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.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 21, 2023) – Richard Childress, famed NASCAR team owner, will join a select group of recipients of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Presented annually by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), this year’s gala and award ceremony will be held on Aug. 18, 2023, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Motorsports broadcast journalist Dr. Jerry Punch will be emceeing the evening’s festivities. Past award recipients include Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske and Mario Andretti.
Childress’ storied career spans decades. As a child, he spent time at Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s local short track, selling peanuts and popcorn. Years later, in the fall of 1969, his first opportunity to compete in a NASCAR sanctioned event arose and he established Richard Childress Racing. Childress drove his own car for 285 starts in NASCAR’s premier series before realizing that he needed to focus on team ownership to flourish at that level. “Richard is a legendary figure in NASCAR history, someone whose leadership has elevated motorsports for the benefit and enjoyment of fans everywhere,” says IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald.
The moment that changed everything for Richard Childress Racing was when Dale Earnhardt became the permanent driver of the #3 car in 1984. Success came almost instantly, with their first win together at Talladega Superspeedway on July 29 of that year. It was the first of 67 wins Earnhardt would record under the Richard Childress Racing banner. The team has expanded exponentially since, competing in all three NASCAR national series, with Childress becoming the first team owner to win in all three.
Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Presenting sponsors of the award dinner are Sahlen’s, Watkins Glen International and NASCAR. Additional support is provided by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. For more information on becoming a sponsor or attending the event, visit racingarchives.org or call (607) 535-9044.
About the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC): Celebrating 25 years!
Located in one of the premier racing towns in America, the IMRRC’s collection spans continents, eras and race series, embodying 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 stories of race drivers, race series and race cars captured on its shelves and walls and brought to life through exhibitions and special events. The IMRRC is free and open to the public, no appointment necessary, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More at racingarchives.org
Download the Full Press Release.
Watkins Glen’s International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) is set to host its first conversation of the year – The Racing Legacy of A-Bay on Saturday, May 20.
Motorsports historian (and Lime Rock Park public address commentator) Greg Rickes will host a 90 to 120-minute presentation to re-live history when they raced ‘round the houses in Alexandria Bay.
The conversation is slated for Saturday, May 20 at 1:00 pm local time and will take place at the elementary school auditorium across the street. The research center will open at 10:00 am for visitors. Admission is free.
Also taking place that weekend is the Watkins Glen Corvette Festival. A two-day celebration of 70 years of Corvette and the legacy of Harley Earl. More information about the festival can be found HERE. More information about the IMRRC can be found HERE.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (May 26, 2022) – Mike Helton, Vice Chairman of NASCAR, is selected to join an elite group of recipients of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Presented annually by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), the Award’s past recipients include Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske and Mario Andretti. The gala and award ceremony will be held on Aug. 19, 2022, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Motorsports broadcast journalist Dr. Jerry Punch will be emceeing the evening’s festivities.
“The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award continues to honor exemplary contributors to motorsport,” said Mark Steigerwald, Executive Director of the IMRRC. “We enthusiastically extend this well-deserved recognition to Mike and look forward to celebrating in August.”
Helton has been part of the NASCAR company for almost three decades, starting as the vice president of competition in 1994. He was the first person outside of the France family to assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations when he became the senior vice president and chief operating officer in 1999, and president a year later. Today, Helton serves as a member of NASCAR’S Board of Directors and Executive Council.
Helton’s experiences on and off the track directly led to the formation of the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. Dedicated to strengthening NASCAR’s safety and competition initiatives, it is the first research and development center owned and operated by a sanctioning body of a major motorsports series.
“We are honored to present the 2022 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award to Mike Helton,” said IMRRC Chairman John R. Saunders. “Under Mike’s leadership, NASCAR’s expansion to new markets throughout North America along with notable enhancements to safety and competition is truly extraordinary.” Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Presenting sponsors of the award dinner are Sahlen’s, NASCAR, and Watkins Glen International. Additional support is provided by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.
About the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC)
Located in one of the premier racing towns in America, the IMRRC’s collection spans continents, eras, and race series, embodying 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 stories of race drivers, race series, and race cars captured on its shelves and walls and brought to life through exhibitions and special events. The IMRRC is free and open to the public, no appointment necessary, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More at racingarchives.org.
