Argetsinger Symposium on Motorsports History

We invite you to attend the ninth annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History on Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, 2025 at our new location in the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, NY. LEARN MORE.

A Virtual Celebration of Racing History

The International Motor Racing Research Center and the Society of Automotive Historians are pleased to announce a Virtual Symposium on International Motor Racing History, providing an on-line platform for presentations on all aspects of motor racing history.

The growing interest in the Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History has created a need for two separate events. The established in-person symposium, which has moved to a new venue, the Harbor Hotel on Seneca Lake, has a limited number of presentation slots that are filled every year. To expand participation opportunities, we invite authors, motorsport scholars, enthusiast historians and students to share their areas of historical interest with the motorsport community by means of the new Virtual Symposium on International Motor Racing History.

Pre-recording provides maximum flexibility for presenters:

• Any motorsport topic, from general interest to the narrowest of niches, is invited.
• Presentations can be made for up to 60 minutes.
• Students to seasoned researchers are encouraged to submit presentation proposals.

Throughout the year, The Motoring Podcast Network (part of Gran Touring Motorsports) will post YouTube videos of the pre-recorded presentations on this webpage, for year-round public viewing.

Potential presenters are invited to submit proposal abstracts, not exceeding 200 words, by completing and submitting the ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL FORM below, any time after
June 1, 2025.

• Abstracts should summarize the content and argument of the proposed presentation in a succinct and compelling manner and should include representative graphic images that will be used as visual accompaniments to the presentation. An estimate of elapsed time for the presentation should be included.
• Abstracts are to be submitted using the fill-in form (below).
• Submission of an abstract does not guarantee selection for the Virtual Symposium.
• If selected, the presenter then provides a PowerPoint slideshow, including a draft of the accompanying text, for final approval. PowerPoint compilation assistance for the final slideshow may be available on request.
• Upon acceptance, you will record your presentation via Zoom with an SAH or IMRRC symposium administrator.
• Presenters are responsible for providing proper credit and/or permission for images used in a presentation.
• Each completed presentation recording will be converted to a YouTube video and posted to this page of the IMRRC website, for public viewing

DISCLAIMER: Please note that by registering for this event, you consent to have your presentation and its content distributed in the public domain, ie: YouTube, Podcasts, etc. Additionally, pre-recorded presentations may be eligible for print publication in the SAH Automotive History Review or the SAH Journal, and/or in the Journal of Motorsport Culture & History.

Previous Presentations

Click on the YEAR tabs below, then select and click on any thumbnail to begin playing the individual video presentations from each speaker.

2024 & Previous

Ricordando Giacomelli e l'Alfa Romeo che hanno quasi vinto l'ultimo GP degli SU a Watkins Glen

Remembering Giacomelli and Alfa Romeo Almost Winning the Last United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen

October 5, 1980, was a very important day at Watkins Glen International circuit. Historical ...research, including about motor racing, cannot be done with hypotheses or with “what ifs” but only with facts. However, it can indeed be conceived that the facts of that day affected many future things. This was going to be the last F1 GP at Watkins Glen. The starting grid had an unexpected pole sitter: the Alfa Romeo of Giacomelli. Those were the years of Ferrari, winner of 1979 championship, of Lotus, winning in 1978, while the age of Williams was just beginning. Alfa Romeo, although possessing ancient racing victories, was back in racing for less than 2 years. Giacomelli, an Italian driving a fully Italian car, started on the pole maintaining firmly his lead position. He kept the lead and seemed close to an extraordinary win. Suddenly, a minor electrical problem stopped him on the track and the Williams of Jones won the race. One wonders what would have been if Giacmelli had won. Perhaps Alfa Romeo’s racing efforts would not have been discontinued as happened and a second major Italian team would have stayed in Formula 1. Possibly a prestigious F1 win in the US, the major car market in the world, and eventual further successes could have improved the prospects of Alfa Romeo to remain an Italian state property and continue to progress as an independent firm.

