Overview
- Penske Entertainment confirmed Michaelian died on March 21 at age 83, prompting tributes across the IndyCar and sports car communities.
- A founding staff member in 1975, he rose from controller and COO to president and CEO in 2001, guiding the race into a premier global street event.
- Roger Penske praised Michaelian’s five-decade stewardship, and IMSA President John Doonan called his loss devastating for motorsports.
- Penske acquired the Grand Prix Association in late 2024, with Jim Liaw scheduled to take over as CEO on July 1; Michaelian had been set to move into a new Penske role on June 30.
- The 51st running remains slated for April 19 in Long Beach, with organizers committed to honoring his legacy and no service details announced yet.