Long Beach Remembers Grand Prix President/CEO Jim Michaelian

The annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is only a few weeks away. And as it approaches, the Grand Prix is faced with the unfortunate passing of its President & CEO Jim Michaelian.

In the wake of the official announcement made by the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach on March 21, those who knew Michaelian or worked closely with him and the organization shared their thoughts on his passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian, president of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association and a beloved figure in our city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, in an online statement posted on Instagram. “Jim didn’t just lead the Grand Prix – he lived it. His passion, warmth and dedication turned an event into a tradition, and a tradition into a source of pride for generations of Long Beach residents. Under his leadership, the Grand Prix became a global event and a defining part of Long Beach’s identity.”

Beachcomber has reached out to the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach for comment. According to Director of Communications Chris Esslinger, Michaelian’s death was saddening to hear as he was the heart and soul of the organization, having contributed so much to help shape the Grand Prix to what it is today.

“It’s a huge loss for us, but the good news, if there is any, is that a lot of us on the staff here who worked for him and worked with him have been around for quite a while and know the way he would’ve wanted things done,” said Esslinger. “We’re going to honor his legacy by putting on a great show.”

Others from the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach that have shared their thoughts on Michaelian’s passing also include General Manager Jim Liaw. Prior to passing away, it was announced in a press release back in January that Michaelian would step down from his role as President & CEO to assume a new role at Penske Entertainment beginning June 30th. In turn, Liaw would assume the role of President & CEO for the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach effective July 1st. However, according to Chris Esslinger, the unfortunate passing of Jim Michaelian has made that transition arrive sooner than expected.

In a statement made on Instagram, Liaw shared his gratitude for being able to work with Michaelian and highlighting how influential Michaelian had been in Liaw’s career in motorsports, including that of helping introduce Formula Drift, a professional drifting competition series co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage, to the Long Beach Grand Prix – a decision that would lead to the creation of the Grand Prix’s annual Super Drift Challenge.

Liaw finished his statement saying he hopes to continue the legacy that Michaelian has left in the city of Long Beach by ensuring that the Grand Prix continues to be a key piece in Long Beach’s history.

“In late 2025, when Jim offered to put my name forward as a potential successor, and I was ultimately selected, it was both a humbling and defining moment for me, professionally and personally,” said Liaw. “His confidence in me is something I will always carry with deep gratitude.’

Liaw continued: “During this time of loss, I reflect on the foundation Jim built and the impact he had on so many. The best way I can honor his legacy is to carry that vision forward, continuing to elevate the Grand Prix of Long Beach as a world-class event that brings pride to the City of Long Beach and joy to fans around the world.”

According to Chris Esslinger, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach has plans to hold a memorial tribute for Jim Michaelian during the events of the GPLB, but no plans have been finalized yet.

No official cause of death was released. Jim Michaelian was 83 years old.