Jim Michaelian 1943-2026
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
The racing world lost a giant over the weekend. Longtime Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian passed away suddenly, just weeks before the marquee event.
He was 83.
Michaelian took the title of President and CEO for the race in 2001, with this scheduled to be his final event, but it wasn't just the race that he helped propel. Several motorsports commentators credit Jim for giving them their start, with Calvin Fish one of those who got their start in TV thanks to Michaelian.
Jim was also a racer at heart. Competing in GRAND-AM, the 24 Hours of Dubai, Nurburgring and amassing 15 starts in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.
He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics and a Master's degree in Business Administration from UCLA. Jim served on the board of directors for the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, and sons Bob and Mike.
"... Jim Michaelian was the dictionary definition of the term Stalwart. Tireless, intelligent, and kind, he led the GP Association with that intelligence and well-tempered candor. The Long Beach Grand Prix found a hero very early on with Jim. He'll be missed but remembered well by everyone in the sport and beyond." 👍