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.
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
BELLEVUE, Wash. (July 5, 2024) – “On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team,” by Neil Smith, is now available from David Bull Publishing, and may be purchased at Bull Publishing.
“On the Prowl” tells the rich and fascinating story of TWR’s Jaguar sports car programs with the help of those who were there.
When Jaguar won the storied 24 Hours of Le Mans five times in the 1950s, it transformed a company known for smooth and luxurious cars into a true sporting icon, creating fast and beautiful models such as the C-type, D-type and the beloved symbol of the Swinging Sixties, the E-type.
First-time author Smith tells the tale of how the stage was set for a bright future for the marque, but a tumultuous decision to merge with BMC, known for the Mini, in 1966 eventually landed Jaguar inside Britain’s worst car company, British Leyland, and threatened the very future of the prestigious marque.
As a new management team sought to right the ship in the early 1980s, they turned to motorsports as a tool for rebuilding Jaguar’s reputation, with a series of racing programs in the United States run by Bob Tullius’ Group 44 and a parallel touring car effort in Europe led by the fiercely competitive and determined Scotsman Tom Walkinshaw.
Under Walkinshaw’s no-nonsense leadership, his TWR team took few prisoners on the race track, garnering prestigious wins and championships before laying claim to the right to take on Jaguar’s ultimate goal: a return to victory at Le Mans.
Bolstered by more than 650 images and period documents, many never before published, the development of the mighty XJR sports-prototype racers is described in detail, along with the fascinating stories of creating success on track.
With the help of interviews with some of Jaguar’s most successful drivers, including Derek Warwick, David Brabham, Eddie Cheever and Andy Wallace, as well as key technical team members such as designer Tony Southgate and team managers Alastair Macqueen and Tony Dowe, the book goes far beyond the race results of the TWR team, uncovering how and why it achieved such enormous success.
Alongside the TWR story is the equally important background of the meteoric rise and sudden fall of Jaguar itself during the 1980s, mirrored by the fortunes of sports car racing at the same time, all of which is covered in great depth by the author, in an engaging and highly-readable style that races along.
About the Author:
Irish-born, British-raised and California-domiciled, Neil Smith’s love of motorsports came from his father, himself a former grasstrack motorcycle racer. He attended his first Group C race, the 1985 Brands Hatch 1000 km, at the age of 9 and from that point on became a scholar of sports car racing and its history. In 1994 he moved to the United States, but not before making the first of many trips to the Le Mans 24 Hours, traveling alone on a charter flight with a small backpack containing nothing more than a few clothes and a hat. After kicking off a career in the technology industry, he began writing a motorsports-focused blog called The Fastest Lap, which led to work covering IMSA and Grand-Am for the predecessor of Sportscar365, one of the top sports car racing news websites. A continued fascination with Group C and IMSA GTP was the catalyst for the research that led to “On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team,” Smith’s debut book.
He has participated in numerous racing and track activities, including as a co-driver in the U.S. national rally championship, a team owner and driver in the 24 Hours of Lemons and at numerous track days behind the wheel of cars such as a Porsche 944, Subaru STI and various Alfa Romeos. Smith lives in Northern California’s Sonoma region with his wife Kristin, teenage daughter Poppy, an introverted terrier and some aloof chickens. When not following motorsports, he can often be found playing guitar in a ’90s tribute band.
About the Publisher:
David Bull Publishing is dedicated to the goal of producing the best books in motorsports. Founded in 1995, the company has consistently won praise from readers and the media for the editorial quality and presentation of its titles.
The company’s first book, “Sebring: The Official History of America’s Great Sports Car Race,” was named Book of the Year by the American Auto Writing and Broadcasters Association. Every year since then David Bull Publishing has consistently received excellent reviews and won awards, including the prestigious Dean Batchelor Award, the Motor Press Guild’s Best Book Award, as well as several gold and silver medals from the Independent Book Publishers Association.
