A celebration of life was held for Jim Michaelian, the late president and CEO of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association, who died suddenly on March 21, 2026. The event at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos drew over 200 attendees, including family, friends, and racing officials.
Michaelian led the iconic race for 25 years and was instrumental in its growth. - Michaelian was involved with the Grand Prix since its inception in 1975.
- He was inducted into the Motorsports Walk of Fame during the 50th anniversary in 2025. - Under his leadership, the event grew to attract nearly 200,000 visitors annually.
- He was scheduled to retire on June 30, 2026, and transition to a role with Penske Entertainment. Michaelian's legacy extends beyond racing; his sons emphasized that his greatest pride was family Sunday dinners.
The Grand Prix remains a cornerstone of Long Beach's economy and culture.