Jim Michaelian 1943-2026
- Mar 26
- 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.
I ran the media and public relations shop for the Grand Prix of Long Beach from 1995 thru 1997, and in later years worked with the GPALB on a number of motorsports sponsorship programs during my years with Auto Club of Southern California. Yes, Chris Pook had the vision that brought the Grand Prix to Long Beach, but it was Jim Michaelian whose passion, integrity, tireless work ethic and absolute selfless love for the sport created and nurtured the “world’s fastest beach party” we enjoy today.
I don’t think Jim had an enemy in the world.. Working with him was a pleasure; being his friend was a joy.
If it brings any comfort, knowing that he…
"... 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." 👍