Download the Full Press Release.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (July 12, 2021) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) will honor Lyn St. James with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports on Sept. 11, 2021. After a hiatus in 2020, the ceremony returns to a new location at the Jack Daniel’s Club at Watkins Glen International during the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend. Motorsports broadcast journalist Bob Varsha will be emceeing the ceremony.
“Lyn embodies the spirit of the Argetsinger award, which recognizes individuals who have advanced and improved the sport,” said John Saunders, chairman of the Governing Council of the IMRRC. “We’re thrilled to celebrate her achievements this September.”
A pioneer for women in motor racing, St. James racked up numerous firsts and records for speed over the course of her 20 years as a professional driver. Among those, she is the first female recipient of the “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year” award presented in honor of her spectacular debut in 1992, the first of seven starts in the series. With a victory in the Serengeti 500 race at Watkins Glen in 1985, she remains the only woman to win an IMSA GT race as a solo driver.
Equally recognized for her many contributions off the track, St. James received numerous awards for distinguished service to racing, driver education, and as an advocate for women’s participation in sports. In 1994, she founded the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation to provide support, training and scholarships to women in automotive fields. St. James is also an author, sports commentator, and motivational speaker.
“The IMRRC does great work in preserving and honoring the history of motorsports, and it’s a privilege to host the Argetsinger Award ceremony at Watkins Glen this fall,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “Lyn’s influence in the sport is unmatched and we’re honored to help celebrate her.”
Tickets are now on sale and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Celebrate Lyn’s distinguished career in racing by joining us for live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar. Sahlen’s is the presenting sponsor of the event, with additional support from IMRRC Governing Council Members Greg Galdi, Larry Kessler, Robert M. Newman Jr., and Archie Urciuoli as well as Glenora Wine Cellars, Gorsline Company, Hilliard Corp., SCCA Inc. and Foundation, SVRA, Watkins Glen International, and Welliver. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
About the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC)
Located in one of the premier racing towns in America, the IMRRC’s collection spans continents, eras, and race series, embodying 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 stories of race drivers, race series, and race cars captured on its shelves and walls and brought to life through exhibitions and special events. The IMRRC is free and open to the public, no appointment necessary, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More at racingarchives.org.
Download the Full Press Release.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2019) – The International Motor Racing Research Center will celebrate Vintage Weekend with a program and displays related to the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival and the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, which will be held Sept. 5 through 8.
On Friday, Sept. 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the gazebo at Lafayette Park, the IMRRC will sponsor the popular The Legends Speak program, this year featuring Hurley Haywood, whose five wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona, three wins at the 24 Hours of LeMans and two wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring have secured his place as one of the greatest sports car endurance racers in history. While much of his career was with the Brumos Porsche racing team that dominated sports car and Can-Am racing, Haywood also competed in the Indy Car series, four International Race of Champions (IROC) events, and drove the powerful AWD Audi in IMSA competition. The Legends Speak is free and open to the public.
In honor of Triumph, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival and 2019 Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix featured marque, the Center’s On the Grid display is a 1960 Triumph TR3A, on loan from Russ Deveso of Colden, N.Y. Deveso purchased the production car in 1969 for $250 and installed a TR4A head, which added horsepower and more speed for racing. This honest representation of the marque, familiar to every track in the northeastern United States, had a cameo appearance on the Discovery Channel’s Chasing Classic Cars. It has also been driven by amateur racer Burt “B.S.” Levy, author of The Last Open Road series of novels about early post-World War II road racing in the United States.
On Thursday, the Center will also feature the Datsun 280ZX driven to the 1979 Sports Car Club of America C-Production National Championship by Paul “P.L.” Newman. Newman was driving for Bob Sharp Racing and sponsored by Budweiser. The Datsun will be in the Concours d’Elegance at the Watkins Glen State Park during the Grand Prix Festival on Friday.
In collaboration with Roadmasters, the IMRRC will also display a 1972 Triumph TR6 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel during Vintage weekend.
The IMRRC will continue to sell tickets for their annual car raffle, in anticipation of the drawing on Oct. 5. This year’s car is a 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS, restored in 2013 and valued at $71,500. Tickets are $40 each or three for $100 and are available at the Center. For more information, visit racingarchives.org.
