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Jim Michaelian, the president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, passed away at the age of 83. Michaelian was a founding member of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which has been held annually since 1975 and is set to host its 51st race in 2026. He became the association’s president and CEO in 2001 and was set to transition to a new role with Penske Entertainment in July.

Why it matters

The Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the longest-running and most prestigious street races in American open-wheel racing. Michaelian’s leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing the event and growing it into a marquee IndyCar Series race over the past five decades.

The details

Michaelian was a founding member of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which was first held in 1975. He became the association’s president and CEO in 2001 and was set to transition to a new role with Penske Entertainment in July 2026. Under his guidance, the race became a mainstay on the IndyCar calendar and helped popularize street course racing, with six of the series’ 18 races now taking place on street circuits.

The Grand Prix of Long Beach is set to hold its 51st race on April 19, 2026.Michaelian became the association’s president and CEO in 2001.Michaelian was set to transition to a new role with Penske Entertainment in July 2026.

The players

Jim Michaelian

The president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, who was a founding member of the iconic race and helped grow it into one of IndyCar’s premier events.

Roger Penske

The CEO of Penske Entertainment, which owns the IndyCar Series.

Mark Miles

The president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., who praised Michaelian’s leadership and legacy in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the IndyCar community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian. 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.”

— Roger Penske, CEO, Penske Entertainment

“IndyCar owes an immense debt of gratitude to Jim Michaelian. From Day 1, his guidance, management and exemplary leadership, has made the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach a marquee event and a beloved fan-favorite on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. I know our paddock – past and present – and decades of racing champions and legends join me in congratulating Jim on the impactful legacy he leaves.”

— Mark Miles, President and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp.

What’s next

Penske Entertainment has announced that Jim Liaw will assume Michaelian’s position as president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in July 2026.

The takeaway

Michaelian’s leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing the Grand Prix of Long Beach as one of the most prestigious and long-running street races in American open-wheel racing. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape the future of the event and IndyCar racing as a whole.