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    Key moments in the life of Jim Michaelian, longtime Long Beach Grand Prix CEO
    • March 22, 2026

    Here is a glimpse of Jim Michaelian’s journey with the Grand Prix of Long Beach and other iconic racing events throughout the years. The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach’s longtime President & CEO passed away on Saturday, March 21.

    1975: An original employee of the association, a 32-year-old Michaelian joined founder Chris Pook in the vision to bring a motorsports event to Long Beach. He was the event’s first controller, but also served in a number of functional areas, including finance, operations and marketing.

    1977: The Grand Prix of Long Beach earned its first relevance when Mario Andretti won the race, the first and only Formula One victory for an American driver in the U.S.

    Jim Michaelian, right, is joined by Chris Pook, originator of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, during Michaelian's induction ceremony in the Motorsports Walk of Fame at the Long Beach Convention Center on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
    Jim Michaelian, right, is joined by Chris Pook during his induction ceremony in the Motorsports Walk of Fame at the Long Beach Convention Center on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)

    1984: The Long Beach street race pivoted to the IndyCar Series.

    1992: Michaelian’s first pro race in the 1992 Firestone Firehawk at Sebring, Florida.

    1998: Michaelian took on the role of chief operating officer for the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.

    2001: Michaelian assumed the role of president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, taking over from Pook.

    2015: Michaelian participated in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. He was part of the Muehlner Motorport team that competed in a Porsche 911 GT American in the GT Daytona class. It marked his 16th appearance on the 3.56-mile road course located inside Daytona International Speedway.

    2018: Toyota ended its 44-year partnership with the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Toyota Motor North America had been part of the race since it began.

    2019: Acura became the title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Long Beach for the 45th iteration of the street race.

    2020: The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Michaelian guided the association through taking down the track, which was about two-thirds set up when shutdowns occurred in mid-March, and the association had to refund sponsorships and tickets.

    2021: The Long Beach street race returned for its 46th iteration in September — its first time taking place outside of April since 1975 — because of pandemic-related challenges.

    2024: Penske Entertainment purchased the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach from Forsythe and the late Kalkhoven’s estate.

    2025: The Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrated its 50th anniversary. Michaelian was inducted into the Motorsports Walk of Fame.

    2026: Michaelian announced he would retire as President & CEO of the Grand Prix Association. He passed away weeks later.

     Orange County Register 

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