Thanks to a grant from a generous long-time donor, the IMRRC has embarked on an ambitious digitization program, beginning with a selection of films from archives. Among the first group of films converted are 8 and 16mm examples that, naturally, feature racing in Watkins Glen in the 1950s and 1960s but also other venues such as Indianapolis, Bridgehampton and Lime Rock. These films and other s will be made available on the IMRRC’s YouTube channel.
Example of the Assorted Races from the Mal and Charlotte Currie Collection (99A008) on 8 mm film. All races from 1964.
- Glen Classic: Jim Hall in #66 (he won the race) and Tex Hopkins
- Watkins Glen Grand Prix/USRRC: Janet Guthrie (car #15) and in orange searching for something
- US Grand Prix: Jim Clark and Graham Hill (the latter won the race that year)
- NASCAR: Richard Petty parking his car (#43)
We hope that Corvette Z06 sweepstakes winner Bill Parker is enjoying the car now that the weather has improved for those of us in the northeast! Bill drove from his home in Cincinnati to Van Bortel Chevrolet in Rochester, NY to take delivery and then visit the IMRRC on his way home. Bill had not visited us before but promises to return. Notably Bill competed in rallies years ago in an MGB. Needless to say, Bill is thrilled with the Z06’s performance!
Next Up – The Porsche 911T Sweepstakes!
We are pleased to announce in partnership with the Porsche Club of America, Niagara Region, the addition of a driving school experience that will be provided to the winner! When you support the IMRRC and are selected as the winner of this beautiful new Porsche, the Niagara Region will provide you with a free two-day, High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE) experience at one of the most beautiful and revered road racing tracks in North America, Watkins Glen. Whether you are a novice or an experienced track addict, Niagara Region will offer you the support you need to experience your new 911T in the way Porsche engineered it to be enjoyed. Win a Porsche 911T
The IMRRC, in conjunction with the Society of Automotive Historians, will soon be launching a Virtual Symposium on International Motor Racing History that will provide an on-line platform for presentations on aspects of motor racing history by authors, academic motorsport scholars, enthusiast historians, and students who wish to present their research and findings to the motorsport community. This initiative is designed to provide a broader reach for those who wish to participate in our mission to share and preserve the history of motorsports. It is a separate but complementary adjunct to the IMRRC’s Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History which is held annually in Watkins Glen and for which 2025 presentation slots are no longer available.
Our partner Gran Touring Motorsports will post YouTube videos of the pre-recorded Virtual Symposium presentations on a separate page of the IMRRC website, as well as on their own social media platform, for year-round viewing. A wide range of motorsport topics are welcome, from subjects of general interest to the narrowest of niches and all serious candidates, from students to seasoned researchers are encouraged to submit presentation proposals. An announcement of the Virtual Symposium, explaining the process and requirements for potential presenters to submit abstracts of their proposed talks, will be provided soon on the IMRRC website and social media outlets.
Pre-recorded presentations may be eligible for print publication in the SAH Automotive History Review or the SAH Journal, and/or in the Journal of Motorsport Culture & History
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (March 10, 2025) – Jordan Taylor, driver for the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R GTP Team in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, has been named the 2025 Annual Membership Chairperson for the International Motor Racing Research Center, located in Watkins Glen, New York.
Image courtesy of Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing
Taylor, 33, of Forest City, Florida, joins a stellar roster of past membership chairpersons, including Brian Redman, Helio Castroneves, Mario Andretti, Lyn St. James, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Sir Stirling Moss, among other illustrious icons of motorsports.
Taylor’s duties for the year include being an advocate in support of the IMRRC’s mission to collect, preserve and share the global history of motorsports, and to help create sustainability by drawing in new generations of motor racing fans.
