Jim Michaelian was one of many founding members of the Grand Prix of Lengthy Seaside, and for half-a-century, he labored in numerous roles as an integral a part of the occasion. He has served as Controller, Chief Working Officer and was named President & CEO since 2001, and till January of this 12 months. He was speculated to assume a brand new position at Penske Leisure on the finish of June.
It was mentioned that Michaelian was working carefully with Jim Liaw, who could be filling his position later this 12 months following the Lengthy Seaside occasion. “Main the Grand Prix Affiliation and the Acura Grand Prix of Lengthy Seaside has been the privilege of a lifetime,” mentioned Michaelian on the time.
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In a press release, Roger Penske mentioned of his passing: “Everybody at Penske Leisure and inside the IndyCar group is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Michaelian. Jim was a frontrunner of a small, passionate group who believed within the idea of bringing elite open-wheel competitors to Lengthy Seaside within the Nineteen Seventies, labored tirelessly to make it occur regardless of steep odds after which helped nurture the Grand Prix of Lengthy Seaside into turning into America’s premier road race.
“His imaginative and prescient and power surrounding this nice occasion remained boundless for 50 years, as no activity was too small for Jim even whereas he served in quite a few management roles. Penske Leisure is dedicated to honoring Jim’s legacy of placing followers and opponents first as we proceed to construct on the sturdy basis he and his employees created for a half-century in Lengthy Seaside. Our deepest sympathies are along with his spouse, Mary, and their sons, Bob and Mike.”
IMSA President John Doonan additionally provided his condolences, saying: “All of us right here at IMSA are shocked and saddened to study of the passing of longtime Grand Prix Affiliation of Lengthy Seaside President and CEO Jim Michaelian. Jim was a racer’s racer and an expensive pal to IMSA and the motorsports group at massive. Along with his stewardship of the Lengthy Seaside occasion, Jim was a frequent competitor in IMSA races through the years. We are going to sorely miss his presence at Lengthy Seaside and racetracks all over the place. Our ideas and prayers are with Jim’s household, associates and colleagues. It is a devastating loss for our motorsports household.”
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