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The Official Newsletter Of The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association

June 2015 Vol. 48 No. 4

Congratulations to Juan Pablo Montoya Winner of the 2015 Indy 500

Photo by Jason Porter Courtesy IMS

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 2014 AARWBA CONTEST WINNERS (presented at AARWBA awards breakfast, May 23, 2015, Indianapolis, Ind.)

MOTORSPORT BOOK 1. Tammy Kaehler, "Avoidable Contact," Poisoned Pen Press 2. No award 3. No award

NEWSPAPER NEWS WRITING 1. Nicholas Dettmann, "Gaughan Wins for 1st Time," West Bend Daily News 2. Scott Walsh, "Junior Completes Season Sweep," Scranton Times-Tribune 3. Ron Hedger, "Friesen Wins Thriller," Schenectady Daily Gazette Honorable Mention: Bill Sessa, "Defending AMA Cham- Honorable Mention: Mary Bignotti Mendez, "IndyCar Gets It pion Baker Wins," Napa Valley Register Right," Inside Track News

NEWSPAPER FEATURE WRITING MAGAZINE TECHNICAL WRITING 1. Louise Ann Noeth, "Women in Drag Racing: Hear Honorable Mention: Bruce A. Bennett, "Swayin' in the Them Roar," New York Times Wind," Speedway Illustrated 2. Scott Walsh, "Trading Punches for Pedals," Scranton Times-Tribune ONLINE NEWS WRITING 3. Nicholas Dettmann, "The Legacy of Slinger," West 1. Patrick Reynolds, "'American Boy' Wins Indianapolis Bend Daily News 500," Motorweeklive.com 2. Ron Hedger, "Hearn Steals Sixth Moody Mile 358 Tro- NEWSPAPER COLUMN WRITING phy," Nationalspeedsportnews.com 1. Scott Walsh, "Gordon Is NASCAR's Derek Jeter," 3. Kay Presto, "Surprising Win for Mike Conway," Scranton Sunday Times Carsandcompetition.com 2. Nicholas Dettmann, "Bucher Wins 1st Career Race," West Bend Daily News ONLINE FEATURE WRITING 3. Jan Wagner, "IndyCar Season Finale," Armed Forc- 1. Kay Presto, "John Force - Always Charging Forward," es Dispatch Carsandcompetition.com 2. Nicholas Dettmann, "Hinchcliffe Excited for Elkhart Lake NEWSPAPER TECHNICAL WRITING Return," Nationalspeedsportnews.com 1. Scott Walsh, "Weathering the Elements," Scranton 3. Michael C. Johnson, "The 34th Best Seat at the Indianap- Sunday Times olis 500," Motorsport.com 2. No award 3. No award ONLINE COLUMN WRITING 1. Paul Gohde, "The Dave Despain Show," MAGAZINE EVENT REPORT Racingnation.com 1. Burt Levy, "Hitting the Bricks," Vintage Motorsport 2. Nicholas Dettmann, "The Historical Slinger Nationals," 2. Nicholas Dettmann, "ARCA Fest Recap," Full Throt- Nationalspeedsportnews.com tle 3. Anne Proffit, "Will Tony Stewart's Nightmare Ever End?," 3. No award Motorsport,com Honorable Mention: Patrick Reynolds, "NASCAR Nation- MAGAZINE FEATURE WRITING wide Results?," Motorweeklive.com 1. Louise Ann Noeth, "A Century of Speed," SAH Jour- nal ONLINE TECHNICAL WRITING 2. Mike Adaskaveg, "Determined o Race," Speedway 1. Kay Presto, "Chasing the Weather in Drag Racing," Illustrated Carsandcompetition.com 3. L. Spencer Riggs, "Dick Gaines: Master of the Bull- 2. 3. No award. & 3&&7773. No award rings," Vintage Motorsport Honorable Mention: Ron Hedger, "The Race Between WEB LOG ENTRY Races," Speed Sport 1. Patrick Reynolds, "NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase," Motorweeklive.com MAGAZINE COLUMN WRITING 2. No award 1. Jim Donnelly, "The Good Earth," Hemmings Classic 3. No award Car 2. Nicholas Dettmann, "Racing Community Brings Faith PROFESSIONAL RACING WEB SITE Back to Racer," Full Throttle 1. Carsandcompetition, Kay Presto 3. Burt Levy, "Time Warp Comparo," Vintage Motor- 2. Motorweeklive.com, Patrick Reynolds sport 3. No award

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American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 2 AARWBA Awards Your AARWBA Leadership Team President & Executive Director - PHOTOGRAPHY - PRINT ACTION Norma "Dusty" Brandel 1. Jan Wagner, "Pastrana Nosing It Into Ground," Armed Forces Dispatch Women's Editor, Racing Information 2. Louise Ann Noeth, "Push-Started to Glory," Custom Service -Photo-Journalist, Car RIS-News.com 3. Bruce A. Bennett, "Flirtin' With Dirt," Speedway Illus- [email protected] trated

