PRI is building up its capacity to advocate for the motorsports community, adding two new strategic roles on its Washington, D.C., government affairs team to bring more focus to racing and its legislative and regulatory issues.

"The addition of these positions is a strategic investment back into the motorsports community, which is a significant economic driver and a jewel in the crown of American culture," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, PRI senior vice president for public and government affairs. "When PRI supports racetracks, we're supporting community, innovation and our nation's competitive spirit; these new roles are in service to that calling."

PRI is promoting Tierra Hubbard to director of government affairs for racing. In this new role, Hubbard will lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government. Hubbard, previously PRI senior manager for state government affairs, has played a pivotal role in the organization's national Right-to-Race campaign, helping deliver meaningful wins on the eastern half of the U.S.

"Tierra is one of the hardest-working and most effective advocates in our organization, and she's earned the respect of lawmakers and the racing community alike. Over the past year, she has led the charge on our Right-to-Race efforts, helping drive meaningful progress in multiple states and building the coalitions needed to sustain that momentum," said SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson. "We are thrilled to see her step into this new role, where her leadership and work ethic will continue to deliver results for the motorsports community."

"Working with PRI on motorsports initiatives has been incredibly rewarding, and because of my father's passion for racing, it serves as a personal reminder of why racetracks mean so much to communities across the country," said Hubbard. "I'm excited to get on the road, meet with track owners, drivers, pit crews and fans, and continue advancing the Right-to-Race campaign to protect and preserve this cultural treasure for generations to come."

Hubbard, a native of Minnesota, holds a degree in political science and criminal justice from George Washington University.

Lifelong motorsports enthusiast and seasoned political operative Coby Lobaugh is joining PRI as grassroots manager for racing. This new position will help engage the motorsports community in advocacy efforts. Lobaugh brings with him a lengthy track record of success in managing digital advocacy campaigns for political candidates, not-for-profit organizations, and members of the U.S. Congress.

In this new role, Lobaugh will support the efforts of PRI to activate and educate track owners, drivers, fans and local communities on key legislative priorities.

"We're thrilled to add Coby to the PRI Government Affairs team and believe he adds a potent mix of motorsports enthusiasm and digital communications acumen," said PRI Political Director Lauren Wilbor. "This is a critical step as PRI continues to build up our capacity to advocate for the nation's motorsports industry and its $69 billion annual economic impact, while engaging and mobilizing the people with whom the racetrack is a second home."

Lobaugh joins PRI from Judicial Watch, where he created content and oversaw broadcast productions reaching the organization's more than 7 million audience members. He also served as digital director for Rep. Mike Lawler's successful electoral campaign in New York, and built a compelling and engaging online communications platform for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). Lobaugh's passion for cars and automotive culture is well-documented, including stints as a contributor and photographer for Viper Quarterly Magazine, an enthusiast-focused publication devoted to Dodge's iconic sports car.

"Anyone who loves cars knows and appreciates what PRI is doing to preserve American car culture and protect our nation's motorsports industry," Lobaugh said. "It's exciting to have this opportunity to work directly with those who pour their hearts and souls into racing and motorsports, and ensure that this vibrant part of our nation's heritage continues to flourish."

Lobaugh is a Texas native and holds a degree in broadcast production from Sam Houston State University.

The organization's renewed mission will be led by a new leadership team and supported through updated membership levels for industry stakeholders. 

The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) has announced its relaunch following its acquisition by SEMA with an expanded advocacy strategy, enhanced research capabilities and a renewed commitment to coalition-based action to protect the future of the off-road industry and enthusiast community.

With a focus on powersports and dirt bikes, as well as trucks and SUVs, ORBA's core mission--to serve as the off-road business community's leading advocate on issues affecting access, recreation, and responsible land use--remains unchanged. What is new is a more rigorous, data-driven approach that includes regional economic impact reports, consumer research and deeper collaboration across the outdoor recreation ecosystem.

"No single organization can achieve our advocacy goals alone," said ORBA leadership. "The future of off-road access depends on strong coalitions, shared expertise, and coordinated action. We are always stronger together. Thank you to all who have taken the time to provide us important guidance and insights as we developed the future of ORBA, including many members of SEMA's TORA community and local and regional OHV advocates."