In 2018, Bull’s groundbreaking biography “Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics, and the Making of an Automotive Empire” was featured in the New York Times and other major media outlets. In 2015 Sam Posey’s “Where The Writer Meets The Road” was named the Motor Press Guild’s Best Book.
Founder David Bull passed away from a long illness in 2021, and the DBP team has picked up the mantle. Titles for 2024 include: “Ferrari in America: Luigi Chinetti and the North American Racing Team,” by Michael Lynch with János L. Wimpffen; “On The Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team,” by Neil Smith; Volumes IV (1980-1989) and V (1990-1999) of “Twice Around the Clock, The Yanks at Le Mans,” by Tim Considine; and Randy Leffingwell’s “Against All the Others: Porsche’s Racing History Volume 1, 1968.” https://www.bullpublishing.com/.
One of the coolest things anyone can have is a unique keychain, something that succinctly reflects interests and passions. Check out the new IMRRC keychain here!
This year’s Membership Chairperson is IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi, who made motorsport history in 2016 as the first American to win the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie since 1928.
Alexander began racing go-karts by age 10 and it didn’t take him long to find success behind the wheel. By 14 years old, he had won multiple national and international karting championships. Moving on from karting, Alexander made the jump in 2008 to becoming Formula BMW World Champion, winning the most poles and victories in series history. At 17, Alexander moved to Europe in his pursuit of F1 and, at the time, was the youngest driver to hold an F1 Super License. Six years later, in 2015, he made five F1 Grand Prix starts for Manor Racing.
Alexander moved back to the United States in 2016 to race for Andretti Herta Autosport as a rookie in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. That’s where, in his fifth start, he won the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500, coasting to the finish line without fuel. Alexander made the move to Arrow McLaren from Andretti Autosport, and over his eight seasons in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES he has compiled eight wins, seven poles and 29 podium finishes. He was remarkably consistent in his first season in papaya, with six top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.
Alexander enters his second season in the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, looking to build off his 2023 campaign with the team in which he finished ninth in the championship.
We were saddened to hear of the passing of long-time IMRRC friend and supporter Tim Meddaugh in February. Tim was an avid racing fan and a 55-year member of the SCCA. Tim served as a flagger and chief steward for most of those years. A celebration of life will be held at a favorite destination of Tim’s, the Seneca Lodge, on April 6th, more details to follow. All are welcome.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (May 3, 2023) – The Governing Council of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) in Watkins Glen, New York has appointed Phyllisa A. DeSarno as its most recent Governing Council member. The IMRRC’s Governing Council guides the organization and is composed of racing aficionados, library professionals and civic and community leaders from across the United States. “Phyllisa’s varied professional experience will benefit us considerably as we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, and beyond,” says IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald.
After graduating from Elmira College and attending Syracuse University’s School of International Studies, DeSarno taught English before moving into Community and Economic Development. She was employed by Corning Inc. and Corning Community College before retiring as the City of Ithaca’s Director of Economic Development. She has been a member of many community organizations throughout her long career and currently sits on the Schuyler Health Foundation Board. “I am looking forward to joining the IMRRC Governing Council,” DeSarno says of her appointment, “it will be an exciting three years with growth as the major focus. Andiamo… let’s go!” DeSarno lives in Watkins Glen with her husband, Peter, and their dog, Phoebe.
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, N.Y. (December 22, 2022) – The International Motor Racing Research Center is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Dyson and Rob Roessel to the Governing Council. The IMRRC’s Governing Council guides the organization and is composed of racing aficionados, library professionals and civic and community leaders from across the United States.
“Chris and Rob both have deep ties to the racing world, are committed to the sport, and now to the mission of the Research Center. As we enter our 25th year of operations, we
welcome them both to the Governing Council,” said IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald.
