Acura Grand Prix and Formula Drift Kickoff in Long Beach

SEMA News captures the excitement and legacy of the iconic street race weekend

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a Formula Drift car in action, its body and movement broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of vibrant colors.The cubist deconstruction of a Formula Drift car captures the raw energy and competitive spirit of the series' season-opening event on the iconic streets of Long Beach.Long Beach Today

SEMA News writer Laura Pitts got an insider's look at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Formula Drift season opener, experiencing the thrill of the street circuit from the passenger seat of a Porsche 911 safety car and attending the high-intensity Formula Drift press conference. The article explores the event's rich history, new ownership, and the evolving talent level across both racing series.

Why it matters

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a legendary motorsports event that has been a fixture in the city since 1975, shaping the local community as much as showcasing world-class racing. With new ownership under Penske Corporation, the event is undergoing upgrades and enhancements, while also honoring the legacy of long-time president and CEO Jim Michaelian. Meanwhile, the Formula Drift season opener on the streets of Long Beach highlights the growing depth of talent and competitiveness in the drifting discipline, as drivers adapt their skills across different cars and continents.

The details

SEMA News writer Laura Pitts experienced the Acura Grand Prix weekend from an insider's perspective, riding shotgun in a Porsche 911 safety car before the crowds arrived and then immersing herself in the high-energy Formula Drift press conference. She witnessed the event's ongoing evolution under new Penske Corporation ownership, including upgrades to grandstands, viewing areas, and hospitality. The Grand Prix also paid tribute to the late Jim Michaelian, the event's long-time president and CEO, by having all competing cars carry a sticker honoring his legacy. In the Formula Drift series, the talent level was described as higher than ever, with reigning champion James Deane and other top drivers like Fredric Aasbø and Matt Field discussing the intense competition and their offseason preparations. Rising star Conor Shanahan ultimately won the season opener, highlighting the series' global reach as he balances programs across continents.

  • The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend took place in April 2026.
  • The Formula Drift season opener at Long Beach was held shortly before this article was published.

The players

Tommy Kendall

An IMSA and TransAm champion who drove the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS safety car that Laura Pitts rode in.

Jim Michaelian

The long-time president and CEO of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach who passed away in March 2026.

Jim Liaw

The new general manager for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach after Michaelian's passing, previously serving as the general manager for PRI.

James Deane

The reigning 5-time Formula Drift champion who is aiming for his sixth title.

Fredric Aasbø

A top Formula Drift driver who believes he can win the championship this season.

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What they’re saying

“You could've fooled me.”

— Laura Pitts, SEMA News writer

“I've never been more ready.”

— Matt Field, Formula Drift driver

“The movies I watched when I was 12 or 13 shaped what I wanted to do.”

— Adam LZ, Formula Drift driver

“You're going from one side of the world to the other, trying to figure everything out from scratch. Sometimes you don't even get the perfect practice session, so you're constantly adapting.”

— Conor Shanahan, Formula Drift driver

What’s next

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place in April 2026, featuring the NTT INDYCAR Series, IMSA, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Stadium SUPER Trucks, and Historic Sports Car races. The Formula Drift season will continue with additional rounds following the Long Beach opener.

The takeaway

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and Formula Drift events are deeply intertwined with the city of Long Beach, shaping the local community while also showcasing world-class motorsports competition. Under new ownership, the Grand Prix is undergoing upgrades and enhancements, while also honoring the legacy of its long-time leader. Meanwhile, the depth of talent in Formula Drift continues to grow, as drivers adapt their skills across different cars and continents.