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

Remembering Giacomelli and Alfa Romeo Almost Winning the Last United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen

October 5, 1980, was a very important day at Watkins Glen International circuit. Historical ...research, including about motor racing, cannot be done with hypotheses or with “what ifs” but only with facts. However, it can indeed be conceived that the facts of that day affected many future things. This was going to be the last F1 GP at Watkins Glen. The starting grid had an unexpected pole sitter: the Alfa Romeo of Giacomelli. Those were the years of Ferrari, winner of 1979 championship, of Lotus, winning in 1978, while the age of Williams was just beginning. Alfa Romeo, although possessing ancient racing victories, was back in racing for less than 2 years. Giacomelli, an Italian driving a fully Italian car, started on the pole maintaining firmly his lead position. He kept the lead and seemed close to an extraordinary win. Suddenly, a minor electrical problem stopped him on the track and the Williams of Jones won the race. One wonders what would have been if Giacmelli had won. Perhaps Alfa Romeo’s racing efforts would not have been discontinued as happened and a second major Italian team would have stayed in Formula 1. Possibly a prestigious F1 win in the US, the major car market in the world, and eventual further successes could have improved the prospects of Alfa Romeo to remain an Italian state property and continue to progress as an independent firm.

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

John Yasenko’s purchase of the remains of the 1935 Harris FWD Speedster decades ago led him into conducting 36 years of research into the car and its creator, Benjamin F. ...Harris. John’s objective has been to document how Harris was a key figure in postwar racetrack design and development, and in transforming the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) into a national organization.

Yasenko is a lifelong car enthusiast, business owner, restorer and historian, automotive show host, and all-around jack of all trades.Show More

Now Playing

The Gordon Bennett Cup, held for cars between 1900 and 1905 was the first international racing series. Stemming from an idea by American newspaper magnate, James Gordon Bennett Jr., the ...Gordon Bennett Cup was set to champion the international auto industry – by allowing national automobile clubs representing France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, the United States and Italy to nominate three entries each. Naturally with the growth of the industry, it became more and more difficult to find the most suitable candidates. By 1905 the industry became so diverse that it was impossible to hold onto the rules of the Cup, so from 1906 the era of the Grand Prix started.

This presentation will provide a short overview of each race, a look at the most important racers and their cars.

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

Remembering Giacomelli and Alfa Romeo Almost Winning the Last United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen

October 5, 1980, was a very important day at Watkins Glen International circuit. Historical ...research, including about motor racing, cannot be done with hypotheses or with “what ifs” but only with facts. However, it can indeed be conceived that the facts of that day affected many future things. This was going to be the last F1 GP at Watkins Glen. The starting grid had an unexpected pole sitter: the Alfa Romeo of Giacomelli. Those were the years of Ferrari, winner of 1979 championship, of Lotus, winning in 1978, while the age of Williams was just beginning. Alfa Romeo, although possessing ancient racing victories, was back in racing for less than 2 years. Giacomelli, an Italian driving a fully Italian car, started on the pole maintaining firmly his lead position. He kept the lead and seemed close to an extraordinary win. Suddenly, a minor electrical problem stopped him on the track and the Williams of Jones won the race. One wonders what would have been if Giacmelli had won. Perhaps Alfa Romeo’s racing efforts would not have been discontinued as happened and a second major Italian team would have stayed in Formula 1. Possibly a prestigious F1 win in the US, the major car market in the world, and eventual further successes could have improved the prospects of Alfa Romeo to remain an Italian state property and continue to progress as an independent firm.

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium ...established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

In the late 60’s New Zealand Motor Racing found itself in a bind. A few years earlier the Tasman Formula had been written to keep the local fleet of older ...2.5 litre ex F1 cars in play. But now the more modern Formula 2, and even a few of the National Formula 1600 cc cars, were embarrassing the older ones. Visiting cars from Europe were either bigger engined ex 1.5 litre F1 cars, or new designs for the upcoming 3 litre F1 with capacity reduced engines, leaving Motor Sport New Zealand with a dilemma. Whichever way you looked at it, it was going to be expensive.

The SCCA appears have come to the same conclusion, with a 1967 amendment to their Formula A allowing Stock Block engines. The gate was open for others to do the same. At the last SCCA race of 1968 SCCA teams were approached, by a New Zealand delegation, to demonstrate their cars in New Zealand. Four teams took up the challenge, and the Kiwi’s liked the look of it. Within the year Formula A was a main stream category with Championships for it unfolding in Europe, South Africa, and the Tasman Countries.

This Presentation looks at the nitty gritty of that first Kiwi Formula A race, as seen through the eyes of this presenter in 1968.

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), presents the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History. The Symposium established itself as a unique and respected scholarly forum and has gained a growing audience of students and enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers and writers to present their work related to the history of automotive competition and the cultural impact of motor racing. Papers are presented by faculty members, graduate students and independent researchers.