“I am a huge fan of motorsports, obviously, growing up around the sport and being around sports car racing in particular, as long as I can remember,” said Taylor, son of IMSA team owner and three time World Sportscar Champion, Wayne Taylor. “I’ve always been a fan of the history of the sport, especially my dad’s generation, and the different evolutions of race cars. For me, just being a big fan of the sport makes this assignment exciting for me.”
Taylor’s racing career began in 2011, competing for Autohaus Motorsports. He then moved to Corvette Racing from 2012-2017. Now racing for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing in IMSA, Taylor and the team won the 2024 12 Hours of Sebring, and were third at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. During his tenure with WTR and Cadillac Racing, he’s collected two overall Prototype championships (2013 and 2017) and two overall Rolex 24 wins (2017 and 2019). Prior to his return to prototype racing, Taylor captured two GTLM championships in 2020 and 2021, a third in GTD-Pro in 2022 and a GTLM class victory at the 2021
Rolex 24.
“I’m probably one of the younger people who has been honored with this position at the IMRRC,” added Taylor. “I think I can connect to the younger generation, who may not appreciate the history of the sport as much as the older generation. I’d like to help my generation get up to speed.”
Mark Steigerwald, Executive Director of the IMRRC, welcomed Taylor, saying, “We are honored to have Jordan join our team as this year’s membership chairperson. I’m confident his passion for the sport as an advocate for the Center’s mission will reach all generations of motor racing fans who can appreciate what the Center is doing to preserve the sport’s rich history.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, was honored at a gala dinner on Thursday with the 10th annual International Motor Racing Research Center’s Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for outstanding contributions to motorsports.
Returning to the site of the inaugural award dinner held at the Corning Museum of Glass which recognized multi-race team owner Chip Ganassi in 2014, Brown was presented with an etched glass trophy by founding member and past president of the IMRRC, J.C. Argetsinger. Motorsports TV broadcaster Dr. Jerry Punch was the Master of Ceremonies. Punch has become the voice of the IMRRC Argetsinger Award presentations, having been the M.C. for nine of the 10 years.
“It is such a wonderful thing that Zak has brought back the Formula 1 McLaren team to its preeminence in racing,” said Argetsinger, Cameron’s eldest son and a retired Schuyler (N.Y.) County judge. “For that alone, he is so well deserving of this award. There were other great constructors and owners [in the early days of F1], along with Bruce McLaren, John Cooper, Colin Chapman, Jack Brabham, all giants. And Zak is filling the same role today. He’s a businessman and leader. We are thrilled that Zak would take time out of his busy schedule to be with us tonight.”
Video shout-outs were shown, sharing congratulatory, often humorous, messages from racing and entertainment industry celebrities, including David Hobbs, Al Unser Jr., Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, IMSA’s John Doonan, Emerson Fittipaldi, United Autosport’s Richard Dean, and musicians John Oates and Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band.
Also acknowledging Brown’s accomplishments, both as a businessman and a race driver, were IndyCar Arrow McLaren’s Sam Schmidt, and IndyCar and F1 McLaren Racing drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, Alexander Rossi, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
The 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner and former chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council, Bobby Rahal, conducted a spirited interview with Brown, also fielding questions from the audience.
“It is my honor and privilege to introduce all of you to my friend Zak Brown,” said Rahal. “The thing that first struck me about Zak is that he’s a racer. There is no doubt of that. That’s what drives the energy of his commitment, which is unbelievable. I don’t know how he does it. It’s really amazing to have witnessed what he’s done over the years.”
Brown was touched by the kudos he received during the evening.
“It’s unbelievable to be with all of you here to watch the videos with all those legends and to be hanging out with Bobby. I appreciate everyone showing up tonight and thank you so very much,” he said, adding, “It’s an honor and privilege and a surprise to win this very prestigious award. The legends that have won this award are some of my heroes growing up. I’m so happy to be able to work in this awesome sport of ours and with McLaren specifically.”
