CORNING, N.Y. (September 10, 2025) – On September 4, racing legend Brian Redman was honored at a gala dinner, presented by Sahlen’s, with the 11th annual International Motor Racing Research Center’s Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for outstanding contributions to motorsports.
Held at the Corning (N.Y.) Museum of Glass, which recognized multi-race team owner Chip Ganassi at the inaugural dinner in 2014, Redman was presented with an etched glass trophy by founding member and past president of the IMRRC, J.C. Argetsinger. Famed motorsports TV broadcaster Dr. Jerry Punch was the Master of Ceremonies, and another racing legend, David Hobbs, along with renowned TV commentator Bob Varsha, conducted the spirited Q&A with Redman. “Doc” Punch has been the voice of the Argetsinger Award presentations for 10 of the 11 years.
“Brian was as much a part of the British Invasion as any long-haired musician. He came to our shores, he saw, he looked around and he conquered American road racing, earning legions of fans. I can think of no other person who more deserves this award tonight for outstanding contributions to motorsports than Brian and I’m so proud to be here,” said J.C. Argetsinger, Cameron’s eldest son and a retired Schuyler (N.Y.) County judge.
Said Hobbs: “Brian is a very worthy recipient of this award. He is one of the best long-distance drivers ever. He’s had many wins in a very dangerous era. Not many people can say they beat Mario Andretti three years in a row [in the F5000 series].”
“As many times as I’ve heard Brian speak, reminisce, or just pass the time, it always fascinates me to be in his company,” said Varsha. “He, David and I could have prattled away for much longer tonight. Seeing him receive the distinguished Argetsinger Award will be a great memory.”
Brian Redman, right, with J.C. Argetsinger, holding the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award. (Pete Gorski image)
Video shout-outs were shown, sharing congratulatory messages from racing and industry celebrities, including Mario Andretti, Sam Posey, Hurley Haywood, Bobby Rahal, Danny Sullivan, IMSA’s John Doonan, Revs Institutes’ Miles Collier and Scott George, Roger Penske, Zak Brown and Lyn St.James.
Particularly poignant were the video tributes presented by former FIA Senate President Nick Craw and former race-car driver Kathy Rude, commenting on how Redman’s perseverance following Rude’s 1983 major crash in Brainerd, Minnesota, resulted in sanctioning groups upgrading their Catastrophic Insurance policies.
Argetsinger Award honoree Brian Redman, center, was interviewed by racing legend David Hobbs, left, and renowned TV commentator Bob Varsha. (Pete Gorski image)
“This evening was really amazing and it’s a wonderful reflection of the IMRRC and the work that it does,” said Redman. “Cameron has been rightfully lauded for all the work he did to organize the original races in Watkins Glen and bring the sport into the professional era. This was an astonishing presentation tonight, and it means a great deal to me. It’s probably the best honor I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
John Saunders, Chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council, spoke about the IMRRC’s mission to help preserve the important legacy of motorsports, focusing on major future growth plans for the research center.
Margaret Lawrence, Interim Executive Director of the IMRRC, said: “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. They in turn participate in one of the IMRRC’s most significant annual fundraising events. The dinner was a resounding success. Brian Redman was a deserving honoree. Many of our event sponsors have been with us since the beginning, a further endorsement of our mission to preserve motorsports history.”
From left, J.C. Argetsinger, David Hobbs, Brian Redman and Bob Varsha share a champagne toast. (Pete Gorski image)
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 two race cars significant to Redman’s career: the 1970 Targa Florio-winning Porsche 908/3 of Redman and Jo Siffert, with Redman driving through a village in Sicily alongside the Lola T332 Formula 5000 car he raced to victory at the inaugural Long Beach Grand Prix in 1975.
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| Brian Redman (left) signs the original artwork created by artist Bill Patterson during the evening, as Dr. Jerry Punch (right) is at the podium as the Master of Ceremonies. (Pete Gorski images) | |
On display at the entry of the Museum was a Watkins Glen International Toyota Camry Pace Car, and the BMW M49 CSL that Redman drove to victory at the 1976 24 Hours of Daytona.
Established in 2014, the CRA Award has 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, Richard Childress and Zak Brown. All proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) IMRRC.
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 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.
Sponsors and supporters of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award dinner included Sahlen’s; Chemung Canal Trust Company; Revs Institute; NASCAR/WGI; SCCA Inc.; SCCA Foundation; Hilliard Corporation; The Gorsline Company; Larry and Karen Kessler; Glenora Wine Cellars; Greg Galdi; Global Prairie; Welliver; Simmons Rockwell; and John H. Cook Jr. Painting.