Revving up excitement ahead of the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, three remarkable figures were inducted this year into the Motorsports Walk of Fame: six-time INDYCAR champion Scott Dixon, Grand Prix Association President and CEO Jim Michaelian, and former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill.

Scott Dixon, affectionately known as "The Iceman," is a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion in his 25th season of racing, with the past 24 of those years with Chip Ganassi Racing. The New Zealander’s name is already etched in motorsport’s history—including a special recognition of merit once awarded to him by Queen Elizabeth II—and he’s been vocal about his love for Long Beach, which dates back to his first race here in 1999.

Breaking from tradition, this year’s ceremony honored not only a driver but also civic leaders, Michaelian and O’Neill.

Michaelian, an important figure behind the Grand Prix’s growth since its inception in 1975, was visibly moved by the recognition, which included a touching introduction and anecdotes from Chris Pook, the founder of the Grand Prix and first president and CEO.

"It truly was a surprise and an honor to be included in this year’s Motorsports Walk of Fame,” he said. “When we started this event back in 2006, it was for the purpose of recognizing those who had achieved success here in Long Beach as well as at other major racing venues around the world. I’m very humbled to now be included with these venerable icons of the racing world. “

Motorsports Walk of Fame Scott Dixon

In his current capacity, Michaelian is responsible for the overall management of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as well as its subsidiary, Grand Prix Special Events. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the Grand Prix Foundation, Los Angeles Sports Council and Visit Long Beach. He also happens to hold a competition driver’s license and has participated in a number of endurance races, including Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Spa and Dubai.

O’Neill, for her part, played a pivotal role in her years serving as mayor from 1994 to 2006 to ensure the Grand Prix remained a centerpiece of the downtown waterfront’s revitalization after the U.S. Navy’s departure. She never missed an opening ceremony in her 12 years as mayor, always sporting her signature checkered scarf. That signature look was showcased by her daughter, Teresa O’Neill, who inducted her mother into the Walk of Fame. With support from her husband, Terrance McNally, Teresa O’Neill provided the crowd with some touching and often humorous stories of her mother and the early days of the Grand Prix.

The public induction ceremony took place on April 10 in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Bronze medallions were placed there, forever enshrining the honorees’ contributions to motorsports.