Jim Michaelian was one of many founding members of the Grand Prix of Lengthy Seashore, 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 yr. He was presupposed to assume a brand new function at Penske Leisure on the finish of June.
It was mentioned that Michaelian was working intently with Jim Liaw, who can be filling his function later this yr following the Lengthy Seashore occasion. “Main the Grand Prix Affiliation and the Acura Grand Prix of Lengthy Seashore has been the privilege of a lifetime,” mentioned Michaelian on the time.
Commercial
Learn Additionally:
In an announcement, Roger Penske mentioned of his passing: “Everybody at Penske Leisure and throughout 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 Seashore within the Nineteen Seventies, labored tirelessly to make it occur regardless of steep odds after which helped nurture the Grand Prix of Lengthy Seashore into turning into America’s premier road race.
Commercial
“His imaginative and prescient and vitality surrounding this nice occasion remained boundless for 50 years, as no process 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 robust basis he and his workers created for a half-century in Lengthy Seashore. Our deepest sympathies are together 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 be taught of the passing of longtime Grand Prix Affiliation of Lengthy Seashore President and CEO Jim Michaelian. Jim was a racer’s racer and a pricey buddy to IMSA and the motorsports group at giant. Along with his stewardship of the Lengthy Seashore occasion, Jim was a frequent competitor in IMSA races through the years. We are going to sorely miss his presence at Lengthy Seashore and racetracks all over the place. Our ideas and prayers are with Jim’s household, pals and colleagues. This can be a devastating loss for our motorsports household.”
Commercial
To learn extra Motorsport.com articles .