The history of international automotive competition falls within several realms, all of which are welcomed as topics for presentations, including, but not limited to: sports history, cultural studies, public history, political history, the history of technology, sports geography and gender studies, as well as archival studies.Show More

Now Playing

This presentation considers the short competition life of two cars intended to run at Indianapolis in 1950 that ended up in New Zealand six years later.

In 1956 two brothers travelled ...to Italy intending to purchase a car to race back home. They returned with three: two Indy cars and a 1930s 6CM. The first part of this paper covers the modest race history of these cars in New Zealand. The second explores an identity policy that popped up while exploring the role of the engines in setting the Tipos and the individual identities of these cars. The policy did not set chassis numbers, nor even engine numbers. Rather it set out to describe the features of the engine as used on a particular car, for instance as applied to the 1938 8CTFs.

The 8C part of the description tells us that these are 8 cylinder engines and the TF bit that these particular engines had fixed Cylinder Heads (Testa Fissa). Taken together we get an 8CTF car. But 8CTF is an engine description, not a car one, a conundrum to be explored in this presentation.

Special thanks to Narrator: Revel Arroway (You're Listening to Radio Revel Podcast) on behalf of The Motoring Podcast Network. Edits and Slide Deck by Bob Barr, Society of Automotive HistorianShow More

Now Playing

This presentation offers an overview of Rally Classics: what they are, the events they organize, and with special connotation and explanation of the 2024 72nd Rally Costa Brava held last ...March (in Catalonia Region - Spain) including photographs of past editions. For more than 20 years, Rally Classics has been an organizer of great classic motoring events of international prestige. The Rally Classics Club, founded by former Junior World Rally Champion Alex Romani, is one of the world's leading motorsport organizations.

The Rally Costa Brava is one of the most prestigious historic car rallies in the world, and the oldest rally in Spain, with 72 years of history. Since 2010, it has been an event for historic cars. 240 teams from all over the world participate every year in this event, scoring to the FIA European Championship.Show More

Now Playing

For the past half-century, the FIA has been the principal driver behind efforts to make racing safer. It wasn’t always so. Although the SCCA required seat belts in 1957, the ...FIA didn’t follow suit until 1972. From the dawn of road racing, conventional wisdom held that drivers should jump out of the cockpit when a crash was imminent – a technique perfected by Masten Gregory. This myth was conclusively exploded by a largely forgotten British physician by the name of Michael Henderson, who conducted crash investigations for the RAF. In 1968, Henderson – who moonlighted as a club racer and freelance journalist – wrote Motor Racing in Safety, the foundation text on the subject. At the same time, he fitted his own race cars with four-point harnesses augmented with an anti-submarine strap inspired by parachute design. This put him in touch with the redoubtable Terence “Dumbo” Willans, a record-setting parachutist who tested ejection seats for the RAF. Willans later went into business with another club racer, John Fenning. By 1969, six-point Willans harnesses were found in almost every car on the F1 grid. The battle for seat belts had been won almost before it started.Show More

All of the production, recording, live-stream, post-production, technology support, editing and podcasting work for the IMRRC Symposium starting in 2022 has been provided by the team at The Motoring Podcast Network (a division of GTM). Proud members of the IMRRC & the SAH and contribute volunteer time and resources to help grow the success of this conference. Please consider supporting their work via Patreon.

Thank YOU for your support!

We would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers for the continued support of the Annual Argetsinger Symposium. If you’d like to contribute to the success of this event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to research@racingarchives.org for more information.

The IMRRC, in conjunction with the Society of Automotive Historians, will soon be launching a Virtual Symposium on International Motor Racing History that will provide an on-line platform for presentations on aspects of motor racing history by authors, academic motorsport scholars, enthusiast historians, and students who wish to present their research and findings to the motorsport community.  This initiative is designed to provide a broader reach for those who wish to participate in our mission to share and preserve the history of motorsports.  It is a separate but complementary adjunct to the IMRRC’s Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History which is held annually in Watkins Glen and for which 2025 presentation slots are no longer available.

Our partner Gran Touring Motorsports will post YouTube videos of the pre-recorded Virtual Symposium presentations on a separate page of the IMRRC website, as well as on their own social media platform, for year-round viewing.  A wide range of motorsport topics are welcome, from subjects of general interest to the narrowest of niches and all serious candidates, from students to seasoned researchers are encouraged to submit presentation proposals.  An announcement of the Virtual Symposium, explaining the process and requirements for potential presenters to submit abstracts of their proposed talks, will be provided soon on the IMRRC website and social media outlets.