John Saunders, Chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council, spoke about the IMRRC’s mission to help preserve the important legacy of motorsports, while David Suess spoke on behalf of Diamond Sponsor The Esses. Sahlen’s, which has been a continuing supporter of the CRA Award dinners since the first year, was also a Diamond Sponsor.
“Presenting the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award serves the dual purpose of honoring an outstanding contributor to motorsports while also providing an enjoyable evening for guests and sponsors who appreciate the mission of the IMRRC,” said Mark Steigerwald, Executive Director of the IMRRC. “They in turn participate in one of the IMRRC’s most significant annual fundraising events. The dinner was a resounding success. Zak Brown’s generosity enhanced the live auction portion of the evening. Many of our event sponsors have been with us since the beginning, a further endorsement of our mission to preserve motorsport history.”
A 60″x42″ acrylic painting created during the reception and gala by famed motorsports artist Bill Patterson was auctioned off at the end of the evening. It depicted the 1991 Monaco-winning McLaren F1 car driven by Ayrton Senna, with a current McLaren F1 car in the background. Also auctioned was a specially-commissioned Corning Museum of Glass-created glass sculpture of a McLaren racing car, plus a driving suit worn by Oscar Piastri during practice at Saudi Arabia in 2024 (donated by McLaren Racing). An on-line silent auction was also held. All proceeds will go to the IMRRC, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Two vintage McLaren race cars were on display at the entry: A 1975 McLaren M23, owned by Greg Galdi, which was driven to the Argentinian GP win that year by Emerson Fittipaldi, and Rob Dyson’s 1974 McLaren M16C/D that David Hobbs, Salt Walther and Jerry Karl raced. Three road-goingMcLarens, driven by guests at the dinner, were also featured at the entry.
Established in 2014, the CRA Award had been presented to such legends of the sport as Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family, Bobby Rahal, Lyn St. James, Mike Helton and Richard Childress. Lesa Kennedy and Ben Kennedy of the France family were present, along with Rahal, St. James and Childress.
The award memorializes Cameron Argetsinger, often referred to as the father of American road racing. He was a visionary who, in 1948, conceived, organized, and drove in the first post-war road race in America through the roads of Watkins Glen. He brought Formula 1 to WGI in 1961 and the circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix for 20 years. He was president of the IMRRC for five years, until his death in 2008.
The auction ends on the evening of September 12th at 6:30PM, coinciding with the IMRRC Cameron R. Argetsinger Award gala honoring Zak Brown, where items will be on display. The winning bidder need not be present to win however tickets to the event are still available here: CRA Award Gala honoring Zak Brown. Examples of Items up for bid include: Ayrton Senna by Gary Dausch, Can-Am Reunion Poster by Michael Turner, Michael Andretti Helmet and many others! New items will be added weekly so check back often.
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Chief Executive Officer of The Esses, David Suess, right, presents a check to IMRRC’s Executive Director Mark Steigerwald in support of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award to be presented to McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown on September 12. (Image courtesy of The Esses)
Annual gala to recognize Brown for his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 1, 2024) – The Esses at Watkins Glen, a high-end motorsports community neighboring one of the world’s most iconic race tracks – Watkins Glen International – has joined Sahlen’s as a Diamond Sponsor of the 10th annual IMRRC Cameron R. Argetsinger Award gala honoring McLaren Racing’s Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown..
The event returns to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, on September 12, where the inaugural dinner was held honoring multi-race-team owner Chip Ganassi in 2014. Past honorees have also included Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Lyn St. James, Richard Childress, Bobby Rahal, the France Family and Mike Helton.
Presented by NASCAR, Watkins Glen International and IMSA, the dinner and presentation will be held prior to the running of the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen event, September 11-15, at WGI.
Building on 75 years of racing history, The Esses community will be “living among the legends” of past celebrated racers and teams. The trackside living will provide full amenities such as direct access to WGI, concierge services, and club house. The location also provides access to the historic village of Watkins Glen, and the greater Finger Lakes region. More information may be found at https://theesses.com.
