Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association and a founding member of the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, died Saturday, March 21. He was 83.
“Jim was the leader of a small, passionate group who believed in bringing elite open-wheel racing to Long Beach in the 1970s and worked tirelessly to make it happen despite the odds, then helped make the Long Beach Grand Prix the premier street race in the United States,” said Roger Penske. “For 50 years, his vision and energy for this great event have remained inexhaustible.”
The first Long Beach Grand Prix was held in 1975 and was a Formula 5000 event. Brian Redman won that game. The next year came F1, then IndyCar.Bob Leha Jr. – Getty Images
In fact, for the past 51 years, Michaelian has served as the Grand Prix Association’s financial director, chief operating officer and, in December 2001, president and chief executive officer, GPALB said. Under his leadership, the Acura Grand Prix has grown into one of the premier street events in the world, blending top-level competition with significant entertainment, civic and commercial impact on the city of Long Beach.
In 1977, James Hunt’s McLaren soared through the streets of Long Beach.Grand Prix Photos – Getty Images
Michaelian has also served on several boards over the years, including the Long Beach Grand Prix Foundation, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Commission, furthering his impact on the Los Angeles area sports community.
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Michaelian, a graduate of UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in physics and an MBA, is also a competitive sports car racer and has competed in endurance racing for more than 25 years at tracks such as Le Mans, Daytona, the Nürburgring, Spa, Watkins Glen, Dubai and Sebring, further deepening his lifelong connection to racing, GPALB said.
Away from the track and events, Michael Ann enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, and two sons, Bob and Mike. No services have been announced yet.
