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
Download the Full Press Release.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (May 26, 2022) – Mike Helton, Vice Chairman of NASCAR, is selected to join an elite group of recipients of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Presented annually by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), the Award’s past recipients include Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske and Mario Andretti. The gala and award ceremony will be held on Aug. 19, 2022, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Motorsports broadcast journalist Dr. Jerry Punch will be emceeing the evening’s festivities.
“The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award continues to honor exemplary contributors to motorsport,” said Mark Steigerwald, Executive Director of the IMRRC. “We enthusiastically extend this well-deserved recognition to Mike and look forward to celebrating in August.”
Helton has been part of the NASCAR company for almost three decades, starting as the vice president of competition in 1994. He was the first person outside of the France family to assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations when he became the senior vice president and chief operating officer in 1999, and president a year later. Today, Helton serves as a member of NASCAR’S Board of Directors and Executive Council.
Helton’s experiences on and off the track directly led to the formation of the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. Dedicated to strengthening NASCAR’s safety and competition initiatives, it is the first research and development center owned and operated by a sanctioning body of a major motorsports series.
“We are honored to present the 2022 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award to Mike Helton,” said IMRRC Chairman John R. Saunders. “Under Mike’s leadership, NASCAR’s expansion to new markets throughout North America along with notable enhancements to safety and competition is truly extraordinary.” Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Presenting sponsors of the award dinner are Sahlen’s, NASCAR, and Watkins Glen International. Additional support is provided by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.
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.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (July 12, 2021) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) will honor Lyn St. James with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports on Sept. 11, 2021. After a hiatus in 2020, the ceremony returns to a new location at the Jack Daniel’s Club at Watkins Glen International during the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend. Motorsports broadcast journalist Bob Varsha will be emceeing the ceremony.
“Lyn embodies the spirit of the Argetsinger award, which recognizes individuals who have advanced and improved the sport,” said John Saunders, chairman of the Governing Council of the IMRRC. “We’re thrilled to celebrate her achievements this September.”
A pioneer for women in motor racing, St. James racked up numerous firsts and records for speed over the course of her 20 years as a professional driver. Among those, she is the first female recipient of the “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year” award presented in honor of her spectacular debut in 1992, the first of seven starts in the series. With a victory in the Serengeti 500 race at Watkins Glen in 1985, she remains the only woman to win an IMSA GT race as a solo driver.
Equally recognized for her many contributions off the track, St. James received numerous awards for distinguished service to racing, driver education, and as an advocate for women’s participation in sports. In 1994, she founded the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation to provide support, training and scholarships to women in automotive fields. St. James is also an author, sports commentator, and motivational speaker.
“The IMRRC does great work in preserving and honoring the history of motorsports, and it’s a privilege to host the Argetsinger Award ceremony at Watkins Glen this fall,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “Lyn’s influence in the sport is unmatched and we’re honored to help celebrate her.”
Tickets are now on sale and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Celebrate Lyn’s distinguished career in racing by joining us for live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar. Sahlen’s is the presenting sponsor of the event, with additional support from IMRRC Governing Council Members Greg Galdi, Larry Kessler, Robert M. Newman Jr., and Archie Urciuoli as well as Glenora Wine Cellars, Gorsline Company, Hilliard Corp., SCCA Inc. and Foundation, SVRA, Watkins Glen International, and Welliver. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Judy Stropus – 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438; jstropus@earthlink.net
Bobby Rahal Receives IMRRC’s Argetsinger Award
CORNING, N.Y. (June 28, 2019) – International racing stars, captains of the motorsports industry, local dignitaries and race fans gathered on Thursday to honor former race-car driver and current multi-team owner Bobby Rahal at the Corning Museum of Glass. Rahal received the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
Rahal, who fields race teams in INDYCAR, IMSA and Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Series, was honored by the International Motor Racing Research Center for his outstanding commitment to the sport of auto racing. This was the sixth year the glass trophy has been presented. Previous honorees were Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, and Jim France and the France Family.
The award was presented to Rahal, who served on the board of the IMRRC from 2015-2018, by J.C. Argetsinger, former president of the IMRRC, and one of nine children of the late Cameron and Jean Argetsinger.
“About a decade ago we were so fortunate that Bobby Rahal, a great ambassador for the sport, lent his prestige and his energy, and joined our board,” said Argetsinger. “And then [there was] the excitement when he became our chairman. His contribution was truly enormous.
“I’m so proud to represent the Argetsinger family, to be here to present this award to a man who so richly deserves it. Tonight I can’t think of anyone else better in this country than Bobby Rahal [to receive] this award. He’s been a great help to the IMRRC as well as young drivers around the world.”
