Charlotte Motor Speedway announced today the winners of the 28th annual Charlotte Motor Speedway Russ Catlin Awards for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism. The honorees were Thomas Pope (Fayetteville Observer), Kris Johnson (NASCAR Illustrated), Andrew Doud (WSOC-TV, Charlotte, N.C.), Rosie Barresi (SPEED) and Gary Nastase (National Dragster) for their contributions to motorsports journalism in 2012. To view the winning entries, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/catlinaward/2012winners.
For decades, Russ Catlin was one of the best known racing writers and historians, contributing articles and information to Speed Age, Automobile Quarterly, Open Wheel and numerous other publications. Catlin was a pioneer of motorsports public relations and served as publicist for Darlington Raceway during the 1960s. He also guided several influential figures in the motorsports field, including former Charlotte Motor Speedway General Manager Humpy Wheeler, who established the awards in his honor. The awards recognize the best motorsports coverage in five categories: Daily and Non-Daily Writing, Local and National Broadcast and Photojournalism. Entries are open to all forms of motorsports coverage, and no affiliation or membership is required for participation.
“Charlotte Motor Speedway is proud to honor the very best in motorsports journalism,” said Scott Cooper, Vice President of Communications at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “This year’s winners were selected from a highly competitive field. We received nearly 150 top-notch entries from journalists covering drag racing, stock car racing, dirt racing and IndyCar racing. To stand out among such a talented group of professionals is extremely impressive.”
As in years past, the Indiana University School of Journalism judged the award entries. The recipients were honored at a ceremony held in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Winners received a trophy and $1,000 scholarship from Charlotte Motor Speedway in their names to the school of their choice. Their names were also added to a perpetual trophy housed at the track that lists all past winners.
“Granting the scholarships has been a very rewarding part of curating the Charlotte Motor Speedway Russ Catlin Awards for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism,” continued Cooper. “It’s extremely gratifying to know that we’re helping support journalism for years to come.”
The award has been among the most coveted in motorsports journalism since it began in 1985. Reporters from top media outlets such as USA Today, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and The Washington Post have all been past winners. The 2012 Charlotte Motor Speedway Russ Catlin Awards for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism are as follows:
Writing – Daily
Thomas Pope – Fayetteville Observer
Entry: “Rock of Ages”
Judges’ Comments: The reporter brings Bowman Gray Stadium to life, revealing the culture of grassroots racing with plenty of local color. Whether readers are racing fans or not, they will recognize the passion and connection to place as universal human experiences.
Scholarship: Methodist University
Writing – Non-Daily
Kris Johnson – NASCAR Illustrated
Entry: “Skin in the Game”
Judges’ Comments: This story explores the intersection of gender, fame, sponsorship and legacy through multiple perspectives. The reporter shows the complexity of a controversial issue that has wide-reaching implications.
Scholarship: Middlebury College
Broadcast – Local
Andrew Doud – WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC
Entry: “Pit Crew Training”
Judges’ Comments: This story has everything a great broadcast feature needs: quality reporting, great interviews and natural sound, effective editing and videography. This report makes clear the importance of teamwork in racing. The audience “walks” in the pit crew’s shoes.
Scholarship: Elon University
Broadcast – National
Rosie Barresi – SPEED
Entry: “Pass in the Grass“
Judges’ Comments: Entertaining story that provides context for multiple elements of NASCAR history: Dale Earnhardt’s legendary status, the coining of a famous phrase, and the role of rivalries in racing. Broadcast on the 25th anniversary of the “pass in the grass,” this piece is both timely and timeless, balancing ample research and reporting with humor and good storytelling.
Scholarship: Columbia College Chicago
Photojournalism
Gary Nastase – National Dragster
Entry: “Funny Car Explosion”
Judges’ Comments: An aesthetically pleasing photo rife with visual intrigue and definite “stopping power.” Although the situation is not unique, the photographer captured an image that also functions as spot news.
