WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2021) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) announced today that it has appointed Mark Steigerwald to be the IMRRC’s next Executive Director, replacing Dan DeRusha, who stepped down in June 2021. John Saunders, Chair of the Governing Council, said, “We are very pleased to announce Mark’s hiring and return to the IMRRC to lead the Center as it continues its work collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of racing. Mark is uniquely positioned for this role having started his career at the IMRRC many years ago before moving on to advance his leadership experience and fundraising credentials.”
Steigerwald is the Executive Director of the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, CA where he leads all aspects of the 72,000 sq. ft. facility and its mission presenting the history of the automobile with a collection of over 150 classic cars, race cars, muscle cars and early automobiles. He is also a self-described “gear head and racing fanatic,” having been involved in helping establish the IMRRC’s archives when he first worked at the IMRRC in 2000. He holds a Masters degree in Library Science from Syracuse University. Said Steigerwald, “It is a terrific honor to be selected to return to the IMRRC and lead this important organization into its next chapter. My lifelong interest in racing, passion for the sport and love of the IMRRC’s mission have all come together in this opportunity. I look forward to working with the Governing Council and staff to advance the IMRRC’s programs and impact.”
Steigerwald also brings significant fundraising experience to the IMRRC having worked in the development areas at Cornell University for 8 years prior to moving to the California Automobile Museum position. “Motorsports has an incredible fan base, an amazing international presence, and the IMRRC offers opportunities to preserve that rich racing history. We are fortunate to have Mark’s leadership, racing knowledge and passion coming to the IMRRC,” stated Saunders.
Steigerwald was selected following a national search guided by senior search consultant Daniel Keegan of Museum Search & Reference, a firm in Manchester, NH and Boston, MA, of which the principal is Marilyn Hoffman.
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.