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