Throughout the evening salutes were given in person and by video. Among them were previous Argetsinger Award recipients Roger Penske, in the audience, as well as Ganassi, Petty and Andretti via video, and Jim France via statement. The videos made by racers from all corners of motorsports included Don “the Snake” Prudhomme, JR Hildebrand, Scott Dixon, Zak Brown, Takuma Sato, Danica Patrick, John Force, Lisa Boggs of Firestone, David Hobbs, and competitors from a number of different series.
Speaker after speaker told stories of the intense commitment and passion that Rahal has shown throughout his career as a driver and team owner.
NHRA Drag Racing champion Force, whose daughter Courtney is married to Rahal’s son Graham, said, “It’s all about your family, those children, and those grandchildren, those boys and girls, men and women that you have raised. Let me just tell you, you know that’s better than all the trophies put together, because whether you like it or not, we’re family.”
Said Penske, the 2016 recipient of the award, “Bobby, you’re a great driver, a champion. I think the commitment by all of us here tonight is to be able to give back. And, I think that’s probably the most important thing I’ve heard tonight is what you give back to other people, and I think that’s so important in the world we live in today and what’s taking place. We need to be leaders. Bobby Rahal is a leader. He’s a friend and I want to congratulate you tonight for the award you well deserve.”
Graham Rahal spoke from a video, saying, “There is not a better person to be getting this award. It’s just that simple. There’s not a better person.”
Added Jay Frye, president of INDYCAR, “One of the highlights of my job is being around people like Bobby every day.”
“I can’t thank enough the Argetsinger family for this award,” said Rahal. “I’ve had the privilege to work with J.C. and [son] Duke, the whole family, their mother over the years here. I really thank my old friends on the board of the IMRRC. I think the Center is fortunate to have the caliber of board members that it has.
“And, I want to thank all of you for coming and the nice things you said about me tonight. It’s a family honor and [the IMRRC] is also a very good cause.”
In addition to Sahlen’s, NASCAR, ISC, WGI and IMSA, award dinner sponsors and supporters included Corning Enterprises and Corning Incorporated Foundation, Team Penske, Hilliard Corp., Welliver, Elmira Savings Bank, Honda Racing, Porsche Cars North America, BMW of North America, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, SCCA Inc. and Foundation, Gorsline Company, Byers Automotive, Michelin and Glenora Wine Cellars. The dinner is also supported by IMRRC Governing Council members Gregory G. Galdi, Larry Kessler, Bob Newman and Archie Urciuoli.
The evening concluded with the live auction of an original, commissioned painting by motorsports artist Randy Owens depicting Rahal’s 1986 Indy 500 victory. A silent auction offered a variety of items from corporate leaders in the motorsports industry and the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and members of the IMRRC’s Governing Council.
Two cars were displayed, representing Rahal’s career as an IndyCar driver and as a current team owner in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship: The No. 05 1989 Lola T8900 Cosworth that Rahal drove on IndyCar road and street circuits, scoring the only win for a Cosworth engine and for Rahal during the 1989 season; and the BMW M8 GTE, introduced in 2018 at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. In 2019, it was driven to victory for BMW Team RLL at the Rolex 24 by Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Colton Herta and Philipp Eng, 43 years after its ancestor, the BMW 3.0 CSL, won the Florida classic.
The IMRRC’s 2019 fundraising raffle car, a 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS, was also on view.
The International Motor Racing Research Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of global motorsports. Additional information is available at racingarchives.org.
The Argetsinger Award was established to honor a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Bobby Rahal to Receive IMRRC’s Argetsinger Award
Sahlen’s, NASCAR, ISC, WGI and IMSA are presenting sponsors
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (April 30, 2019) – Race team owner and former champion race-car driver Bobby Rahal will be honored on June 27 by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) with the 2019 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
The 2019 award will be the sixth presented by the IMRRC. Chip Ganassi was the inaugural recipient in 2014. Richard Petty and Roger Penske were honorees in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Mario Andretti was cited in 2017 and Jim France and the France Family were honored in 2018.
Rahal is co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, along with David Letterman and businessman Michael Lanigan. In an 18-year race-driving career spanning Formula 1, Can-Am, Le Mans, IMSA and CART, Rahal notched three CART championships, including the 1986 Indy 500 win, and victories at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races.
He helped bring Honda into North American open-wheel racing in the early ’90s, and, after retiring from driving in 1998, he joined Jaguar’s F1 effort. He returned to the U.S. in 2002 to be the interim boss of CART.
The team is in its 28th year of competing in open-wheel racing and so far has notched 27 wins, including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole position with Buddy Rice.