The mission of the International Motor Racing Research Center is to collect, preserve and share the global history of motorsports. Visitors are welcomed to the Center to see the On the Grid display car, browse the library, enjoy displays from the collection and watch 25 Years at Speed: The Watkins Glen Story with Brock Yates, a film on the early history of racing in Watkins Glen in the Center’s theater. The staff is on hand to share their passion for motorsports with all racing enthusiasts. The IMRRC is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 610 South Decatur Street in Watkins Glen, NY.
Download the Full Press Release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Judy Stropus – 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438; jstropus@earthlink.net
Bobby Rahal Receives IMRRC’s Argetsinger Award
J.C. Argetsinger and Bobby Rahal. Brian Cleary photo.
CORNING, N.Y. (June 28, 2019) – International racing stars, captains of the motorsports industry, local dignitaries and race fans gathered on Thursday to honor former race-car driver and current multi-team owner Bobby Rahal at the Corning Museum of Glass. Rahal received the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
Rahal, who fields race teams in INDYCAR, IMSA and Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Series, was honored by the International Motor Racing Research Center for his outstanding commitment to the sport of auto racing. This was the sixth year the glass trophy has been presented. Previous honorees were Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, and Jim France and the France Family.
The award was presented to Rahal, who served on the board of the IMRRC from 2015-2018, by J.C. Argetsinger, former president of the IMRRC, and one of nine children of the late Cameron and Jean Argetsinger.
“About a decade ago we were so fortunate that Bobby Rahal, a great ambassador for the sport, lent his prestige and his energy, and joined our board,” said Argetsinger. “And then [there was] the excitement when he became our chairman. His contribution was truly enormous.
“I’m so proud to represent the Argetsinger family, to be here to present this award to a man who so richly deserves it. Tonight I can’t think of anyone else better in this country than Bobby Rahal [to receive] this award. He’s been a great help to the IMRRC as well as young drivers around the world.”
Throughout the evening salutes were given in person and by video. Among them were previous Argetsinger Award recipients Roger Penske, in the audience, as well as Ganassi, Petty and Andretti via video, and Jim France via statement. The videos made by racers from all corners of motorsports included Don “the Snake” Prudhomme, JR Hildebrand, Scott Dixon, Zak Brown, Takuma Sato, Danica Patrick, John Force, Lisa Boggs of Firestone, David Hobbs, and competitors from a number of different series.
Speaker after speaker told stories of the intense commitment and passion that Rahal has shown throughout his career as a driver and team owner.
NHRA Drag Racing champion Force, whose daughter Courtney is married to Rahal’s son Graham, said, “It’s all about your family, those children, and those grandchildren, those boys and girls, men and women that you have raised. Let me just tell you, you know that’s better than all the trophies put together, because whether you like it or not, we’re family.”
Said Penske, the 2016 recipient of the award, “Bobby, you’re a great driver, a champion. I think the commitment by all of us here tonight is to be able to give back. And, I think that’s probably the most important thing I’ve heard tonight is what you give back to other people, and I think that’s so important in the world we live in today and what’s taking place. We need to be leaders. Bobby Rahal is a leader. He’s a friend and I want to congratulate you tonight for the award you well deserve.”
Graham Rahal spoke from a video, saying, “There is not a better person to be getting this award. It’s just that simple. There’s not a better person.”
Added Jay Frye, president of INDYCAR, “One of the highlights of my job is being around people like Bobby every day.”
“I can’t thank enough the Argetsinger family for this award,” said Rahal. “I’ve had the privilege to work with J.C. and [son] Duke, the whole family, their mother over the years here. I really thank my old friends on the board of the IMRRC. I think the Center is fortunate to have the caliber of board members that it has.
“And, I want to thank all of you for coming and the nice things you said about me tonight. It’s a family honor and [the IMRRC] is also a very good cause.”
In addition to Sahlen’s, NASCAR, ISC, WGI and IMSA, award dinner sponsors and supporters included Corning Enterprises and Corning Incorporated Foundation, Team Penske, Hilliard Corp., Welliver, Elmira Savings Bank, Honda Racing, Porsche Cars North America, BMW of North America, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, SCCA Inc. and Foundation, Gorsline Company, Byers Automotive, Michelin and Glenora Wine Cellars. The dinner is also supported by IMRRC Governing Council members Gregory G. Galdi, Larry Kessler, Bob Newman and Archie Urciuoli.
The evening concluded with the live auction of an original, commissioned painting by motorsports artist Randy Owens depicting Rahal’s 1986 Indy 500 victory. A silent auction offered a variety of items from corporate leaders in the motorsports industry and the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and members of the IMRRC’s Governing Council.
