Longtime Grand Prix of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian has passed away. He was 83.

Last year, Michaelian celebrated the 50th anniversary of the street race after joining the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach (GPALB) in 1975. He served as the association's controller and chief operating officer before being appointed president and CEO in 2001.

"A founding member of the race, the Acura Grand Prix event has grown into one of the premier street races in the world under his leadership, blending top-level competition with major entertainment, civic and business impact for the City of Long Beach," said a statement from the GPALB said.

"Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian. 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," said Roger Penske, owner of Penske Entertainment, parent company of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "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."

Penske Entertainment acquired the GPALB in 2024. Michaelian was set to retire after this year's Grand Prix of Long Beach. Jim Liaw, former PRI general manager and co-founder of Formula DRIFT, was previously announced as the next president and CEO of the GPALB.

For more information, visit gplb.com.