PHOTOGRAPHY - PRINT PEOPLE 1. Mike Adaskaveg, "Drivers You Love to Boo," Speed- Vice President - way Illustrated Kathy Seymour 2. David Moulthrop, "Showers of Victory," Speed Sport Photographer, Racing Information 3. Jan Wagner, "T-Rex Snacking on Mario Andretti," Service RIS-News.com Armed Forces Dispatch Honorable Mention: Bruce A. Bennett, "Back in Black," [email protected] Speedway Illustrated Treasurer - PHOTOGRAPHY - ONLINE ACTION 1. Jan Wagner, "There Goes the Bike," Rhonda Williams Delmartimes.net Journalist - Williams Report 2. Michael C. Johnson, "This Didn't Start Well," [email protected] Motorsport.com 3. Bruce A. Bennett, "Hamlin Pits at Pocono," Nationalspeedsportnews.com Midwest Vice President - PHOTOGRAPHY - ONLINE PEOPLE Nick Dettmann 1. David Moulthrop, "A Champion's Cheer," Sports writer, West Bend Daily News Nationalspeedsportnews.com [email protected] 2. No award 3. No award

RADIO FEATURE PROGRAM 1. Larry Mason, "Ohana Road Radio," ESPN Honolulu Southern Vice President - 2. Kay Presto, "Live Broadcasts," Ohana Road NBC Joe Jennings 3. No award Photo-journalist, Midwest Racing News [email protected] PODCAST/WEBCAST 1. Dick Sisich, "NASCAR Qualifying Report," Racesonoma.com 2. No award 3. No award Eastern Vice President - John Bryant JUDGES Journalist - Nazareth-Racecam Photography - Prof. Emeritus Susan Fleck, Pulliam [email protected] School of Journalism, Franklin (Ind.) College Radio Feature, Podcast/Webcast - Prof. Joel Cramer, Pulliam School of Journalism, Franklin (Ind.) College Western Vice President - Print, Online Media - Prof. Emeritus Jerry Miller, Pulliam School of Journalism, Franklin (Ind.) College, and Ray Sotero AARWBA Contest Chairman Columnist, Gannett News Motorsport Book -- Jerry Miller, David Stringer, sports Service photojournalist [email protected] (All judging was essentially "blind," except in the Book, Racing Website, Radio Feature Program, and Podcast/Webcast categories. Judges had the option to Secretary - not make awards if they felt they were not warranted.) Patrick Reynolds Writer, Motor Week Live [R.I.P. Ron Lemasters (Sr.), who lent invaluable help to reynol945windstream.net contest judging the past 12 years. He is missed.

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 3 Linda Vaughn Recipient of First-ever Honorary Jim Chapman Award For Excellence in Motorsports PR

Linda Vaughn, who as Miss Hurst Golden Established in 1991 by media and publicists within the CART Shifter and “The First series, the Chapman Award originally focused on achievement Lady of Auto Racing” in CART. After a hiatus of several years, the award was re- became one of the sumed in 2004, with eligibility expanded to anyone working in sport’s greatest racing PR. world-wide ambassa- dors, was announced The award honors Chapman’s legacy as one of the public rela- as the first recipient tions profession’s greatest and most innovative professionals. of an honorary Jim Chapman Award for Chapman was a journalist before entering the PR business in excellence in motor- 1946, as regional PR director for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit. sports public rela- tions. Soon thereafter, Chapman hired Ruth as consultant to the auto- maker’s sponsorship of American Legion Junior Baseball. They The Chapman traveled together for more than two years for personal appear- Award, established in ances and became close friends. In 1950, Chapman left Ford to 1991, is considered by many in the industry as the high- start his own PR firm. One of his first clients was Warren Avis est honor in racing public relations. It is named in memo- and he devoted much of his time to financial PR, which he ry of Chapman, the legendary PR executive and called his “favorite” form of PR. innovator, who worked with Babe Ruth, Dan Gurney, , Mario Andretti, Bill France Sr. and Avis Chapman’s first venture into motorsports was in 1951, when he Rent-a-Car founder Warren Avis among many others. joined with NASCAR founder Bill France to promote the Motor Chapman, named Indy Car racing’s “most influential City 250. The race was part of Detroit’s 250th birthday celebra- man” of the 1980s, died in 1996 at age 80. tion, a Chapman client. In 1967, Chapman entered Indy Car racing with client Ozzie Olson’s Olsonite sponsorship of Dan The announcement was made at the Indianapolis Motor Gurney’s team, which later featured Bobby Unser as driver. Speedway during the annual American Auto Racing Writ- ers and Broadcasters Association breakfast meeting. Chapman also directed Olsonite’s sponsorship of the Driver of Michael Knight, chairman of the selection committee and the Year award. He orchestrated all the details, including the one of Chapman’s closest friends, made the presenta- media panel voting, and an annual luncheon at New York City’s tion. famed ‘21’ Club.

