the second day of racing during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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A United States Army paratrooper desends with the American Flag during prerace ceremonies prior to the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Prime rib and lobster with all the fixings were the elegant and delicious entrees. In addition to the trays of sweets on each tier, individual cannoli were offered on usherette trays, tempting the calorie count even more. The cocktail bar was popular and open through the day.
Related: Download your Grand Prix posters today!
Penske Entertainment promises even more changes in the years ahead. I can’t wait!
Amid the polished new look and an otherwise jubilant day came some bittersweet moments — heart-felt honors for a pivotal Grand Prix leader whom we lost suddenly, earlier this year.
Race officials took time to offer an emotional tribute to longtime Grand Prix President & CEO Jim Michaelian, who passed away in the weeks leading up to the 51st edition of the race at age 83.
Honoring Jim was his friend Chris Pook, who created the race more than five decades ago — and hired a young Jim Michaelian! — as well as a well-crafted commemorative video that told Jim’s remarkable story.
Longtime Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The honor was deeply deserved. Jim was one of a kind and spent tireless decades helping to build the race into its current role as Long Beach’s highest-profile national event, drawing headlines all over the world. Racing fans love the event — but so do more casual fans who just love a fun “happening.” Jim deserves much of the credit for making that happen over the years.
After the poignant pause, the mood changed back to race-day activities, featuring with a flyover by parachuters provided by the “Golden Knights” U.S. Army Parachute Team — and the rest of the festive opening ceremonies.
Just like every year out on the street course, it was truly a day to remember.
Indycar driver Alex Palou sprays champagne after winning the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Seen at the Scene: Mayor Rex and Nina Richardson, Mary Michaelian and sons Mike andBob, Chris and Ellen Pook, Rick and Joey DuRee, Don and Cindy Rodriguez, Greg Krikorian,Roberto and Tanya Uranga, Darick Simpson, Laura Doud, Chris Esslinger, Dan and DesireeGooch, Heather and Al Moro, Pat West, Jon Kelley, Tom Modica and son Max, Harry andMaria Saltzgaver and Lauren Supernaw.
And don’t forget “Golden Knights” U.S. Army Parachute Team members Makayla Moynier, SFC; Brandon Guevara, SGT; Sloan Kanat, SFC; Ben Hall, SFC; Austin Smith, SSG; Brandon Hexum, SFC; Erik Dolores and Jon Schmertzler, SSG.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild atspwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpgphotos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification ofindividuals from left. Call Shirley at for more information.