© The Official Newsletter Of The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association March 2011 Vol. 44 No. 3 56th AARWBA Annual AARWBA Breakfast Saturday May 28, 2011 at 8 a.m. Pavilion at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. Presenting the "Jigger" and Angelo Angelopolous Awards, Contest Results, Russo Award, and special Clint Brawner tribute film. RSVP to Member Debra Atkerson, Race Marketing Public Relations at 317/626-3382 or Email: [email protected] Kay Nichols’ Photos From The All-America Dinner! American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 2011 All-America Dinner Photos Photos by Kay Nichols Conor Daly, Gorsline Award Winner Barbara Stolz, Karen Overpeck, Melisa Lalich. Mayor Greg Ballard and his wife Winnie Banquet area at the Target Chip Ganassi Race shop The winning drivers: Top row: J.K. Vernay, Bobby Santos, Memo Rojas, Nathalie Richard, Antoine L'Estage, Will Power, John Force. Bottom row: Levi Jones, Scott Pruett, Conor Daly, Dario Franchitti, Larry Dixon 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” 2 2011 All-America Dinner Photos Photos by Kay Nichols Part of the crowd making the scene! NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray (L) and IndyCar driver Scott Dixon are entertained by John Force Karen Overpeck and Dick Mittman Bob Jenkins, Dusty Brandel, and Mike Bishop Linda Vaughn and Frank Giuffre Chip Ganassi points and makes his point at the podium Ron Lemasters (L) and Mike Geylin 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 2011 All-America Dinner Photos Photos by Kay Nichols Jack Martin with Jim and Barbara Wilson Dario Franchitti and the Titus Award Dave Argabright and Dusty Brandel Two racing icons: Chip Ganassi and Linda Vaughn Ken Squier says a few words Dario Franchitti seems amazed at his selection as the Titus award winner Mayor Greg Ballard speaks to the Motorsports audience 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 Covering The Indianapolis 500 Is No Longer The Pits by:Dusty Brandel, Motorsport writer for the Glendale News-Press May 27, 1993 Dusty Brandel wrote this piece back in 1993 and we reprint here as part of our tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500. Today is my anniversary. Yes, it was 1963 that I first set my eyes on this magnificent place. No doubt about it, there is no place like the Indianapolis Mo- tor Speedway. Many traditions have been changed since then, as more motorsport writers, photogra- phers and broadcasters now cover the event. In l963, you had a difficult time doing your job, especially if you were female. I remember that I couldn’t visit the garage or pit areas, but sev- eral Southern California sportswriters were After the race, Sachs confronted Jones about the oil helpful. It stayed that way for female reporters leak and came away with a shiner for his efforts. until 1971, when women were given the same credentials as men to cover the 500. Parnelli Jones and I are going to meet in the Cafe- teria today, just for old times’ sake. J.C. Agajanian asked his driver, Parnelli Jones, to meet us in the Garage Cafeteria so I Other changes have taken place at the Speedway could interview him for a pre-race story for the over the last 30 years. Corporate suites in turn two Hollywood Citizen-News. The Cafeteria at and four, corporate and team motorhomes complete that time was divided in half, one side for driv- with gourmet kitchens attached in a special area ers, owners and crews only, the other side for near the garages. The Dick Simon tent and motor- media, track personnel, etc. home area is serviced by the Jonathan Bryd cafete- ria and the media is encouraged to stop by for It was a very eventful race. Englishman Colin lunch. The press room has been enlarged through Chapman entered two Lotus cars with Ford the years and there is a media information team, engines. Scotsman Jim Clark and California’s plus a separate conference room for driver inter- Dan Gurney were the drivers. Mickey Thomp- views. son also entered two rear-engine cars both with Chevy power. New construction improvements for 1993, includes concrete retaining and catch-fencing, two new Jones won the Pole with new track record of warm-up lanes, and one of the best fully automatic 151.531 mph and led or challenged all day, timing and scoring systems. Race Day will be excit- and was nearly black flagged while leading for ing as always. leaking oil, which disappeared in a few laps. Update 2011: The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis Both Eddie Sachs and Roger McCluskey spun 500 this year will be my 48th race covering for in the oil late in the race. Jones hung in there Newspapers, Motorsports Weekly, and won the race. Motorsportsforum.com and now for RIS-News.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” 5 A Quick Note From AARWBA President Dusty Brandel After the recent contentious elections, it is time for AARWBA to move forward. Those elections provided the opportunity for all of us to reflect upon what we feel AARWBA should be. 2011 Indianapolis 500 I have asked Steve Mayer to informally Sunday, May 29, 2011 poll you as to what you want Some interesting, fun facts about the from AARWBA. Indianapolis Motor Speedway He will be contacting you shortly, Indianapolis 500 Records and Milestones and ask you to provide your views. Facts provided by Johnny McDonald Afterward, Steve will tabulate and summarize your opinions, feelings, Most victories - driver: 4 - A.J. Foyt (1961, 64, 67, 77), Al and beliefs, and present them to Unser (1970-71, 78, 87), Rick Mears (1979, 84, 88, 91) the AARWBA Board of Directors. The Board will then act upon those ideas in Most victories - owner: 14 - Roger Penske (Sam Hornish Jr. 2006; Gil de Ferran 2003; Helio Castroneves 2001, 02; forthcoming Board meetings. Al Unser Jr. 1994; Emerson Fittipaldi 1993; Rick Mears 1991, 88, 84, 79; Al Unser Sr. 1987; Danny Sullivan 1985; Bobby Unser 1981; Mark Donohue 1972) Most consecutive victories: 2 - Wilbur Shaw (1939-40), Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71), Helio Castroneves (2001-02) Fewest starters, single race: 21 - 1916 Most starters, single race: 42 - 1933 Most cars entered: 117 - 1984 Most laps led without winning, single race: 196 - Ralph DePalma (1912) Most times leading without winning, single race: 10 - Rodger Ward (1960) Most times led, single race: 13 - Tommy Milton (1923) Most consecutive races led: 6 - Rick Mears (1979-84) A 100th anniversary souvenir pennant, J.K. Vernay, first AARWBA just one of many Indy 500 souvenirs "Rising Star" driver, the available at Firestone Indy Lights Champion www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com and the “Rookie of the Year” in the series. 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 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 United States, 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. AAAAAARRRWWWBBBAAA MMMEEEMMMBBBEEERRRSSSHHHIIIPPP AAAPPPPPLLLIIICCCAAATTTIIOOONNN PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION Name: Date: Company: Title: Business Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Phone: E-mail: FAX: PERSONAL INFORMATION Home address: City: State: ZIP Code: Phone: E-Mail: FAX: Preferred Mailing Address: HOME OFFICE (Please note that our newsletter, “ImPRESSions”, is sent via e-mail) Preferred E-Mail Address For Newsletter: MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Media Professional ($45.00) Affiliate Member ($65.00) Associate / Corporate ($300.00) Signature of applicant: Date: 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. 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.) 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