This first-ever honorary Chapman Award is the result of Chapman’s greatest professional acclaim came from 1981 several suggestions and endorsement of the Chapman 1992, as director of CART series sponsor PPG Industries’ pro- family and approval of members of the national media gram. Chapman was instrumental in raising PPG’s prize fund selection committee. Vaughn has earned PR awards from $250,000 to more than $3.75 million at the time of his re- from NHRA and SEMA and is in several Halls of Fame. tirement in February 1993. The all-female PPG Pace Car Driv- ing Team was another Chapman innovation, as were the PPG Sheryl Kammer, Chapman’s daughter, said: “I know Dad Editors’ Days, when he brought business and feature writers to liked and respected Linda. She would also have to be the tracks for lunch, pace car rides, and driver interviews. much more than pretty to win Dad’s approval. This first honorary Jim Chapman Award is a terrific idea.” In 1982, Chapman negotiated a landmark sponsorship for PPG with then- Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Joe Cloutier, “There is absolutely no question, and I know from my which formally made the Indy 500 a points-paying event in the own conversations with him, that Jim had great respect PPG Indy Car World Series. That arrangement continued for Linda,” said Knight, the long-time journalist/publicist through the 1995 season. In addition to a major contribution to and award rights-holder. “Jim was a true ‘people person’ the prize fund, PPG later became sponsor of the $100,000 Indy and so is Linda. 500 pole award, and paid a special winner’s bonus in the early years of NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. “Linda went from being Miss Atlanta Speedway and Miss Pure Firebird to learn and become an accomplished pub- Indy Car Racing magazine named Chapman the sport’s “most lic relations representative and marketer for Hurst. She influential” man of the 1980s, saying he turned “a public rela- became a friend and confidant to drivers and their fami- tions assignment into an art form.” After his retirement, Chap- lies. She helped the media and introduced many journal- man continued to consult PPG, and agreed to Mario Andretti’s ists, including me, to drivers, owners and executives. personal request that he serve as honorary chairman of Andret- She probably has been in more victory lanes than any- ti’s “Arrivederci, Mario” farewell tour in 1994. one on Earth. And she remains one of racing’s greatest international ambassadors, making fans for the sport ev- erywhere she’s traveled.”

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 4 Photos from the INDY Breakfast Awards Presentations All photos by Mark T. Watson

Bruce Bennett Photo Certificates presented by Dusty

Dick Mittman presents Charles “Chucky” Lynn the Angelo Angelopolous Sportsmanship Award. Presented to the 500 Race Participant who best Exemplifies the Creed of Good Sportsmanship! Chucky has been selling newspapers during the month of May to fans and media and the 500 for over 40 years.

Dusty presents Paul Gohde a first place certificate for his On-Line Column

Dusty presents Louise Ann Noeth with her 1st place certificate

Bob Russo Founders Award went to USAC’s Dick Jordan. AARWBA Charter Member Bill Marvel presented the award

Michael C. Johnson receives a certificate from Dusty for his award winning On-Line Feature story

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 5 More photos from the INDY Breakfast Awards Presentations

Jim Chapman Award Chair, Michael Knight presented the first recipient of an honorary Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations to Linda Vaughn

Mike Kitchel, INDYCAR Director of Communications, thanks the media for their continued support of the Indianapolis 500

Patrick Reynolds, (great MC for the breakfast) receives his Professional Racing Website Certificate from Dusty.

L. Spencer Riggs gets a Certificate from Dusty for his Magazine Feature entry.

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 6 Next year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will cele- begun as today's drivers will look to eclipse the feats of leg- brate its greatest milestone with the 100th Running of the ends. Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, which will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2016. In preparation for this historic 2015 Ticket Information: Ticket information is available for all event, IMS unveiled the logo that will provide a symbol racing events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2015 - for the year-long celebration. The 99th Indianapolis 500, Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitation- al, Lilly Diabetes 250, Crown Royal Presents the "Your Hero's "Each year we design a new logo for the Indianapolis Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard and Red Bull Indianapolis 500, but this year's effort has been given special consid- GP. eration," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co. "The logo for the 100th Indianapolis 500 recognizes both our Fans have three quick, convenient methods to buy tickets: illustrious past and an even brighter future." • Online: Visit www.ims.com/tickets. Tickets are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Watch a video explaining the logo here: • Phone: Call 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 between 8 a.m.-5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6vWX538Yg0 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. • In Person: Visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administra- Watch a video on the 100th Running here: tion Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J47-LNPfERc between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are available. Contact the This is a once-in-a-century milestone culminating next IMS Group Sales Department at 866-221-8775 for more infor- Memorial Day weekend with the 100th Running of the mation. Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Somewhere along the line, the Indianapolis 500 became more than just a race. It Information on parking and camping at IMS events is available has taken on a deeper meaning to competitors and fans at www.ims.com/tickets. alike, providing a spectacular example of human prog- ress highlighting the imagination, innovation and drive required to stake a claim in sporting history.

