Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach President And CEO Jim Michaelian Dies
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The late Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach on April 04, 2023 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
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Getty ImagesJim Michaelian, the driving force behind the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for over 50 years, died on Saturday, March 21. The announcement of Michaelian’s passing was made by the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, and Penske Entertainment, the owners of North America’s greatest street race dating all the way back to 1975.
He was 83.
“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian,” said Penske Corporation President Roger Penske, the owner of IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and Penske Entertainment. “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.”
Jim Michaelian One Of The First Employees Of The Acura Grand Prix In 1975
Michaelian was one of the founding staff members of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
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.
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Jim Michaelian addresses the crowd prior to the driver introductions at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach on April 16, 2023 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesMichaelian 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.
MORE FROM FORBESIndyCar Headlines Another Successful Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach WeekendBy Bruce MartinThe Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is the second biggest event on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule, trailing only the world’s most famous race, the Indianapolis 500. The street race began with Formula 5000 in 1975 before becoming a Formula One event, the United States Grand Prix, from 1976-1983. Beginning in 1984, it was part of the CART Series until 2008. Since 2009, it has been a highlight of the current NTT IndyCar Series schedule.
Racer Jody Scheckter during the inaugural race of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, race 7 of the SCAA/USAC Formula 5000 Championship, September 28, 1975 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
Getty ImagesOver the years, I got to know Michaelian quite well and he was part of many Sports Money features on the glamourous street race that had become a signature sporting event in Southern California.
IndyCar driver Felix Rosenqvist (60) leads the field as he takes the green flag to start the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 21, 2024. (Photo by Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images)
MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesMORE FROM FORBESIconic Long Beach Grand Prix IndyCar Race Makes Key Leadership ChangeBy Bruce MartinMORE FROM FORBESWhat Makes The Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach A True American Success StoryBy Bruce Martin