Two cars were displayed, representing Rahal’s career as an IndyCar driver and as a current team owner in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship: The No. 05 1989 Lola T8900 Cosworth that Rahal drove on IndyCar road and street circuits, scoring the only win for a Cosworth engine and for Rahal during the 1989 season; and the BMW M8 GTE, introduced in 2018 at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. In 2019, it was driven to victory for BMW Team RLL at the Rolex 24 by Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Colton Herta and Philipp Eng, 43 years after its ancestor, the BMW 3.0 CSL, won the Florida classic.
The IMRRC’s 2019 fundraising raffle car, a 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS, was also on view.
The International Motor Racing Research Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of global motorsports. Additional information is available at racingarchives.org.
The Argetsinger Award was established to honor a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Bobby Rahal, with two cars representing his career. The 2018 BMW Team RLL BMW M8GTE, and the 1989 Lola T8900 Cosworth Indy car he raced. Brian Cleary photo.
Bobby Rahal to Receive IMRRC’s Argetsinger Award
Sahlen’s, NASCAR, ISC, WGI and IMSA are presenting sponsors
Bobby Rahal behind the wheel of the Galles-Kraco Indy car in 1991.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (April 30, 2019) – Race team owner and former champion race-car driver Bobby Rahal will be honored on June 27 by the
International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) with the 2019 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
The 2019 award will be the sixth presented by the IMRRC. Chip Ganassi was the inaugural recipient in 2014. Richard Petty and Roger Penske were honorees in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Mario Andretti was cited in 2017 and Jim France and the France Family were honored in 2018.
Rahal is co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, along with David Letterman and businessman Michael Lanigan. In an 18-year race-driving career spanning Formula 1, Can-Am, Le Mans, IMSA and CART, Rahal notched three CART championships, including the 1986 Indy 500 win, and victories at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races.
He helped bring Honda into North American open-wheel racing in the early ’90s, and, after retiring from driving in 1998, he joined Jaguar’s F1 effort. He returned to the U.S. in 2002 to be the interim boss of CART.
The team is in its 28th year of competing in open-wheel racing and so far has notched 27 wins, including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole position with Buddy Rice.
In 2009, BMW Team RLL was formed and went on to win the 2010 GT team and manufacturers’ championships in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The team swept the top two spots in the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring, earning the 2011 ALMS GT drivers’ championships for Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller. Most recently, the 2019 season brought a GTLM class win in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. To date, BMW Team RLL has earned 20 wins, 26 poles and 75 podium finishes.
Rahal operates Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, a string of car dealerships in Pennsylvania, is President of the Road Racing Drivers Club, former Chairman of the International Motor Racing Research Center Governing Council at Watkins Glen (2015- 2018) and is active in the community through the Bobby Rahal Foundation. He was Chairman of the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Foundation from 2012-2016.
Rahal will receive the Argetsinger Award at a gala dinner presented by Sahlen’s, NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Watkins Glen 
International (WGI) and IMSA. The dinner, which is open to the public, will be at the internationally renowned Corning Museum of Glass in nearby Corning, N.Y.
The dinner precedes the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen IMSA weekend at Watkins Glen International.
Sahlen’s, familiar to race fans in the Northeast, is a family-owned producer of quality meat products since 1869 in Buffalo, N.Y.
“We at Sahlen’s are proud to support the IMRRC and this year’s dinner honoring Bobby Rahal,” said Joe Sahlen, company president. “Bobby owns a remarkable racing record, and has shown outstanding leadership as the outgoing IMRRC Chairman and as a team owner in two dynamic racing series.”
WGI President Michael Printup added, “Bobby Rahal has always been a difference maker in our sport. From his accomplishments while in the driver’s seat as an Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar champion to his many contributions since. It is an honor and a privilege to call him a friend, and I’m so glad that we are taking the opportunity to give him the recognition he so deserves. It’s going to be a special night, and one that we’re all looking forward to very much.”
“While Bobby Rahal certainly and deservedly made the biggest name for himself in IndyCar racing, he’s part of an exclusive group to have achieved success as an open-wheel driver as well as at the highest levels of sports car racing with victories at both Daytona and Sebring,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “What moves him even further into rarefied air is his additional success as a team owner in both IndyCar and IMSA sports cars. Just this year, his team managed to duplicate his achievements as a driver in sports cars, adding a Rolex 24 At Daytona win to previous victories at the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, along with multiple IMSA team championships. It’s been my honor to know and work with Bobby for more than three decades, just as it is an honor to extend – on behalf of IMSA – our sincere congratulations to Bobby as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Cameron R. Argetsinger Award.”