Scholarship: Mt. San Antonio College
Charlotte Motor Speedway Russ Catlin Awards for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism Journalism Past Winners
1985
Print: Clyde Bolton Birmingham News
Electronic: Ken Squier CBS Sports
1986
Print: Sandra McKee The Baltimore Sun
Electronic: Mark Allen Sunbelt Video
1987
Print: Bruce Martin Gaston Gazette
Electronic: Bob Hice WBTV – TV
1988
Print: Ed Hinton The Atlanta Journal
Electronic: Randy Pemberton Inside Winston Cup Racing
1989
Print: Tom Higgins The Charlotte Observer
Electronic: Mark Allen Sunbelt Video
1990
Print: Deb Williams Winston Cup Scene
Electronic: Steve Porter On Pit Road Teleproductions
1991
Print: Deb Williams Winston Cup Scene
Electronic: Bill Weber Sunbelt Video
1992
Print: Joe Siano The New York Times
Electronic Randy Pemberton Inside Winston Cup Racing
1993
Print: Cary D’Amato The Milwaukee Journal
Electronic: Ralph Sheheen Int’l Communications Group
1994
Print: Rob Sneddon Stock Car Racing
Electronic: Scott Dowless Inside Winston Cup Racing
1995
Print: Bones Bourcier Stock Car Racing
Electronic: Randy Pemberton Inside Winston Cup Racing
1996
Print – Daily: Liz Clarke Dallas Morning News
Print – Non-Daily: Bones Bourcier Stock Car Racing
Broadcast – National: Pamela Branner RPM 2Night
Broadcast – Local: Sean Pragano WCYB – TV
1997
Print – Daily: Lon Wagner Virginian-Pilot
Print – Non-Daily: Bob Zeller Car and Driver
Broadcast – National: Julie Smith RPM 2Night
Broadcast – Local: Charlie Sherman WMUR – TV
Photojournalism: Phil Cavali NASCAR Winston Cup Scene
1998
Print – Daily: Bill Koenig Indianapolis Star
Print – Non-Daily: Bob Zeller Car and Driver
Broadcast – National: Kathryn Nixon RPM 2Night
Broadcast – Local: Chuck Howard WCNC – TV
Photojournalism: Phil Cavali NASCAR Winston Cup Scene
1999
Print – Daily: Juliet Macur Orlando Sentinel
Print – Non-Daily: Bruce Martin Circle Track/Stock Car
Broadcast – National: Donald Schick RPM 2Night
Broadcast – Local: Chuck Howard WCNC – TV
Photojournalism: Jim Fluharty NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated
2000
Print – Daily: Al Levine Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Print – Non-Daily: Bob Judd Road and Track
Broadcast – National: Mike Massaro Inside NASCAR/TNN
Broadcast – Local: John Roberts & Clint Wiles WBTV – TV
Photojournalism: Will Lester Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2001
Print – Daily: Godwin Kelly Daytona Beach News-Journal
Print – Non-Daily: Mike Hembree The Sporting News
Broadcast – National: Ryan McGee Totally NASCAR
Broadcast – Local: Joe Dodd Game Day Productions
Photojournalism: Bill Anderson NASCAR Winston Cup Scene
2002
Print – Daily: Dave Kallmann Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Print – Non-Daily: Mark Ashenfelter NASCAR Winston Cup Scene
Broadcast – National: Chrissy Pellegrino Totally NASCAR
Broadcast – Local: Chuck Howard WCNC – TV
Photojournalism: Phil Cavali NASCAR Winston Cup Scene
2003
Print – Daily: Liz Clarke The Washington Post
Print – Non-Daily: Godwin Kelly Racing Milestones
Broadcast – National: Rob Nelson SPEED Channel
Broadcast – Local: Chuck Howard WCNC – TV
Photojournalism: Earl Ma National Speed Sport News
2004
Print – Daily: Sandra McKee The Baltimore Sun
Print – Non-Daily: Gordon Kirby Road & Track
Broadcast – National: Matt Dillner Totally NASCAR
Broadcast – Local: Jeff Gravley WRAL – TV
Photojournalism: Chuck Yadmark NASCAR Illustrated
2005
Print – Daily: Nate Ryan Richmond Times-Dispatch
Print – Non-Daily: Mike Hembree NASCAR Scene
Broadcast – National: Mike Massaro ESPN Outside the Lines
Broadcast – Local: Paul Johnson WCYB – TV
Photojournalism: Phil Rider Sports Illustrated
Last Call Writing: Rea White NASCAR Scene
Last Call Broadcast: Paul Johnson WCYB – TV
2006
Print – Daily: David Poole The Charlotte Observer
Print – Non-Daily: Seth Livingstone USA Today Sports Weekly
Broadcast – National: Mike Massaro ESPN Outside the Lines
Broadcast – Local: Heather Williams WTVC – TV
Photojournalism: Will Lester Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2007
Writing – Daily: Nate Ryan USA Today
Writing – Non-Daily: David Caraviello NASCAR.com
Broadcast – National: Drew Gallagher ESPN, NASCAR Countdown
Broadcast – Local: Blair Miller WSOC – TV
Photojournalism: David Griffin NASCAR Scene
2008
Writing – Daily: Susan Wade Newark Star-Ledger
Writing – Non-Daily: Mike Hembree NASCAR Scene
Broadcast – National: Tom Rinaldi ESPN, ESPN NASCAR Now
Broadcast – Local: Kevin Wren WGHP – TV
Photojournalism: Will Lester Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2009
Writing – Daily: Nate Ryan USA Today
Writing – Non-Daily: David Newton ESPN.com
Broadcast – National: Bonnie Larkin ESPN
Broadcast – Local: Brian Tetzler KWGN – TV
Photojournalism: David Moulthrop Gator News
2010
Writing – Daily: Nate Ryan USA Today
Writing – Non-Daily: Kris Johnson NASCAR Illustrated
Broadcast – National: Lauren Stowell ESPN
Broadcast – Local: Brian Tetzler KWGN – TV
Photojournalism: Mark Rebilas US Presswire
2011
Writing – Daily: Don Coble Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union
Writing – Non-Daily: David Caraviello NASCAR.com
Broadcast – National: Justin Burnett SPEED
Broadcast – Local: Alan Cavanna WSOC – TV
Photojournalism: Will Lester Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2012
Writing – Daily: Thomas Pope Fayetteville Observer
Writing – Non-Daily: Kris Johnson NASCAR Illustrated
Broadcast – National: Rosie Barresi SPEED
Broadcast – Local: Andrew Doud WSOC – TV
Photojournalism: Gary Nastase National Dragster
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