By combining SEMA's government affairs expertise and storytelling capabilities, and the reach of the enthusiast-driven SEMA Action grassroots network, ORBA will support and strengthen the work of nonprofit partners operating at the local, state and regional levels. These organizations bring critical on-the-ground expertise that is essential to ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the off-road community.

As ORBA enters a new chapter, the organization remains focused on advancing its mission through strong advocacy, collaboration, and responsible stewardship of public lands. Sean P. Holman has been named interim executive director and Laura Butcher as legislative director. SEMA SVP of Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman will continue to lead the organization's strategy implementation. Fred Wiley will retire from his role with ORBA, marking the conclusion of his tenure with the organization. Wiley played a significant role in ORBA's history and development, and we thank him for his years of service and dedication to the off-road business community.

What's Ahead for ORBA

As part of its relaunch, ORBA outlined several priority initiatives already underway:

Protecting Access to Public Lands

ORBA will continue to monitor and provide formal comments on administrative, state and federal actions that impact access to public lands. Current efforts include ongoing engagement related to the Western Mojave (WEMO) plan, Johnson Valley and Moab's Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan, with additional projects expected in the months ahead. Additionally, ORBA will increase its work educating legislative staffers, political appointees, and other policy-related organizations about the threat to public lands access and the economic impact trail closures would have on the U.S. economy and, importantly, U.S. automotive manufacturing.

 

Supporting Federal Legislation That Preserves Motorized Access to Outdoor Spaces

ORBA has joined other partners in support of the federal Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (S 2968), the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (HR 7979), and expanded funding for the Recreational Trails Program. Advancing these legislative efforts will be among the key priorities during SEMA's upcoming Washington Rally in Washington, D.C.

 

Continuing the EcoLogic Partners Collaboration

ORBA will maintain its partnership with EcoLogic Partners--a coalition that includes ORBA, American Motorcyclist Association District 37, and the American Sand Association--to challenge actions that threaten access to public lands. Most recently, SEMA and EcoLogic Partners jointly funded successful litigation against the California Coastal Commission's attempt to close OHV access at Oceano Dunes.

 

Launching Regional Economic Impact Reports

While national data demonstrates the economic significance of outdoor recreation, ORBA is focused on arming policymakers and the off-road community with localized data. The organization plans to complete four regional economic impact reports across geographically diverse areas of the United States in 2026 and 2027, highlighting the off-road industry's role as a critical economic driver in local communities.

 

Expanding Coalitions and Partnerships

ORBA does not exist to replace the work of other organizations in the off-road community. Instead, ORBA's role is to support, amplify and collaborate--whether through joint legislative initiatives, shared advocacy efforts, or by working with business members to educate customers and vendors about emerging threats and opportunities from government and special interest actions. ORBA will also strategically align efforts with SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) council.

 

Stewardship and Education

Land stewardship and driver education are foundational to the long-term health and credibility of the off-road recreation community. Responsible use of public lands protects the environments that make off-roading possible, helps preserve access for future generations, and demonstrates to land managers and policymakers that enthusiasts are committed partners--not adversaries--in conservation. Driver education plays a critical role by teaching best practices such as staying on designated trails, minimizing resource damage, respecting wildlife and other users, and understanding local rules and conditions. 

Together, stewardship and education reduce conflicts, prevent closures driven by misuse, and strengthen the community's voice when advocating for continued access. Simply put, protecting the land and educating those who enjoy it are essential to keeping off-road recreation sustainable, respected and accessible.
 

Looking Forward

With new tools, deeper partnerships and a renewed focus on collaboration, ORBA is positioning itself to be a more effective advocate for businesses, enthusiasts and the lands that make off-road recreation possible.

 

Upgraded Membership Benefits

Government affairs and advocacy remain the core competency of ORBA and a significant reason for business members to invest. We have upgraded the membership benefits to include regular communications, sponsored brand content across ORBA and SEMA Action Network digital channels and access to consumer research tools, and more. 

You can learn more about the updated membership levels at offroadbusiness.org/membership.

