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Jim Michaelian, the president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, passed away on March 21 at the age of 83. Michaelian was one of the founding staff members of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and spent the last 50 years growing the event into one of the premier street races in the world.
Why it matters
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a major annual event that brings top-level motorsports competition, entertainment, and economic impact to the city. Michaelian’s leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing and expanding the race over the past five decades.
The details
As president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association, Michaelian oversaw all aspects of the Acura Grand Prix, blending elite open-wheel racing with major civic and business benefits for Long Beach. Under his leadership, the event grew into one of the most prestigious street races globally.
Jim Michaelian passed away on March 21, 2026.Michaelian had served as president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach since December 2001.Michaelian was involved with the Grand Prix of Long Beach for over 50 years, starting as one of the founding staff members in the 1970s.
The players
Jim Michaelian
The president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach who spent 50 years growing the Acura Grand Prix into one of the premier street races in the world.
Roger Penske
A racing legend who praised Michaelian’s vision and energy in making the Grand Prix of Long Beach a success over the past five decades.
Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
The organization that oversees the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, one of the most prestigious street races globally.
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What they’re saying
“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
What’s next
No specific future events related to this story have been announced yet.
The takeaway
Michaelian’s five decades of leadership and vision transformed the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach into one of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world, cementing the race’s status as a major annual tradition and economic driver for the city of Long Beach.