Longtime Long Beach Grand Prix CEO Jim Michaelian Dies at 83

Michaelian was a key figure in the event's 50-year history, serving in various roles since joining in 1975.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:20am

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Jim Michaelian, the longtime President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, passed away on March 21, 2026 at the age of 83. Michaelian had been with the Grand Prix since its inception in 1975, serving in various roles including controller, COO, and eventually taking over as President and CEO from founder Chris Pook in 2001. Under his leadership, the event transitioned from Formula One to IndyCar racing and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, with Michaelian being inducted into the Motorsports Walk of Fame that same year.

Why it matters

The Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most iconic and longest-running motorsports events in the United States, and Michaelian was a central figure in its success and evolution over the past five decades. His passing marks the end of an era for the race and the motorsports community.

The details

Michaelian joined the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in 1975 as its first controller, but also served in a number of other roles including finance, operations, and marketing. He was part of the team that helped bring the first Formula One race to Long Beach in 1977, which was won by American driver Mario Andretti. The race later transitioned to the IndyCar Series in 1984. Michaelian took on the role of chief operating officer in 1998 before becoming president and CEO in 2001, a position he held until his retirement in 2026.

  • Michaelian joined the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in 1975 at the age of 32.
  • The first Formula One Grand Prix of Long Beach was held in 1977, with Mario Andretti's victory being the only F1 win for an American driver in the U.S.
  • The Long Beach street race pivoted to the IndyCar Series in 1984.
  • Michaelian became the chief operating officer of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in 1998.
  • Michaelian assumed the role of president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in 2001, taking over from founder Chris Pook.
  • The Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, the same year Michaelian was inducted into the Motorsports Walk of Fame.
  • Michaelian announced his retirement as President & CEO of the Grand Prix Association in 2026, and passed away just weeks later.

The players

Jim Michaelian

The longtime President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, who was with the event since its inception in 1975 and played a key role in its growth and evolution over the decades.

Chris Pook

The founder of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, who brought Michaelian on board in 1975 and later handed over the role of president and CEO to him in 2001.

Mario Andretti

The American racing driver who won the first Formula One Grand Prix of Long Beach in 1977, the only F1 victory for an American driver in the U.S.

Penske Entertainment

The company that purchased the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach from Forsythe and the late Kalkhoven's estate in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Jim Michaelian was a true icon in the world of motorsports, and his legacy will live on through the Grand Prix of Long Beach for generations to come.”

— Roger Penske, Owner, Penske Entertainment

What’s next

Penske Entertainment, the new owners of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, are expected to announce plans for the future of the event and how they will honor Michaelian's contributions.

The takeaway

Michaelian's five-decade tenure with the Grand Prix of Long Beach, during which he helped transform it into one of the premier motorsports events in the country, underscores his immense impact on the sport and the local community. His passing marks the end of an era, but the race's legacy will continue under new ownership.