 

About the ORBA Leadership Team

 

Karen Bailey-Chapman - SEMA Senior Vice President, Public and Government Affairs

SEMA Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman oversees all government affairs efforts for SEMA and PRI and leads programs related to legislation, regulations and government policies on issues affecting emission regulations, consumer choice, business opportunities and more. Bailey-Chapman is passionate about exploring off-road spaces, often in her easily identifiable yellow Jeep, "Bananana."

 

Sean P. Holman - Interim Executive Director

Sean P. Holman is a longtime automotive enthusiast and veteran off-road journalist who worked for Motor Trend Group for nearly 20 years, eventually overseeing content for the company's Truck & Off-Road Group as its group content director. Holman is president of the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, as well as co-creator and host of The Truck Show Podcast with Holman.

 

Laura Butcher - Legislative Director

Laura Butcher has worn many hats in the off-road community, including as owner/CEO of VORRA (Valley Off-Road Racing Association), program manager for Tread Lightly!, executive director of Farmy's Off-Road Park and board member for the Nevada Off-road Association. Butcher is a 2024 inductee in the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame, a testament to her lengthy career as an industry advocate and enthusiast. 

 

 

Image Courtesy of Shutterstock | Reinhardt and Co

 

Racing is a sport that thrives in the moment. The last-second pass, the scramble on the pit stop, the heartbreak of the engine that revs to its limit and then suddenly gives way. These are all moments that determine the fates of drivers and teams.

The thrills of a race may be here and gone in an instant, but motorsports museums capture and preserve those moments in time for future generations to enjoy. They are places where the race never ends. Special race cars, memorabilia, and driver accomplishments can be revisited and appreciated again and again.

Of course, motorsports museums have their own races to run. Race cars, motorcycles, and marine craft compete against each other for position, but museums compete for attention in a world with unlimited choices and short attention spans.

"When you think of motorsports and you think of museums, there's an inherent conflict," said George Levy of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA), at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida. "Museums tend to be static and quiet. Motorsports is noisy and about movement. We're always looking for ways to better convey the full impact of motorsports."

The museum sources we spoke with employed a number of strategies for muscling their way to the front of the public's consciousness.

"Like any other museum out there, you're an attraction, and you're asking people to give both their time and their money to come and spend their day with you," said Kara Kovert Pray, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Although the IMS Museum is a separate, non-profit entity from the track, responsible for its own revenue and maintenance of its collection, proximity to the world-famous race track is an undeniable advantage. "We are fortunate because about 300 or so days a year, if you were to come out to the track, the only thing to do on a visit would be to come out to the museum. We really pride ourselves on serving as that welcome center for the track. And seeing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a bucket list item for a lot of people."

The IMS Museum recently leveraged its Speedway connection and donor goodwill into a 17-month, $60.5 million renovation, adding 40,000 square feet of space and additional attractions in the process. The museum reopened on April 2, 2025, after closing in November 2023 when the project began.

Another motorsports museum that is in expansion mode in a bid to attract new visitors is the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. "It's hard to see it in a day," said Tim Matthews. "We just recently went through an expansion. We built onto the building. We went from about 195,000 square feet to 300,000 square feet with the addition of that buildout."

Hands On

Motorsports museums have plenty of historic race cars and memorabilia on static display, but the trend is toward hands-on, immersive displays to keep visitors engaged.

One of the popular new attractions at the IMS Museum is the Starting Line Experience, which gives guests a feel for what it's like on race day morning, Pray reported. "It starts at about 5 a.m., before the cannon goes off, as the crew is gathering, and then continues on up to the green flag of the race. It's an immersive video experience. The screen starts in front of you and stretches all the way above you. Three cars in that room are representative of the front row of the most recent Indianapolis 500," she said. "Guests can watch the seven-minute video presentation, and that is really not even doing it justice to call it a video presentation. We've heard it gives chills, thrills, goosebumps, tears, everything when people can experience that."

At the MSHFA, people gravitate toward attractions they can touch and engage with. "One thing that is incredibly popular is a current-generation Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops stock car that Toyota Gazoo Racing was nice enough to loan us," Levy said. "But this is one that they cut a door in after its useful life, so our guests can get in and take a selfie of themselves in a stock car. As simple as that is, on busy days there will be a line waiting to get into that car.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it, for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including this article here and additional coverage in the March/April 2026 issue here. 