Pre-recorded presentations may be eligible for print publication in the SAH Automotive History Review or the SAH Journal, and/or in the Journal of Motorsport Culture & History

Two-Day Event Provides Insights into the History of Motorsports

Presenter Quinn Beekwilder discusses the current state of motorsport research with Symposium cofounder Don Capps.

The Eighth Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History was held on November 1 and 2 at the Media Center at Watkins Glen International.  Hosted jointly by the International Motor Racing Research Center and the Society of Automotive Historians, with support from WGI and the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, the Symposium provides a forum for motor racing scholars, journalists and writers of motor racing history to present their research findings and share projects with each other and racing enthusiasts, both in person and through live-streaming of the event.  Topics are wide-ranging, and the well attended, two-day event included topics such as “Perspectives on Motorsport Journalism, 1952-1972,” presented by faculty from McPherson College; “The Best Year of Our Lives – the Rebirth of Postwar European Motorsports,” presented by Professor Elton G. McGoun of Bucknell University; and “Studebaker at Indianapolis,” presented by Andrew Beckman, Archivist at the Studebaker National Museum.  In all, experts and avid enthusiasts of motor racing history gave 19 additional talks.

Keynote speaker Lyn St. James who celebrates 50 years in racing this year.

8th Annual – 2024 Live-Stream Presentations

From Powder Puff to W Series: The Evolution of Women-Only Racing

Throughout its storied history, motorsports has been unwelcoming
to women. Consequently, it has been necessary for female racers to develop unique strategies to enter what has long existed as an exclusive ...masculine enclave. While entry can be facilitated through a familial relationship with a male driver, women without such connections often get their start through participation in women-only racing events. Although these races have provided women with the opportunity to enter the track, they have not been without controversy. Detractors argue that women will not be considered legitimate racers unless they compete on the same track as men. Proponents view women-only racing not only as a way to attract more women into the sport, but also as an important source of skill development, support, and community building.

This paper investigates the evolution of women-only racing, from its early introduction as a media stunt, to its current incarnation as a proving ground for serious female open-wheel racers. Informed by archival resources and motorsport scholarship, it considers how women-only racing complicates, facilitates, and liberates women’s entry, participation, and recognition in the masculine world of motorsports.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

Now Playing

Throughout its storied history, motorsports has been unwelcoming
to women. Consequently, it has been necessary for female racers to develop unique strategies to enter what has long existed as an exclusive ...masculine enclave. While entry can be facilitated through a familial relationship with a male driver, women without such connections often get their start through participation in women-only racing events. Although these races have provided women with the opportunity to enter the track, they have not been without controversy. Detractors argue that women will not be considered legitimate racers unless they compete on the same track as men. Proponents view women-only racing not only as a way to attract more women into the sport, but also as an important source of skill development, support, and community building.

This paper investigates the evolution of women-only racing, from its early introduction as a media stunt, to its current incarnation as a proving ground for serious female open-wheel racers. Informed by archival resources and motorsport scholarship, it considers how women-only racing complicates, facilitates, and liberates women’s entry, participation, and recognition in the masculine world of motorsports.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

Now Playing

John Yasenko’s purchase of the remains of the 1935 Harris FWD Speedster decades ago led him into conducting 36 years of research into the car and its creator, Benjamin F. ...Harris. John’s objective has been to document how Harris was a key figure in postwar racetrack design and development, and in transforming the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) into a national organization.

Yasenko is a lifelong car enthusiast, business owner, restorer and historian, automotive show host, and all-around jack of all trades.Show More

Now Playing

The new 2.5-liter F1 of 1954 raised the bar for engineering excellence and cost of entry to the pinnacle of motor racing. With Mercedes-Benz leaving the shadows of WWII and ...becoming an accepted participant in motor racing again, the Grand Prix community had to anticipate a full-out effort of a new generation of Silver Arrows. Indeed, new standards were set with a series of W196 variants born out of vast corporate resources, supported by component suppliers like Continental, Bosch, and Esso.