“The Esses is proud to be a Diamond Sponsor for the IMRRC’s 10th Annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award to Zak Brown,” said David Suess, CEO of The Esses. “Zak’s leadership and skills have transformed the McLaren Racing team to be a force in the racing community. The soul and DNA of The Esses community is ‘living among legends – legends like Zak Brown and all other past legends who have driven and managed racing teams at Watkins Glen International. The IMRRC is the voice of those legends!!”
“We are honored to welcome The Esses to join Sahlen’s and the other supporters of the IMRRC dinner honoring Zak Brown,” said IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald. “The new dynamic that The Esses will bring to Watkins Glen can only enhance a race fan’s experience visiting this historic town and area. We at the IMRRC are privileged to be a part of this significant and vibrant community.”
Famed motorsports TV commentator Dr. Jerry Punch will be the M.C. of the event, while Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner and current NTT INDYCAR SERIES team owner, will introduce Brown at the gala and will interview him on stage. Rahal is also a past Chairman of the Board of the IMRRC.
The gala is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the IMRRC Store. Sponsorship packages are also available. Contact Mark Steigerwald at mark@racingarchives.org. All proceeds benefit the IMRRC, a 501(c)(3 organization.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, often referred to as the father of American road racing. He was a visionary who, in 1948, conceived, organized, and drove in the first port-war road race in America through the roads of Watkins Glen. He brought Formula 1 to WGI in 1961 and the circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix for 20 years. He was president of the IMRRC for five years, until his death in 2008.
A full Zak Brown bio may be found HERE. McLaren Racing – Official Website
Other sponsors and supporters of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award dinner include SCCA Inc.; SCCA Foundation; Hilliard Corporation; Hendrick Motorsports; The Gorsline Company Inc.; Larry and Karen Kessler; Williams Toyota of Elmira; Richard Childress Racing; Team Penske; Glenora Wine Cellars; Greg Galdi; Welliver; and Women in Motorsports North America.
The Esses at Watkins Glen is a high-end motorsports community neighboring the world’s most iconic race track, Watkins Glen International. Building on 75 years of racing history, The Esses community will be “living among the legends” of past legendary racers and teams. The trackside living will provide full amenities like direct access to WGI, concierge services, and club house. The location also provides access to the historic village of Watkins Glen, and the greater Finger Lakes region. https://theesses.com
The International Motor Racing Research Center collects, shares and preserves the history of motorsports. Spanning continents, eras and race series, the Center’s extensive historical collection embodies the speed, drama and camaraderie of amateur and professional motor racing throughout the world. The Center welcomes serious researchers and casual fans alike to share the stories captured on our shelves and walls, and brought to life through a regular calendar of public lectures and special events. www.racingarchives.org
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438; jvstropus@gmail.com
The IMRRC and the Society of Automotive Historians, joint sponsors of the Eighth Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History, are pleased to announce that Lyn St. James, renowned professional race car driver and a pioneer of women in motorsports, will be the Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Symposium. Her keynote address will be delivered at 11:45 AM on November 1, 2024, the first day of the two-day event, at the Watkins Glen International Media Center, located in the WGI race track infield.
Named one of the “Top 100 Female Athletes of the 20th Century” by Sports Illustrated, Lyn St. James has set 21 national and international speed records and was a seven-time competitor in the world’s largest sporting event – the Indianapolis 500 – earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1992. She has competed all over the world, including twice at the 24 Hours of LeMans (1989, 91) with victories at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road America, and Nurburgring.
Most recently Lyn was announced as an inductee into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, and has been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Sebring Hall of Fame, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, was the 2022 Amelia Island Concours Honoree, is the recipient of the prestigious “Spirit of Ford” award, the “Guiding Woman in Sports Award”, the “Office Depot Visionary Sportswoman of the Year” and was named on Automotive News list of the Top 100 Women in the Automotive Industry. She is in demand as a speaker on women’s issues, gender equality, and diversity.