Safety is the one element of racing where nobody ever sits back, wipes their brow, and says, "Whew. All done. I'll never have to do that again." Driver safety is an ongoing puzzle that is never completely solved, although the sources we spoke with for this article have been filling in puzzle pieces for decades.

"You can't cut corners in safety. You just can't do it," said Mike Cope of Cope Race Cars, Clearwater, Florida. Cope Race Cars is an authorized chassis builder for the Trans Am series, with multiple championships to the company's name.

"We've been focused on safety since day one. I wouldn't put anyone in one of these cars that my son or grandson wouldn't drive," he said. "We pride ourselves on the fact that they're, I think, one of the safest cars on the market today. I've raced nearly this exact car over 40 years, and we've just kept adding little things, here and there, whenever we would see the problems come up."

Five Star Race Car Bodies in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, had a modest beginning in the late 1970s, producing aftermarket body parts for the 1979 Camaro for local short-track racers. It is now a top supplier of complete bodies, components, and windows for NASCAR and other series. "When we design products, safety isn't just an afterthought that we layer on the product. We view safety as a system that we try to get all the parties involved in right from the start of a product idea that we have," said Garrett Schultz. "So right away, we're talking to the race teams to understand their pain points. We're talking to the series owners and tech officials to understand their pain points and really get a sense of what they're seeing in terms of safety incidents or product failures in the field. And then we take all that feedback and start designing our products. And then I think, most importantly, before we launch products, we get our designs in front of those stakeholders, get more feedback. So it's really an iterative process to get as much feedback as we can before we launch a product."

Innovation Situations

All race car builders have sanction rulebooks to follow and SFI standards to guide them. But designing safer race cars also takes homegrown initiative and innovation to advance the state of the art. That ingenuity takes many forms.

"One of the important things is making sure the material that you get is good material," said Murf McKinney of McKinney Corp., a builder of Top Fuel and Funny Cars in Lafayette, Indiana. "You have to qualify it, that it meets the spec it's supposed to be, because there's a lot of material out there that claims to be good, that is not. We take and check every tube that comes in here. We do a tensile pull test to verify that it's good material. Same thing with aluminum and the other materials that we get because there's a lot of unqualified material out there."

Once the materials pass inspection, the real engineering begins. "We use computer software to do what's called finite element analysis on the chassis," McKinney said. "And from that, we can put the input loads in, and it comes back and tells us how much stress is in every tube in the car. We can also induce harmonics into it and run it through different frequencies to see what it does."

Impact protection is always going to be the top goal for professional car builders. "One area we focus on heavily is object intrusion, debris penetrating body panels and reaching the driver," Schultz said. "Nearly every sprint car driver I've spoken with has a story about something coming through the car. That pushed us to look hard at the material science. We've incorporated aerospace-grade composite materials specifically to resist penetration and manage impact energy. Our new sprint car body is designed with this in mind, and we see it as a meaningful step forward in sprint car safety."

Designing a safer race car entails careful review of systems that go beyond the traditional focus by car builders. "We think that visibility is one of the most underrated safety systems in motorsports," Schultz said. "If a driver can't see well, that leads to a lot of issues on the race track. So we spent a lot of time, and we still do, optimizing the visibility through the glazing system, we call it. We really make sure that the distortion is low in these windshields so drivers can see clearly. We apply very sophisticated hard coating systems to these windows to prevent them from scratching and getting scuffed up over time.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it, for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.    

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including this article here and additional coverage in the March/April 2026 issue here. 

The race to the PRI Show is underway! Exhibitors can secure their booth space now for the 2026 PRI Show, set for December 10-12, in downtown Indianapolis. 

Motorsports professionals, including buyers and decision makers, from all 50 states and 35-plus countries come to the PRI Show to source new parts and products. 

How to Navigate the New Portal for PRI Show Exhibitors

The process to submit an exhibit application is a little different this year.

PRI has launched a new customer management system powered by Salesforce to better serve its exhibitors year-round.  

