Jim Michaelian, a founding member and the chief executive of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, died this month. He was 83.
In his 51 years with the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach event, Michaelian served as its organization’s controller and chief operating officer before being named its president and chief executive in 2001. The event has since become one of the most prominent aspects of Long Beach’s entertainment and sports scene.
“Jim didn’t just lead the Grand Prix – he lived it,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “His passion, warmth and dedication turned an event into a tradition, and a tradition into a source of pride for generations of Long Beach residents. Under his leadership, the Grand Prix became a global event and a defining part of Long Beach’s identity. He will be remembered not only for what he built, but for the relationships he nurtured and the pride he inspired.”
In addition to his work with the Grand Prix, Michaelian cemented his sports advocacy credentials with stints on the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Council. The UCLA graduate competed for 25 years in sports car racing, having raced at Le Mans, Daytona, Dubai, Sebring and other tracks.
Matt Cacciato, who is president and chief executive of the L.A. Sports Council, lauded Michaelian as having “helped define what major sports events looked like in Los Angeles County” and hailed his stewardship of Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
“He understood something fundamental about Los Angeles sports: that they are as much about community and place as they are about competition,” he added in a statement. “Jim’s impact extended far beyond a single race. He helped elevate Los Angeles County’s reputation as a global sports destination and set a standard for how events can be both world-class and deeply rooted in the communities that host them.”
At the time of his death, Michaelian was transitioning into a new role with Grand Prix Association parent Penske Entertainment. He is being succeeded at Grand Prix Association by Jim Liaw.