Announcing the 2025 Russo-Marvel Award Recipient: Mike Harris

The Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists is proud to announce Mike Harris as the recipient of the 2025 Russo-Marvel Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports Journalism.

A pioneer in motorsports reporting, Harris joined the Associated Press in 1969 and became its lead motorsports writer in 1980—a role he held for nearly three decades. From his early days covering regional sports to becoming a trusted voice in NASCAR garages nationwide, Harris shaped how motorsports was covered, understood, and appreciated by millions of readers across the country.

Mike Harris accepts the Russo–Marvel Award, presented by Paul Page at the IMS Dex Imaging Media Center.

“Mike Harris was a trusted voice inside the NASCAR garage for decades,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France. “His coverage and feature stories for the world’s largest news-gathering organization brought NASCAR and our drivers into the homes of millions of fans.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Harris was honored with numerous accolades, including:

• The 1985 American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence (then the Henry T. McLemore Award)

• The Jim Hunter Writer of the Year Award in both 1987 and 1994, presented by the Eastern Motorsport Press Association

• The 2025 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence, placing him alongside the most respected names in the industry

Harris’s legacy is not only defined by his award-winning journalism, but by his mentorship, integrity, and the deep respect he earned from competitors and colleagues alike. His work elevated the entire field—and continues to inspire the next generation of motorsports journalists.

Hear directly from Mike Harris giving advice to young reporters at the NASCAR Hall of Fame:👉 Watch the video