Those who have not submitted the Exhibit Space Rental Application (ESRA) for the 2026 event, Dec. 10-12, Indianapolis, must activate a new account in the system.

Once this one-time step is complete, exhibitors can secure their spot on the PRI Show floor, download invoices, complete online payments, and access free resources to plan a successful booth.

Getting set up in the new PRI Show exhibitor platform is simple:

• Visit exhibitor.performanceracing.com. 
• Returning exhibitors: Enter the email last used to purchase a PRI Show booth. A "password reset link" will be sent to your inbox. Click that link and create a new password.
• New exhibitors or returning exhibitors using a new email: Click "New Exhibitor," and fill out the form to create a new account.

 

Note: Updating an account email address does not affect exhibitors' account history or PRI Show seniority. To participate in the initial booth selection and floor planning process, exhibitors must submit a signed booth agreement and deposit by May 15, 2026.

Run into roadblocks? Contact the PRI Show team for support:

• Call: 949-499-5413 and select option 4
• Email: sales@performanceracing.com

 

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | DC Studio

 

Holley Performance Brands, the automotive aftermarket performance solution brand, has announced it has acquired HRX, an Italian motorsports racewear brand serving drivers and teams across karting and competitive racing categories. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

HRX has established a presence across European racing circuits and select international markets, focusing on technical racewear, customization and customer relationships within the motorsports community.

The acquisition adds complementary racewear capabilities to Holley's safety & racing portfolio and expands the company's presence in European motorsports. HRX's product offering aligns with Holley's existing safety brands, including Simpson, Stilo, HANS and RaceQuip.

"HRX is a strong strategic addition to our Safety & Racing portfolio,"said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO of Holley Performance Brands. "The brand expands our presence in European motorsports, enhances our product capabilities in racewear and supports our vision of being the undisputed leader in automotive performance solutions."

"Joining Holley Performance Brands allows us to scale our capabilities and bring HRX's tailored solutions to a broader global customer base," said Ago Alberghino, Managing Director of HRX. "We look forward to leveraging Holley's resources and distribution network to accelerate our growth."

For more information, read the release or visit Holley.com.

Kansas is on the verge of a major win for grassroots racing, but now PRI needs your help to get this right-to-race bill across the finish line.

The Kansas Motorsports Venue Protection Act (HB 2416) has cleared the Kansas Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Laura Kelly's signature.

The bill, which is sponsored by State Rep. Leo Delperdang, would protect long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits when the facility was established before newer surrounding neighborhoods and continues operating lawfully. PRI has supported HB 2416 throughout the legislative process alongside Kansas track operators, advocates and racing enthusiasts.

Send Governor Kelly a letter supporting HB 2416.

In Kansas, racing is more than a weekend pastime. Motorsports activity in the state generates more than $743 million in annual economic output, supports nearly 5,700 jobs and contributes more than $77 million in state and local taxes every year. From 81 Speedway and Humboldt Speedway to Kansas International Dragway and more, these facilities support local businesses, bring fans into communities and preserve the culture of racing across the state.

For more information, contact PRI Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

 

Image Courtesy of World Racing Group | American Sprint Car Series

Advocacy from the Motorized Community Made a Difference 

In a major development for the off-road community, the U.S. Marine Corps has made meaningful improvements to a proposed permanent Special Use Airspace (SUA) establishment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center - Twentynine Palms, located near Johnson Valley, California, home of the iconic King of the Hammers event.

Thousands of advocates, including more than 1,500 advocates organized by SEMA and ORBA, contacted the Marine Corps to request changes to their August 2025 proposal through the organizations' calls to action.

In its Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for airspace changes at Twentynine Palms and surrounding areas, the Marine Corps incorporated several important safeguards, including minimum flight altitude requirements, limits on airspace use and commitments regarding event coordination. The final policy remains subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.

SEMA and ORBA thank the Marine Corps for listening to the off-road community's concerns that the draft EA threatened access at Johnson Valley. The final EA is a step in the right direction and recognizes the importance of motorized recreation and King of the Hammers to the local communities surrounding Johnson Valley.

