Motorsports Hall of Fame Will Induct Pook and Michaelian
The ceremony takes place October 1, 2026, at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
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Local racing fans and motorsports historians will gather this week as the West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame inducts Chris Pook and the late Jim Michaelian into its Heritage Class. The ceremony honors their career-defining contributions to the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Why it matters
The induction recognizes leaders who shaped professional racing, including the foundation of an event that draws roughly 200,000 attendees annually. The Hall of Fame maintains this focus on regional legends as it continues its tradition of honoring stock car and motorsports figures.
The Hall of Fame honors figures whose work powers events like the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which sees approximately 200,000 annual attendees. The organization covers a footprint of 10 states, recognizing contributors to motorsports competition.
The players
Chris Pook
He is the founder of the Grand Prix of Long Beach and a 2026 Heritage Class inductee.
Jim Michaelian
The late former president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach is being posthumously inducted.
West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame
The organization recognizes significant contributors to stock car and motorsports competition across 10 states.
The details
The West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame selection committee chose Chris Pook and Jim Michaelian for their pivotal roles in developing the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Pook founded the race in 1975, while Michaelian led the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach as president and CEO for 25 years. Pook will offer an introduction for Michaelian at the October 1 ceremony to honor his legacy following his death earlier this year.
Timeline
1975: Chris Pook founded the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
2001: The West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame launched.
March 21, 2026: Jim Michaelian passed away at age 83.
October 1, 2026: The induction ceremony takes place at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa.
Beyond the Strip
This ceremony continues the mission established when the West Coast Motorsports Hall of Fame launched in 2001. It adds to the organization's legacy of recognizing regional leaders who built major racing platforms.
Attendees can expect high traffic near the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa on the evening of October 1. The event marks a significant moment for the regional racing community to honor the history of Southern California motorsports.
The takeaway
The induction ceremony serves as a reminder of the long-term impact individual organizers have on major regional events. Residents interested in the motorsports history of the West Coast can observe the event's influence on the current racing calendar.
Further reading
For more news on local ceremonies and recognitions, visit the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Press Telegram.
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