In this story, the imaginary Italian “Unione Automobili”, previously formed of national legacy manufacturers other than Fiat, takes on the role of the Auto Union AG of the 1930s as an antagonist of Mercedes-Benz and promoter of the mid-engine layout. A probabilistic SWAT analysis reveals what it will take to beat the mighty opponent from Stuttgart. This is the start for a motley crew of Austrian and Italian engineers lead by Robert Eberan-Eberhorst to create a victorious challenger. The prescribed
engine configuration is a compact V6 in homage to the Lancia brand. Breaking with Italian traditions, emphasis is put on chassis development where innovations in tires, brakes, and aerodynamics will provide decisive competitive advantages.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

Now Playing

E-Motorsports is less than two decades old. However, the roots of electric vehicle design date to the birth of the automobile when nearly 38% of vehicles in 1900 were electric. ...Electrics are now competing in many traditional racing events including the historic Pikes Peak Hill Climb and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The focus of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of E-motorsports with a look at Formula-E (conceived in 2012 and sanctioned by the FIA during the 2020-21 season) and Extreme-E (conceived as a project in 2018 led by Formula E founder Alejandro Agag and former driver Gil de Ferran; it was launched in January 2019).

Highlights of recent developments and related projects will also be included, particularly those with electrification and clean energy connections

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

Now Playing

Roberts and her husband received a collection from a Canadian race driver’s estate. David Crowther, the driver, competed from the 1960s through the late 1980s in various events, including autocross, ...rallying, and ice racing,
participating almost every weekend from January to October. The collection comprises extensive race results, news clippings, programs, and even race banquet menus, offering a remarkable glimpse into the life of an everyman driver.

Roberts’ presentation discusses how the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) supports both researchers and race enthusiasts while preserving the legacies of drivers like Crowther. Visual accompaniments will include Crowther's race helmet, photographs of him in action, and his rallying clipboard. Through these artifacts, Roberts will highlight the IMRRC's role in keeping motorsports history alive and accessible.

This presentation will not only celebrate Crowther's extensive racing career but also emphasize the importance of archival research centers in maintaining motorsport and driver heritage.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

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While “Studebaker” is rarely the first name one thinks of when discussing motorsports, the company had a strong yet brief presence at the Indianapolis 500 in the early 1930s. Studebaker ...laid the groundwork with the introduction of the President’s inline eight-cylinder engine in early 1928. The advent of the Indianapolis 500’s 1930 rule changes opened the door for production-
based entries, and the President’s rugged eight powered a pair of private entries. These Studebaker-engined specials showed promise and led to the development of Studebaker’s corporate team.

This program will detail the origins and evolution of Studebaker-powered racers beginning in 1930 with a special emphasis on the company’s factory-backed campaigns in 1932 and 1933. Additional focus will also be placed on the technical development of the Studebaker racers as well as the post-Studebaker disposition of the team cars and their present-day status.
Sources include Studebaker’s corporate archives and image collection at the Studebaker National Museum plus period publications and race accounts. Additional data is drawn from secondary sources profiling the Studebaker team plus owner research compiled during their stewardship of the cars.Show More

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***Forged in Print: John Bond, Road & Track, and the Formation of “Car Guy” Culture. Luke Chennel

John Bond (1912-1989) and his wife Elaine bought the faltering magazine Road & Track ...in 1949. Over the course of his ownership and editorship, Bond built the magazine into a major cultural force. This presentation examines the dimensions that Bond engaged with his editorial viewpoint from a wholistic cultural lens. Bond built a durable version of car culture, the practices and values of which remain in many forms today, though under challenge from old and new trends in the automotive industry.
Bond’s version of car enthusiasm stemmed directly from two sources: his education at the General Motors Institute and his enthusiasm for European racing. Road & Track’s coverage of the foreign motorsports scene for some time was the only widely available source material for an American audience.

This presentation argues that Bond’s two decade editorship (1951-1972) of Road & Track created the foundational dimensions of traditional “car guy” culture, with its familiar and clubby atmosphere familiar to those “in the know,” but also acted in an exclusionary way to women, casual automobile and racing enthusiasts, and those who might have appreciated automobiles from other dimensions than their mechanical design or performance on certain tests.

Finally, the presentation examines Bond’s version of car culture in a contemporary light, considering the roles of the changing nature of racing and its relationship to road vehicles, the renaissance in electric vehicles, and debates about mobility in the contemporary climate.