 

Key Improvements in the Final Environmental Assessment

The final EA includes several important safeguards that represent tangible progress from the draft proposal:

• Minimum Flight Altitude: A 1,500-ft. above-ground-level minimum altitude will apply when the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area is open to the public.
• Limits on Airspace Use: The USMC will be able to use the airspace for up to 60 days per year.
• Event Coordination Commitments: The EA specifically recognizes King of the Hammers and commits to coordinating with event organizers on altitude requirements to ensure major events can continue to operate successfully.

 

Advocacy and Collaboration Leads to Improved Policy

After the Marine Corps released its draft EA in August 2025, SEMA, ORBA and numerous other off-road stakeholder groups rallied members and the broader motorized-recreation community to push back against the proposed airspace restrictions above Johnson Valley. Advocates expressed concerns regarding how the initial proposal would have impacted medevac, drone footage and other necessary uses of Johnson Valley's airspace, including during the King of the Hammers event, along with concerns about the EA's impact on access and safety. This was a win for outdoor recreation, proving that when our community speaks up with a unified voice, we make a meaningful impact.

 

What This Means Going Forward

The EA for Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms remains subject to final approval by the FAA. SEMA and ORBA will provide updates as they emerge.

Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at juanm@sema.org.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Brattain productions

PRI has launched a new customer management system ahead of this year's PRI Show, December 10-12, 2026, in Indianapolis. 

To improve how PRI engages with exhibitors and serves the industry year-round, the organization has migrated to a new customer management system powered by Salesforce. 

What That Means for PRI Exhibitors 

Before you submit your Exhibit Space Rental Application (ESRA) for the 2026 PRI Show, exhibitors must activate or create an account in our new customer relationship management (CRM) system. After this one-time action is completed, exhibitors will be able to: 

• Reserve exhibit space 
• Download invoices 
• Complete online payments  
• Access exhibitor resources 

All in one convenient location.  

How to Get Started 

Getting set up in the new PRI Show exhibitor platform is simple: 

• Visit exhibitor.performanceracing.com.  
   
• Returning exhibitors: 
  • Enter the email you've used to purchase a PRI Show booth before to receive a password reset link (click here). 
     
• New exhibitors or returning exhibitors using a new email:  
  • Create a new account (click here) 

Once logged in, exhibitors are ready to reserve an exhibit space.  

Note: Exhibitors must submit a signed booth agreement and deposit by May 15, 2026, to take part in the initial round of booth selection and PRI Show floor planning process.  

Having Issues Reserving Your Exhibit Space?  

If you're not receiving a password reset email or can't set up a new account, it's possible your record has more than one email address on file. In that case, our team will need to assist you with setting up your account. 

Contact the following number or email for support: 

• Call: 949-499-5413 - Select Option #4
• Email: sales@performanceracing.com 

The PRI team will walk you through account setup, password resets or answer any questions. 

Note: updating your account does not affect exhibitors' account history or PRI Show seniority. 

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | DC Studio

 

SEMA and PRI are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Michaelian, the longtime president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. 

Michaelian was a cornerstone of the Grand Prix Association since its founding in 1975, playing a pivotal role in growing the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach into one of the most prestigious and culturally significant events in global motorsports. His dedication to the sport, his precision in event management, and his unwavering commitment to the Southern California racing community made him a titan of the industry. 

More than just a savvy executive, Michaelian was a competitive sports car racer and a true enthusiast. He possessed a unique perspective that allowed him to see the sport from every angle, understanding that at its heart, racing is about people -- the drivers, the teams and most importantly, the fans. 

Mike Spagnola, CEO of SEMA and PRI, shared the following tribute: 

"The racing world has lost a true pioneer and a dear friend. Jim Michaelian didn't just run a race; he curated an experience that defined the spirit of American motorsports for generations. His impact on the industry, and specifically on the performance and racing community here in Southern California, is immeasurable. Jim was a man of immense integrity and vision, and his presence in the paddock and the boardroom will be profoundly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Grand Prix Association team.

"Jim's legacy will live on every time a green flag drops on the streets of Long Beach. SEMA and PRI join the entire automotive world in honoring his remarkable life and his indelible contributions to the sport we love."