Over the past 51 years, Michaelian served as the Grand Prix Association’s controller, chief operating officer and, in December 2001, was named president & CEO. Under his leadership, the Acura Grand Prix event has grown into one of the premier street races in the world, blending top-level competition with major entertainment, civic, and business impact for the City of Long Beach.

Michaelian also served on various boards over the years, including the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach and the Los Angeles Sports Council, further augmenting his impact on the sports scene in the Los Angeles area.

A graduate of University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in physics and an M.B.A., Michaelian was also a competitive sports car racer who for more than 25 years competed in endurance racing at such tracks as Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, Spa, Watkins Glen, Dubai and Sebring, which further deepened his lifelong connection to racing.

Off the track and away from the event, Michaelian was a private man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, Mary, and two sons, Bob and Mike.

“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian,” Roger Penske said. “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.”