“Having been fortunate to know Bobby Rahal throughout my career, I’ve always considered him one of the true gentlemen in our industry,” said NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton. “He’s also a true ‘racer.’ Bobby has won championships as a driver and team owner in open wheel and sports car competition, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona in both capacities. He’s as solid as they come – and a most deserving recipient of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award.”
Other supporters of the dinner include Corning Enterprises and Foundation, Team Penske, Gregory G. Galdi, Archie Urciuoli/Larry Kessler/Bob Newman, American Honda, Chip Ganassi Racing, Hilliard Corp., BMW of North America, Porsche Cars North America, Gorsline Company, SCCA Inc. and Foundation, Welliver, Elmira Savings Bank, and Glenora Wine Cellars.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen 70 years ago.
“The IMRRC is proud to honor our former Chairman and a racing legend, Bobby Rahal, with this award,” stated IMRRC Chairman John Saunders. “Bobby is one of only a handful of individuals who have won the Indy 500 as both a driver and a team owner. His driving career spanned more than two decades and he continues as an IndyCar owner dedicated to developing young talent and growing the future of our sport. Bobby Rahal is more than deserving of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.”
The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award Dinner is open to the public, but tickets are limited. The ticket price is $250 per person. Tables of 10 are available as well.
Tickets may be purchased online at 2019 CRA Tickets or by calling the IMRRC at (607) 535-9044.
Complete details about the event, including information about sponsorship opportunities, can be viewed at 2019 CRA Dinner Details. For further information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Judy Stropus at jstropus@earthlink.net.
The International Motor Racing Research Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of global motorsports.
The Argetsinger Award was established to honor a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Sept. 24, 2018) – The International Motor Racing Research Center is celebrating its 20th Anniversary along with the 70th Anniversary of Racing in Watkins Glen.
“RacetoberFest” will take place at the IMRRC Visitor’s Center at 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen. Admission is free. Hours will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The highlight of the event is the drawing for a 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, the grand prize of the Center’s annual fundraising raffle. Other festivities will include a “meet and greet” reception with special guests and dignitaries, a “70 Years of Racing Memories” tribute slide show and live music from renowned jazz guitarist Dennis Winge.
The IMRRC has also minted special two-sided dash plaques to commemorate the anniversaries. The plaques will be available for purchase.
“We are very excited to begin our third decade.” said Michael Printup, IMRRC Governing Council Member and WGI President. “The Research Center has made incredible strides during the last two decades as it has grown from an alcove in the local library to a world-renowned archive and respected research facility.” Printup continued, “It’s a pleasure to open the doors to local folks, members, fans and racing heros alike to celebrate these successes.”
Food and beverages will be served throughout the evening with offerings from local wineries and breweries and catering by Americrown and Watkins Glen International. Another high point of the event will be the unveiling of a cake created by Ithaca Bakery artisans Paige Bibble and Heather Charron. The cake is a scale replica of the Frank Griswold 2.9 Liter B Alfa Romeo that won the 1948 Watkins Glen Grand Prix. Each guest will be able to taste a slice of racing history! On display at the IMRRC during the event will be two cars that showcase the early years of racing in the streets of Watkins Glen. “Poison Lil”, one of 4 Maserati V8RIs made, led the first competitive lap at Watkins Glen during the 1948 Junior Prix. The second car, a 1952 OSCA MT4, took the final checkered flag at the Seneca Cup in September of 1952.
Other special exhibits and the raffle car will also be on display during the celebration. In addition to the Porsche 911 grand prize – the raffle includes additional prizes. Second place is a set of 4 tickets to any 2019 SVRA event in the United States and a $500 Visa gift card. Third place is a 50” Samsung Flatscreen TV.
The raffle is one of the primary annual IMRRC fundraisers. Tickets are still available for the raffle by calling the IMRRC at 607-535-9044 or by visiting the Center’s website at racingarchives.org
Download the Full Press Release.
Argetsinger Award Night Highlights IMRRC Year by Larry Ott | Published Wed, Jul 4, 2018