LONG BEACH, Calif. — Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian, one of the founding staff members of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, died Saturday, March 21. He was 83 years old.
Over the past 51 years, Michaelian served as the Grand Prix Association’s Controller, Chief Operating Officer and, in December 2001, was named President & CEO. Under his leadership, the Acura Grand Prix event has grown into one of the premier street races in the world, blending top-level competition with major entertainment, civic, and business impact for the City of Long Beach.
Michaelian also served on various boards over the years, including the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Council, further augmenting his impact on the sports scene in the Los Angeles area.
A graduate of University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Physics and an M.B.A., Michaelian was also a competitive sports car racer who for more than 25 years, competed in endurance racing at such tracks as Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, Spa, Watkins Glen, Dubai and Sebring which further deepened his lifelong connection to racing.
Off the track and away from the event, Michaelian was a private man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, Mary, and two sons, Bob and Mike.
A loving and devoted husband, nothing meant more to Jim than his family. He especially treasured the time he spent with his two boys, creating memories that will be carried forever. One of the ways he brought everyone together was through Sunday family dinners, which became a cherished tradition. Around that table were lively and passionate discussions about motorsports, finance, and politics – topics Jim loved and brought to life with insight and enthusiasm. He was an avid reader, a thoughtful man, and someone people naturally turned to for advice and guidance. But more than anything, Jim was someone who led by example. Through his actions, his values, and the way he cared for others, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
“All of us here at IMSA are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian,” said IMSA President John Doonan in a statement. “Jim was a racer’s racer and a dear friend to IMSA and the motorsports community at large. In addition to his stewardship of the Long Beach event, Jim was a frequent competitor in IMSA races over the years. We will sorely miss his presence at Long Beach and racetracks everywhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family, friends and colleagues. This is a devastating loss for our motorsports family.”
IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske also issued a statement.
“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian,” Penske said. “Jim was a leader of a small, passionate group who believed in the concept of bringing elite open-wheel competition to Long Beach in the 1970s, worked tirelessly to make it happen despite steep odds and then helped nurture the Grand Prix of Long Beach into becoming America’s premier street race. His vision and energy surrounding this great event remained boundless for 50 years, as no task was too small for Jim even while he served in numerous leadership roles.
“Penske Entertainment is committed to honoring Jim’s legacy of putting fans and competitors first as we continue to build on the strong foundation he and his staff created for a half-century in Long Beach. Our deepest sympathies are with his wife, Mary, and their sons, Bob and Mike.”