The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race also means a tremen- dous amount to the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana, and has become a part of the lives of so many of its residents.

"The Indianapolis community has shown time and time again that we rise to the occasion and get behind histori- cal opportunities to generate results that surprise even ourselves," said Allison Melangton, senior vice president of events, Hulman Motorsports Corporation.

In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will celebrate our desire to push forward, to reach farther and to go faster. With those ideals in mind, preparation for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race has Photo by Chris Owens, courtesy IMS

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 7 Chapman's professional achievements earned him vast AARWBA Members: recognition. The mayors of Detroit and Long Beach, Ca- lif., presented him proclamations and the key to each This is YOUR newsletter. city. In 1993, Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh named him Saga- more of the Wabash, the state's highest honor. He Your editor, Andy Hartwell, would love to hear served as president and/or director of more than 30 from you. Write in and let him know what you Michigan and Detroit-area civic and charitable organiza- tions. are up to in the world of motorsports. We need good news content from professionals like you Later this year, the national media selection committee, that we can share with all the other professionals most of who knew Chapman, will nominate and vote for in the AARWBA. And this newsletter is a great PR representatives from all forms of motorsports for the vehicle for announcing your recent successes to 2015 honor. The award is authorized by the Chapman your peers! family. And you can even have your company or organi- zation sponsor an issue! Send your words and photos to JIM CHAPMAN AWARD HONOREES: [email protected]. 1991 – Michael Knight 1992 – Tom Blattler For issue sponsorship information contact: 1993-94 – Deke Houlgate and Hank Ives our President, Dusty Brandel, at 1995 – Kathi Lauterbach [email protected] 1996 – Marc Spiegel 1997 – Mike Zizzo 1998 – Tamy Valkosky 1999 -- Carol Wilkins 2000-2003 – (Award not presented) 2004 – Doug Stokes 2005 – Susan Arnold 2006 – Kevin Kennedy 2007 – Dave Densmore and Bob Carlson 2008 – Judy Stropus 2009 – (Award not presented) 2010 -- Jim Hunter 2011 -- Bill York 2012 -- Judy Kouba Dominick and Nancy Wager 2013 -- Anne Fornoro 2014 -- Jon Edwards and Elon Werner

CONTACT: Michael Knight 480-661-5240 (office) or 602-315-3900 (cell) E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @SpinDoctor500

Fan holding an American flag at IMS Jim Chapman -- Photo by: Chris Owens Photo courtesy of Michael Knight http://spindoctor500blog.blogspot.com

All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 8 All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005

American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 9 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association Inc. 922 North Pass Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505-2703 Phone: 818-842-7005 FAX: 818-842-7020 "Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage of Motor Sports" The AARWBA is the oldest and largest professional organization of its kind. Founded in 1955 in Indianapolis, it has grown to more than 400 members throughout the , Canada and Europe. Each year the AARWBA members select a 14-driver All America Team from Open Wheel, Stock Car, Sports Car, Drag Racing, Short Track, Touring Series and At Large championship categories. An annual banquet is held to honor these drivers each January. AARWBA also sponsors several contests for its members and established the “Legends in Racing” auto racing hall of fame.

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MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

Media Professional ($45.00) Affiliate Member ($65.00) Associate / Corporate ($300.00)

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Active Media Member Applicants for active media membership status must submit the following materials to the membership committee for consideration. Materials must be submitted with your check. ü A fully executed membership application. (This information will appear in the membership directory unless you specify otherwise. Attach a note to this application if necessary.) ü Two 1" x 1.5" head shot pictures for use in the directory and for an I.D. badge. Your ü Tear sheets or samples of work as follows: Photo § Two published articles on the subject of auto racing in a publication of general circulation within the past year. Should § Photographs on auto racing appearing in two publications of general circulation or two Be This separate times in one publication, within the past year. § One video or audio tape of any race broadcast where spectators attended and exhibited Size the applicant's work within the past year. § One book on the subject of auto racing within the past year or three books on the subject of auto racing, or one book contracted from any trade publisher for a book on auto racing Affiliate Member Open to public relations, team representatives, motorsports advertising personnel. Full voting rights and privileges except to hold office.

Associate/Corporate Membership Open to any person, regardless of affiliation or professional orientation, who is interested in furthering the aims of the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association and/or motorsports in general. Corporate membership is Limited to three (3) non-voting memberships for the $300 fee.

Mail completed application, photos, and your check to the address shown above. The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005