Longtime Long Beach Promoter Jim Michaelian Passes Away

Photo: IMSA

Longtime Grand Prix of Long Beach promoter Jim Michaelian has passed away on Saturday at the age of 83, officials from Penske Entertainment announced.

Michaelian, who served as the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO, was one of the founding staff members of the event.

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 event grew into one of the premier street races in the world.

Michaelian 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.

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 driver who for more than 25 years, competing in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex 24 at Daytona, Nürburgring 24 and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

It was announced in January that Michaelian would assume a new role in Penske Entertainment effective June 30, and that Jim Liaw was named as the organization’s new President and CEO, starting on July 1.

Penske Entertainment acquired the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in late 2024.

“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the IndyCar community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian,” read a statement from Roger Penske.

“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.”

IMSA President John Doonan added: “All of us here at IMSA are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian.

“Jim was a racer’s racer and a dear friend to IMSA and the motorsports community at large. In addition to his stewardship of the Long Beach event, Jim was a frequent competitor in IMSA races over the years.

“We will sorely miss his presence at Long Beach and racetracks everywhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family, friends and colleagues. This is a devastating loss for our motorsports family.”

Jim’s son, Bob Michaelian, is coming off a top-ten finish in Friday’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Sebring International Raceway.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John