Civic leaders and the auto racing community were mourning Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian Sunday, one day after the driving force behind the annual oceanfront extravaganza died at the age of 83.
No cause of death was provided. Michaelian’s passing comes four weeks before this year’s event is scheduled to roar again along the city’s shoreline from April 17-19.
Michaelian wore increasingly larger hats during the 51 years of the race, serving first as the Grand Prix Association’s controller, chief operating officer and then being named president and CEO in December 2001.
“Jim Michaelian helped define what major sports events looked like in Los Angeles County,” Los Angeles Sports Council President and CEO Matt Cacciato said in a statement Sunday. Michaelian was a longtime board member of the council.
“For decades, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has stood as one of the region’s premier sporting events, and that is a direct reflection of Jim’s leadership, vision and relentless attention to detail,” Cacciato said. “He understood something fundamental about Los Angeles sports: That they are as much about community and place as they are about competition. Under his stewardship, the Grand Prix became a signature event for Long Beach and a cornerstone of the Southern California sports calendar, drawing fans from across the region and around the world.
“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.
“He was a valued member of our board, a trusted voice and a true builder of this region’s sports identity. His legacy will be felt across Los Angeles for years to come, and he will be deeply missed.”
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach announced the death late Saturday.
“Today, we mourn the passing of our longtime President & CEO, Jim Michaelian, who died this morning at the age of 83,” the organization said. “A founding member of the race, the Acura Grand Prix event has grown into one of the premier street races in the world under his leadership, blending top-level competition with major entertainment, civic, and business impact for the city of Long Beach.”
Acura is the latest of multiple sponsors of the race over the years. Penske Entertainment acquired the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in November 2024, and Penske Corporation Chairman Roger Penske reflected on Michaelian’s contributions on Saturday.
“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,” Penske said. “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.”
The Grand Prix Association announced in January that Michaelian would lead the 2026 race before assuming a new role in Penske Entertainment on June 30.
“Jim didn’t just lead the Grand Prix — he lived it,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “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,” Richardson added.
“Floored by this news,” Canadian driver and Fox Sports analyst James Hinchcliffe said on X. “Chatted to Jim last weekend. What he and his team built over decades at Long Beach Grand Prix stands as one of the great sporting events in the country. A racer through and through. He will be missed by many in our community.”
IndyCar President Doug Boles issued the following statement on X: “A crazy, impossible, vision 50+ years ago turned into an annual, epic, racing event/celebration! Thanks Jim for leading @GPLongBeach from the very start! And thanks for the friendship, candid conversations about how to make our sport better, and the many shared laughs and smiles!”
Kyle Kirkwod, who won last year’s race, also weighed in on Michaelian’s death.
“Very sad news. Jim’s passion and love for our sport is unmatched. An all around fantastic person whose legacy will carry on for many generations. Jim will be truly missed by everyone,” Kirkwood posted on X.
Michaelian graduated from UCLA with a BS in physics and an MBA. He was a competitive sports car racer for more than 25 years and competed in endurance events at tracks including Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, Dubai and Sebring.
He was there at the inception of the LB Grand Prix in 1975 with co-founder Chris Pook, and often recalled how many in the industry called the idea of a major professional auto race along the streets of downtown Long Beach “crazy.” Instead, the event proved tremendously popular and grew steadily over the years into a three-day mix of sports, partying and entertainment that brought tens of millions of dollars into city coffers and the pockets of local businesses.
Michaelian reflected on that ride when he announced his retirement earlier this year.
“Leading the Grand Prix Association and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been the privilege of a lifetime,” he said. “This event and this community mean a great deal to me, and I’m proud of what our team has built together. Coming off our very successful 50th celebration, I feel this is the right time to make this transition.”
He is survived by his wife, Mary, and sons Bob and Mike.