***An Anthropological Perspective: John Bond, Road & Track, and the Formalization and Transmission of Car Culture. Ken Yohn

This presentation will explore car culture from an anthropological perspective, as a complex whole combining both behavior and the material objects integral to the behavior. This formulation of culture thus includes material artifacts, rituals, customs, language, beliefs, institutions, and techniques, among other elements. This presentation will address two main questions. As presented in Road & Track, what are the essential elements (behavior and artifacts) of car culture? Second, can we learn anything, or draw non-obvious conclusions about car culture by adopting this type of anthropological perspective?

***Woman’s Place (in Car Culture): John Bond, Road & Track, and the Evolution of Gender Representation. Kristie Sjoka

This presentation will explore the progression of gender representation within the time that John Bond owned and edited Road & Track magazine. It will examine all aspects of the publication between the years of 1951-1972, including cover art, article content, photographs, and advertising. The presentation will compare and contrast the first ten years of Bond’s editorship with the last ten years to identify any potential changes in female representation. With the historical perspective of developing gender politics of the time period, the presentation will consider whether these societal shifts had any impact on women’s representation within the pages of the publication.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

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This presentation, part of an ongoing, larger body of research, explores the long, complicated, and often controversial relationship between NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing) and the ...American political system. From NASCAR founder “Big Bill” France’s campaign support of then-presidential candidate George Wallace, to former NASCAR Grand National driver Tighe Scott’s arrest for allegedly attacking police officers during the Capitol Riot on January 6th, 2021, the road to Washington, D.C. has often taken a detour (usually a hard right) through Daytona Beach.

Part of this paper looks at NASCAR’s connection to various political candidates, both during campaigns and after votes have been counted (and certified). Another section of this presentation examines the use of race cars as campaign promotional “vehicles” over the years.

This paper explores the very public and very strategic alliance between political candidates and NASCAR Nation. From Jimmy Carter welcoming Grand National drivers to The White House to Ronald Reagan sharing Kentucky Fried Chicken with Richard Petty, the relationship between stock car racing and politics presents itself as a calculated combination of regional identity and popular culture-driven stereotypes.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

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While men have taken the lion’s share of media attention across motorsport, there have been women who would gain substantial coverages. From Brittany Force to Hailie Deegan, women in motorsport ...have hit sport headlines on various networks and modalities. While coverage of women in motorsport may be more positive, in terms of quantity and perception (driver talent versus overt sexism, etc.), has academia had any sort of focus on women in motorsport?

The purpose of the current literature review is to summarize the current academic literature across two repositories (EBSCO Host & Google Scholar) to gain a broader understanding of this academic realm of inquiry. Various search term including Women in Racing and variants were included in the search. Initial results suggest that women in motorsport are often a part of academic research, but are less so the main focus. Using the PRISMA methodology, articles were selected from relevant criteria and reduced from a larger sample. Methods and themes from articles will be discussed.

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

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World War II in Europe left both victorious and vanquished countries devastated; yet within weeks of the end of hostilities on September 9, 1945, an automobile race was held in ...Paris’ Bois de Boulogne. This presentation addresses the questions: where did the financial and material resources for an active post-war racing program come from, and perhaps even more importantly, why were they expended in what many might regard as a non-essential—or perhaps even frivolous—activity?

This livestream was presented via twitch.tv/grantouringmotorsports and produced by The Motoring Podcast Network - learn more at https://www.motoringpodcast.netShow More

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FULL LENGTH RECORDINGS: DAY 1, DAY 2

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Oct. 11, 2022) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), in partnership with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), will present the Sixth Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History.

This academic symposium will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Media Center at the Watkins Glen International race track. The IMRRC will host a reception, sponsored by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, at the Research Center at 610 South Decatur Street in Watkins Glen on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public, who are welcome to attend any or all sessions. This year’s Symposium will be live-streamed thanks to the generous assistance of Gran Touring Motorsports. A detailed schedule, presenter bios, descriptions of presentations, and a link to the live stream are available at racingarchives.org.

