This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

So Roger Penske Entertainment owns The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. That’s America’s Monaco ever since it was born in 1975. The 50th anniversary is next April.
Roger Penske Feat
Penske Entertainment already owns the IndyCar series. And controls its two biggest events: The Indy 500 and, now, the Long Beach Grand Prix.

This week’s release seems to indicate President and CEO Jim Michaelian will remain in charge of running the racing at the Grand Prix. Now, obviously, Roger Penske is a brilliant billionaire businessman. But Roger had a large voice in CART and ChampCar and they both failed.

The Grand Prix, however, is Southern California’s opening of Spring. As long as that appeal remains, and marginal racing fans find the line to buy tickets, the Grand Prix will continue to flourish.

Penske should know. He was the largest ticket buyer for years as he built his billion-dollar businesses.

What scares me, though, is looking to build the IndyCar brand behind armed guards like at the country club racetrack in Thermal outside nearby Palm Springs.

Ticket selling is very different from ticket buying. I’m sure Roger Penske understands that.

Peace.