Where did the SPMJ come from? It is the follow on from the old AARBWA. On August 16, 1955, eight of the top racing journalists were sitting in the White Front Tavern about a mile from the Indianapolis Speedway gate. They were discussing the loss of major sponsors from racing. At the time manufactures pulled away because the “image” of racing was contrary with their goal of “promoting safety while de-emphasizing performance”. AAA withdrew their role as a sanctioning body and left the Indianapolis 500 with no sanction for the 500. Tony Hulman created the United States Auto Club to fill the gap. Bob Russo, one of the boys at the bar, envisioned the American Auto Writers Association. On of the boys, Charlie Brockman of radio station WIRE objected loudly to the name. Charlie was happy when they added the words “and Broadcasters”. Next, they elected Bob Russo President. Jep Cadu of the Indianapolis Star wasn’t in attendance, so they elected him, Vice President. Meetings continued at the White Front, which was also the hangout for the drivers, mostly because the owners would help out someone who was down on their luck.

AARWBA fell on hard times and faced many management issues so the name Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists to avoid some of those issues. We trace back through AARWBA 70 yeards of service to motorsports journalists.