Long Beach Grand Prix CEO and president Jim Michaelian dies at 83

Jim Michaelian , the president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, died at 83 on Saturday. The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach holds IndyCar's annual Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach, California. Michaelian was a founding member of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which is set to hold its 51st race on April 19.

The race has been held annually since 1975, except for the canceled 2020 race due to the COVID pandemic. Michaelian became the association's president and CEO in 2001 and was set to transition into a to-be-determined role with Penske Entertainment in July . Jim Liaw will assume that position.

“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the IndyCar community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian," Penske Entertainment CEO Roger Penske said in a statement. "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. ” Michaelian was the association's controller and COO before becoming president and CEO in 2001.