She serves on the board of ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee of the United States) and on their Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She has authored two books: “Lyn St. James, An Incredible Journey” and “Oh By the Way”, and is a former President of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Lyn is passionate about mentoring drivers in the sport of auto racing as well as women in the automotive and motorsports fields.
St. James’ racing career began in 1973 in SCCA competition. Quickly moving up through the ranks, she raced the likes of Hurley Haywood, Hans-Joachim Stuck, and Willy T. Ribbs in Trans-Am and IMSA. By 2001, Lyn brought home titles in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with 31 speed records and many wins in her logbook. She entered the 1992 Indianapolis 500 at the age of 45, earning the title of Rookie of the Year – proving that neither gender nor age matter in Motorsports. During her extraordinary racing career, Lyn St. James changed the way we look and think about Motorsports. Through her perseverance and accomplishments, she has inspired generations of talented women to get behind the wheel of a race car.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 17, 2024) Sahlen Packing Co. Inc., a family-owned producer of quality meat products since 1869 in Buffalo, New York, is the primary presenting sponsor of the International Motor Racing Research Center’s 10th Annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award dinner honoring McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown. The gala returns on September 12, 2024, to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, where the initial awards were presented from 2014 until 2019.
NASCAR, Watkins Glen International and IMSA are co-presenters for the evening, which precedes the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR race weekend at WGI on September 13-15.
“We at Sahlen’s are proud to support the IMRRC dinner honoring McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown. Zak’s accomplishments on the marketing side of the sport in the U.S. are well documented. And, now, since he’s been named the CEO of McLaren Racing, the Formula 1 team has seen a major resurgence to the top of the field,” said Joe Sahlen, company president. “We’re honored to be part of this gala event.”
Sahlen’s has been a supporter of the Argetsinger Award dinner since 2016, when Roger Penske was recognized. Sahlen’s has been the corporate sponsor since 2003 of the annual Six Hours of Watkins Glen IMSA race.
“As a longtime sponsor, competitor and race fan from Western New York, The Glen has been my ‘home’ track for nearly five decades,” added Sahlen, who, as a driver, has raced in four different classes of IMSA competition. “To have an entity such as the IMRRC in Watkins Glen is a tremendous resource for people to appreciate the history of motorsports.”
The IMRRC, a research and archival library focused on the history of all types of racing and all race tracks worldwide, is presenting Brown with its annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
A full Zak Brown bio may be found HERE.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen more than 70 years ago. It was established to honor a person who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport, who brings prestige to motorsports and who demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Previous recipients have included Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family, Bobby Rahal, Lyn St. James, Mike Helton and Richard Childress.
The courtyard at the Corning Museum of Glass. (Image courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass.)
The dinner serves as a key fundraiser for the Racing Research Center. The IMRRC, which opened in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Tickets to the gala may be purchased at THE IMRRC STORE. It is recommended to register early, as the event is expected to sell out quickly.
About Sahlen’s
Sahlen Packing Co., Inc. is a five-generation, family-owned business. It was founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1869, where it is headquartered today in a 110,000 square-foot food manufacturing facility. It employs over 100 dedicated employees, who help Sahlen’s deliver more than 15 million pounds of meat all across the country every year. https://sahlen.com/
About the IMRRC
The International Motor Racing Research Center collects, shares and preserves the history of motorsports. Spanning continents, eras and race series, the Center’s extensive historical collection embodies the speed, drama and camaraderie of amateur and professional motor racing throughout the world. The Center welcomes serious researchers and casual fans alike to share the stories captured on its shelves and walls, and brought to life through a regular calendar of public lectures and special events. www.racingarchives.org
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 20 Formula 1 world championships, 184 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across six racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström, and F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix and Driver Development program member Bianca Bustamante. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
McLaren Racing – Official Website
McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown to Receive IMRRC’s 10th Annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award on September 12, 2024, in Corning, New York
Annual gala returns to Corning Museum of Glass to recognize Brown for his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing
Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal to introduce and interview Brown at gala
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (May 6, 2024) – Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, will receive the 10th annual IMRRC Cameron R. Argetsinger Award at a gala presented by Sahlen’s, NASCAR, Watkins Glen International and IMSA, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The dinner and presentation will be held prior to the running of the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen event, September 11-15, at Watkins Glen International.