In 2009, BMW Team RLL was formed and went on to win the 2010 GT team and manufacturers’ championships in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The team swept the top two spots in the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring, earning the 2011 ALMS GT drivers’ championships for Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller. Most recently, the 2019 season brought a GTLM class win in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. To date, BMW Team RLL has earned 20 wins, 26 poles and 75 podium finishes.
Rahal operates Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, a string of car dealerships in Pennsylvania, is President of the Road Racing Drivers Club, former Chairman of the International Motor Racing Research Center Governing Council at Watkins Glen (2015- 2018) and is active in the community through the Bobby Rahal Foundation. He was Chairman of the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Foundation from 2012-2016.
Rahal will receive the Argetsinger Award at a gala dinner presented by Sahlen’s, NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Watkins Glen International (WGI) and IMSA. The dinner, which is open to the public, will be at the internationally renowned Corning Museum of Glass in nearby Corning, N.Y.
The dinner precedes the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen IMSA weekend at Watkins Glen International.
Sahlen’s, familiar to race fans in the Northeast, is a family-owned producer of quality meat products since 1869 in Buffalo, N.Y.
“We at Sahlen’s are proud to support the IMRRC and this year’s dinner honoring Bobby Rahal,” said Joe Sahlen, company president. “Bobby owns a remarkable racing record, and has shown outstanding leadership as the outgoing IMRRC Chairman and as a team owner in two dynamic racing series.”
WGI President Michael Printup added, “Bobby Rahal has always been a difference maker in our sport. From his accomplishments while in the driver’s seat as an Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar champion to his many contributions since. It is an honor and a privilege to call him a friend, and I’m so glad that we are taking the opportunity to give him the recognition he so deserves. It’s going to be a special night, and one that we’re all looking forward to very much.”
“While Bobby Rahal certainly and deservedly made the biggest name for himself in IndyCar racing, he’s part of an exclusive group to have achieved success as an open-wheel driver as well as at the highest levels of sports car racing with victories at both Daytona and Sebring,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “What moves him even further into rarefied air is his additional success as a team owner in both IndyCar and IMSA sports cars. Just this year, his team managed to duplicate his achievements as a driver in sports cars, adding a Rolex 24 At Daytona win to previous victories at the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, along with multiple IMSA team championships. It’s been my honor to know and work with Bobby for more than three decades, just as it is an honor to extend – on behalf of IMSA – our sincere congratulations to Bobby as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Cameron R. Argetsinger Award.”
“Having been fortunate to know Bobby Rahal throughout my career, I’ve always considered him one of the true gentlemen in our industry,” said NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton. “He’s also a true ‘racer.’ Bobby has won championships as a driver and team owner in open wheel and sports car competition, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona in both capacities. He’s as solid as they come – and a most deserving recipient of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award.”
Other supporters of the dinner include Corning Enterprises and Foundation, Team Penske, Gregory G. Galdi, Archie Urciuoli/Larry Kessler/Bob Newman, American Honda, Chip Ganassi Racing, Hilliard Corp., BMW of North America, Porsche Cars North America, Gorsline Company, SCCA Inc. and Foundation, Welliver, Elmira Savings Bank, and Glenora Wine Cellars.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen 70 years ago.
“The IMRRC is proud to honor our former Chairman and a racing legend, Bobby Rahal, with this award,” stated IMRRC Chairman John Saunders. “Bobby is one of only a handful of individuals who have won the Indy 500 as both a driver and a team owner. His driving career spanned more than two decades and he continues as an IndyCar owner dedicated to developing young talent and growing the future of our sport. Bobby Rahal is more than deserving of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.”
The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award Dinner is open to the public, but tickets are limited. The ticket price is $250 per person. Tables of 10 are available as well.
Tickets may be purchased online at 2019 CRA Tickets or by calling the IMRRC at (607) 535-9044.
Complete details about the event, including information about sponsorship opportunities, can be viewed at 2019 CRA Dinner Details. For further information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Judy Stropus at jstropus@earthlink.net.
The International Motor Racing Research Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of global motorsports.
The Argetsinger Award was established to honor a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Argetsinger Award Night Highlights IMRRC Year by Larry Ott | Published Wed, Jul 4, 2018
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2015) – In an evening filled with tributes and taunts, Richard Petty was honored on Thursday, Aug. 6, with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for his contributions to racing.
The dinner was held at the famed Corning (N.Y.) Museum of Glass in advance of the Cheez- It 355 at The Glen NASCAR race this weekend at Watkins Glen International in upstate New York. The dinner was presented by NASCAR, International Speedway Corp. and WGI.
