West Coast Motorsports Hall Will Induct Two Icons
The Hall of Fame will honor Chris Pook and the late Jim Michaelian in Las Vegas on October 1, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
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The West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame will induct Chris Pook and Jim Michaelian into its Heritage Class during a ceremony at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa on October 1, 2026. Both men are being recognized for their pivotal roles in establishing and growing the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Why it matters
The induction honors the foundational leadership that turned the Grand Prix of Long Beach into a major racing spectacle. Recognizing these individuals preserves the history of motorsports and acknowledges their significant contributions to the industry.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach typically draws approximately 200,000 attendees each year. The Hall of Fame represents excellence across 10 states and launched in 2001.
The players
Chris Pook
He is the founder of the Grand Prix of Long Beach who established the event in 1975.
Jim Michaelian
The late motorsports executive served as the CEO and president of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach from 2001 to 2026.
The details
Chris Pook, who founded the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 1975, is set to introduce Jim Michaelian during the upcoming event. Michaelian, who led the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach as CEO and president from 2001 until 2026, passed away on March 21, 2026.
Timeline
The Grand Prix of Long Beach was founded in 1975.
The West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame launched in 2001.
Jim Michaelian passed away on March 21, 2026.
The induction ceremony will take place on October 1, 2026.
Roadmap
The 2026 induction ceremony follows the operational tradition established by the organization since its inception in 2001. By honoring long-time contributors, the Hall of Fame maintains a historical legacy for regional motorsports leadership.
Residents attending the ceremony at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa can expect to see a tribute to local racing history. The event highlights the professional legacy of figures who helped shape the motorsports landscape in the region.
The takeaway
Honoring industry founders ensures that the logistical and creative efforts behind large-scale racing events are remembered. Fans of motorsports can learn from the career longevity of leaders like Pook and Michaelian who dedicated decades to the sport.
Further reading
For more on industry honors, visit the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Press Telegram.
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