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