The International Motor Racing Research Center honored “The King,” the winningest driver in racing and a noted philanthropist, with the award in front of a capacity crowd of race-car drivers, sponsors and industry and local dignitaries.
Introduced as “the world’s best ambassador for NASCAR,” Petty said he has committed himself through his entire career to acknowledging and appreciating the people who have made his achievements possible, listing fans, team members, sponsors and the people who buy sponsors’ products.
“I feel like I’ve been really lucky,” he said. “How many millions of people did it take to get me up here? You can’t say thank you enough.”
The award dinner was a fund-raiser for the IMRRC, an archival and research library dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of motorsports.
“It’s an amazing facility, filled with one-of-a-kind things,” Master of Ceremonies Dr. Jerry Punch told the crowd. “You owe it to yourself to visit. You’ll be absolutely amazed at what it holds.”
In tribute to Petty, Punch interviewed current Richard Petty Motorsports drivers Aric Almirola and Sam Hornish Jr., as well as Petty’s legendary crew chief Dale Inman, in a chatty session among the three.
Almirola recalled a lesson in how to pass, given on a napkin with a Sharpie.
Petty, he said, doesn’t buy into all the talk of aerodynamics and “dirty air.”
“So I listen, and I’ve tried really, really hard not to let the car in front of me hold me up. And, he’s always right,” Almirola said, adding, “You have to listen to ‘The King.’ He pays the bills.”
Hornish said he was grateful for guidance and encouragement from Petty, calling him a positive role model.
Petty’s long-time crew chief Inman said Petty was simply great with a car throughout his career, but he wanted the audience to know that Petty’s greatness continues with his generous community work.
Ten years ago, the Pettys established Victory Junction, a summer camp for children with medical conditions or serious illnesses. In his remarks, Petty told the dinner audience that 22,000 children have attended the camp since its beginnings.
“The good Lord put us here for a reason. We just went through the racing part to get to the part He wanted us to do,” Petty said.
Multi-team owner Chip Ganassi, last year’s inaugural recipient of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports, congratulated Petty on being this year’s honoree, saying, “Hell, he is everyone’s racing hero. He and his Petty-blue 43 are both sports icons. They go together every bit as much as Mickey Mantle and pinstripes or Mean Joe Green and the steel logo on his helmet.”
Appropriately, IMRRC President J.C. Argetsinger explained that one of the Center’s missions was to be the “Cooperstown, N.Y., of motor racing.” “We are absolutely thrilled to be honoring Richard Petty. The Pettys are the first-family of American racing,” Argetsinger said, citing Lee Petty’s race at Watkins Glen in 1957, followed by father and son, Lee and Richard, both racing at The Glen in 1964. In 1992, it was again father and son at The Glen: Richard and Kyle.
“It’s part of the sport’s history, and we’re proud of our role of preserving that history,” Argetsinger said.
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen.
Petty’s son, longtime race-car driver and T.V. racing analyst Kyle, as expected threw some barbs at his famous dad.
“I don’t know why you’re honoring him here. He’s never won at Watkins Glen,” said Kyle, who won that 1992 race.
Kyle, too, cited his father’s philanthropic work and the positive impact he has had communities and individuals. “He’s a bigger champion away from the race track than he ever was on the race track,” Kyle said. “You’re not only getting the greatest driver that ever sat in a race car, you’re getting the greatest human being that I have known in my life.”
Video shout-outs from NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were shown, as well as a fitting tribute video to “The King” produced by NASCAR Productions especially for the evening. WGI President Michael Printup presented a video of amusing television coverage out-takes from Petty’s career, eliciting laughter and applause. Other speakers included Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal, chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council, and Smithfield Foods Vice President, Corporate Marketing, Bob Weber.
“Richard Petty is the single highest recognizable motorsports driver of all time and the most trusted driver,” Weber said, representing one of Richard Petty Motorsports major sponsors. “It’s a great connection for us.”
The evening concluded with a spirited bidding war for an original painting by motorsports artist Randy Owens, depicting Petty’s 200th win at Daytona International Speedway on July 4, 1984. It went for $4,500.
Also auctioned off was a surprise gift donated by Petty: one of his iconic hats preserved in a display case. Punch and Petty skillfully manipulated the bidding to also include the hat Petty was wearing, fetching $9,000 for the pair between two bidders.
A silent auction of Petty memorabilia and other high-quality donated items was also held.
The evening’s proceeds benefits the IMRRC, an archival and research library dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the history of motorsports, of all series and all venues, through its collections of books, periodicals, films, photographs, fine art and other materials. The IMRRC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information about the Center’s work and its programs, visit www.racingarchives.org or call 607-535-9044. The Center also is on Facebook at International Motor Racing Research Center.