The International Motor Racing Research Center returns to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, to present the award to Brown, in recognition of his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing.
Established in 2014, the CRA Award had been presented at gala events at the CMOG through 2019, honoring such legends of the sport as Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family and Bobby Rahal. When the pandemic hit, the event moved first to Watkins Glen International, then to the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, recognizing Lyn St. James, Mike Helton and Richard Childress through 2023.
“We are thrilled to be returning to the Corning Museum of Glass, where the IMRRC launched the CRA Award galas in 2014, initially honoring Chip Ganassi,” said Mark Steigerwald, Executive Director of the IMRRC. “We expect a significant turnout for this year’s event, based on the huge growth of popularity of Formula 1 racing in recent years, and McLaren’s progress in performance since Brown came on board with the team. The CMOG’s facility can easily accommodate a large number of attendees.”
Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner and current NTT INDYCAR SERIES team owner, will introduce Brown at the gala and will interview the honoree on stage.
The gala is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the IMRRC Store. All proceeds benefit the IMRRC, a 501(c)(3 organization.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, often referred to as the father of American road racing. He was a visionary who, in 1948, conceived, organized, and drove in the first port-war road race in America through the roads of Watkins Glen. He brought Formula 1 to WGI in 1961 and the circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix for 20 years. He was president of the IMRRC for five years, until his death in 2008.
As CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown has overall responsibility for the business, including strategic direction, operational performance, marketing and commercial development. Since joining the team in 2016, he has led the transformation of the brand and culture of the McLaren Formula 1 team and put in place the people, resources, infrastructure and mindset that has enabled McLaren to return to racing at the front of the F1 grid. Brown has taken McLaren Racing onto a global motorsport stage, with McLaren teams now racing in IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E, Esports, F1 Academy, with the World Endurance Championship joining the line up in 2024.
Born and raised in California, Brown raced professionally around the world for 10 years before developing his skills in motorsport’s business and commercial worlds. In 1995, he founded JMI, which grew to become the largest and most successful motorsport marketing agency in the world. JMI was acquired in 2013 by CSM, a division of Chime Communications.
Brown is a racer and renowned for his energy, his relentless work ethic and his knowledge of the business and history of motorsport. He’s been unafraid to publicly address some of the issues facing the world of motorsport and has been the lead protagonist around the budget cap, sustainability and diversity in the sport, as well as champion of fans interests. He has demonstrated the ability to take the tough decisions needed to make an F1 team successful.
Brown co-founded and co-owns United Autosports, a leading racing team competing in international sportscar racing, the Supercars Championship in Australia, and various historic racing events around the world. Outside of work, Zak is an avid collector of historical documents, baseball and ice hockey memorabilia, and both road and racing cars. He lives in Surrey in the U.K.
Tickets to the gala may be purchased at the IMRRC Store. It is recommended to register early. As the event is expected to sell out quickly.
About the IMRRC:
The International Motor Racing Research Center collects, shares and preserves the history of motorsports. Spanning continents, eras and race series, the Center’s extensive historical collection embodies the speed, drama and camaraderie of amateur and professional motor racing throughout the world. The Center welcomes serious researchers and casual fans alike to share the stories captured on our shelves and walls, and brought to life through a regular calendar of public lectures and special events.
About McLaren Racing:
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 20 Formula 1 world championships, 184 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across six racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström, and F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix and Driver Development program member Bianca Bustamante. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.