The two-day program will feature a keynote address, “Moonshine and Its Connection to the American Auto Industry,” by Buz McKim, renowned NASCAR historian, on Saturday afternoon. Friday’s schedule includes a panel discussion hosted by Dr. Michael Stocz of the University of New Hampshire and other scholars on motorsports and its intricate
relationship to the media. A related presentation on Formula One and the media, “F1: From Circus to Media Spectacle” will be made by noted historian James Miller of Hampshire College. A unique perspective on motorsports will be offered by Mark Howell, Professor of Communications at Northwestern Michigan College, who will explore the connections between musicians and motorsports in his presentation “Living Loud and Living Fast.” Friday’s topics will include a presentation on lessons learned in teaching motorsports history by Professor Trey Cunningham, Chair of the Department of Sport and Motorsport Management at Belmont Abbey College. In addition to the keynote address, Saturday’s schedule features a morning presentation by Gordon Eliot White, oval track expert and author of authoritative works on Miller and Offenhauser race cars, on “Harry Miller: The Man and the Cars.” The afternoon session will feature “Fifty Years After Title IX – On and Off the Track: A Roundtable on Women in Motorsports,” moderated by Dr. Daniel J. Simone of the New
York Historical Society Museum and Library, formerly curator of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A broad range of other aspects of motorsports history and culture will be explored in the two-day event by scholars from around the world, including presentations by experts from Australia, Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

The annual symposium began in 2015 and is named in honor of the late Michael R. Argetsinger, an award-winning motorsports author and longtime member of the IMRRC’s Governing Council. He was also a competitive driver for nearly 45 years, competing in more than 400 races at 54 different circuits in seven countries. Michael was the son of Jean and Cameron  Argetsinger, who revived motor racing in the United States following World War II.

About The International Society of Automotive Historians (SAH)

The International Society of Automotive Historians encourages research into any aspect of automotive history. The SAH actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers, organizational records, print ephemera and images to safeguard, broaden and deepen the understanding of motorized, wheeled land transportation through the modern age and into the future. For more information about the SAH, visit autohistory.org.

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.

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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Oct. 31, 2019) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), in partnership with the Society of Automotive Historians and the Popular Culture Association’s Vehicle Culture Area, will present The Cultural Turn Meets the First Turn: Writing Motorsports History at the fifth annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History.

This academic symposium will be held on Nov. 8-9 in the Media Center at the Watkins Glen International race track. The IMRRC will host a reception at the Research Center at 610 South Decatur Street in Watkins Glen on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A detailed schedule for the weekend may be found at racingarchives.org. All events are free and open to the public, who are welcome to attend any or all sessions. The two-day program will feature a keynote address, Writing Motorsports History, by Dr. John Heitmann, Professor Emeritus at the University of Dayton on Saturday afternoon. Friday’s schedule includes three panels whose topics include an examination of the legacy of Juan Manuel Fangio; the exploits and real life of Britain’s first Speed Queen, Dorothy Levitt; and a consideration of the challenges encountered in presenting racing history to various generations, among others.

Saturday’s schedule includes the keynote address as well as two panels and a roundtable discussion entitled, Looking Forward: Writing about Motor Sports History and Culture, moderated by Col. H. Donald Capps, chair of the Society of Automotive Historians International Motor Sports History Section and member of the IMRRC Historian’s Council; and Dr. Pat Yongue, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Houston, an expert on women in racing and a member of the Society of Automotive Historians International Motor Sports History Section.

Saturday’s panel topics will include the relationship between NASA and motorsports; moonshine and its relationship with the American auto industry; and a look at motorsports’ intricate and symbiotic relationship with media broadcasting, among others.

The annual symposium began in 2015 and was originally named in honor of Jean S. Argetsinger, a founder of the IMRRC. In 2017, Jean asked that the symposium be renamed for son Michael, an award-winning motorsports author and longtime member of the IMRRC’s Governing Council, who died in 2015.

The International Society of Automotive Historians encourages research into any aspect of automotive history. The SAH actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers, organizational records, print ephemera and images to safeguard, broaden and deepen the understanding of motorized, wheeled land transportation through the modern age and into the future. For more information about the SAH, visit autohistory.org.

The Popular Culture Association is a group of scholars and enthusiasts who study popular culture, writing, sharing and publishing in the field in a diverse array of subject areas, including vehicle culture. The mission of the International Motor Racing Research Center is to collect, preserve and share the global history of motorsports with all racing fans from the casual spectator to the serious researcher. Visitors are welcomed to the Center to see the On the Grid display car, browse the library, enjoy displays from the collection and watch 25
Years at Speed: The Watkins Glen Story with Brock Yates, a film on the early history of racing at the Glen in the Center’s theater. The staff is on hand to share their passion for motorsports with all racing enthusiasts. Admission is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 610 South Decatur Street in Watkins Glen.