Dyson has a long and storied career as a racing driver having competed in the American Le Mans Series for Dyson Racing from 2002 to 2013. He is currently competing in the Trans Am series in the TA class where he recently achieved his second consecutive championship (2021-2022). The son of team owner Rob Dyson, Chris is a two-time ALMS champion, having taken the LMP675 Drivers title in 2003 and earning the LMP1 Championship in 2011. He is the vice president and sporting director of Dyson Racing.
Roessel is the director of corporate sales in the North Region for NASCAR. After graduating from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Sport Management, he started his career at Watkins Glen International over a decade ago. In his spare time, Roessel competes in the ChampCar Endurance Series and is in the middle of building a 1983 Mustang from the ground up to compete in 2023.
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.
The first purpose-built, closed-course, road circuit at Watkins Glen, opened on a glorious, chilly autumn weekend in mid-September 1956, welcoming 118 racers to compete in six race events during the 9th Annual International Sports Car Grand Prix. The circuit, which has since hosted nearly every major racing series over more than six decades, almost did not open at all.
The efforts by the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corporation – up to the 11th hour – to ready the 2.3-mile track in time for the race weekend were extraordinary. A successful “wave the green fag” bond campaign in the local community raised initial start-up funds for the project in a single month. Contractors broke ground in late July and, after delays caused by heavy rains and unfavorable weather, completed the final touches on the asphalt paving only an hour before practice sessions began. Alterations to one of the curves, using earth-moving equipment under the glare of spotlights, were made during the night before the first race. And then officials from the Sports Car Club of America jeopardized the entre event by withdrawing their recommendation for members to participate at the last minute due to what they deemed the “serious and hazardous conditions of the course.”
Despite official concerns, not a single driver willingly withdrew from competition. A crowd exceeding 30,000 spectators enjoyed the “European carnival aspects” of the weekend and watched a “thrilling race” across the fast and tricky course as George Constantine of Sturbridge, Massachusetts in his D-Type Jaguar took the checkered fag for the Sports Car Grand Prix.
The IMRRC
With a mission to “To collect, preserve and share the global history of motorsports,” The International Motor Racing Research Center, located at Watkin’s Glen, New York, has, since 1996, been a place open to historians and to the general public and preserves an ever-growing collection that documents the history of racing in the more than 4000 books, 250 different motorsports magazines and newspaper titles, club and sanctioning body records, race results, programs and posters, papers of motorsports journalists and scholars, correspondence of race organizers and still and moving images. Its knowledgeable research and archives staff assists hundreds of scholars, journalists, authors, documentary film makers, drivers and race car owners from all over the globe with inquiries about motorsports history every year. It relies on gifs and donations from the motor sport community. See www.racingarchives.org.
Download the Original Article.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Feb. 17, 2022) – The International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen welcomes Beren Argetsinger and Daryl Q. Wolfe to the organization’s Governing Council. The IMRRC’s Governing Council guides the organization and is composed of racing aficionados, library professionals and civic and community leaders from across the United States.
“We’re thrilled to have the talents of Beren and Daryl among the members of the Governing Council. Their combined experience will add significantly to the leadership capabilities of the Council,” said IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald. Argetsinger is a partner at Keyes & Fox, LLP. Previously, he was a research fellow at the Center for Energy and Sustainable Development in West Virginia where he focused on climate change and clean energy transition strategies. In addition to his law practice, Argetsinger is a Finger Lakes vineyard owner and wine grape grower and is active in his community. He is the new secretary of the Governing Council. Argetsinger’s grandfather Cameron Argetsinger was the leading force in bringing post-World War II road racing to the United States, and specifically Watkins Glen. His grandmother Jean Argetsinger was a founder of the IMRRC and served on its Governing Council until her death in 2017.
Wolfe has been with the NASCAR company for 27 years and has advanced through several leadership positions with increasing responsibility. As the Managing Director of Marketing Partnerships at ISC he was a member of the core team to negotiate and develop new properties at Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway. He is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer.
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.