During his time, Jim Michaelian was one of the pioneers of the American racing industry. Having been the man who looked after the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Michaelian introduced racing at this place, and it has remained the same ever since. Racing is there, but not Michaelian, as the veteran racing figure recently passed away, following which Roger Penske and his team shared their grief.
Roger Penske’s condolences for Jim Michaelian and his family
Sharing an official statement, Penske shared his thoughts on Michaelian’s death, his former partner after acquiring the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in late 2024 through Penske Entertainment. Michaelian has served as president and CEO since 2001 and has been involved with the track since 1975.
“Everyone at Penske Entertainment and within the INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian,” 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.”
Following this, Penske added how Michaelian envisioned racing in the United States and brought open-wheel racing to this track in 1970, and it remained the same. Here’s what Penske further added:…