SPMJ NEWS

(Richard Dole Photo) Two time CART Champion, Four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, there was none other than Alex Zanardi. The Italian, who after losing his legs in a crash at the 2001 American Memorial Eurospeedway Lausitz kept persevering and becoming an inspiration to millions, passed away at the age of 59. After running up the F1 ladder, by winning the European F3 Cup, Zanardi found a seat at Chip Ganassi Racing in 1996 and never looked back. Teaming with American Jimmy Vas

While on a trip to France and Italy, I had a chance to see practice at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, notching off a bucket list item. (Jeremy Scott photo) Editor's note - trying something new here, feel free to send me your racing notes at jeremy@jsmotorsports.net Don't forget that submissions to the SPMJ Media Awards are due Friday, May 1st. You can enter though this link: https://www.motorsportsjournalists.org/media-awards The Russo-Marvel Award will be officially handed

Paul Pfanner | Provided photo Award to be presented at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Carb Day, May 22, 2026 LONG BEACH, CA — April 17, 2026 — The Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists is proud to announce Paul Pfanner as the 2026 recipient of the Russo-Marvel Founders Award — presented annually to individuals who embody the passion, dedication, and commitment to auto racing that defined founders Bob Russo and Bill Marvel. The announcement is being made during the

Winners in three classes to receive $500 each The Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists (SPMJ) is accepting nominations for their annual Media Award Competition. The contest is sponsored by Carl Haas Auto. This is in recognition of the late multi-series championship team owner and entrepreneur last year being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. This year's competition will award winners in three categories: Writer - Articles written in motorspo

Photo: IMSA The racing world lost a giant over the weekend. Longtime Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian passed away suddenly, just weeks before the marquee event. He was 83. Michaelian took the title of President and CEO for the race in 2001, with this scheduled to be his final event, but it wasn't just the race that he helped propel. Several motorsports commentators credit Jim for giving them their start, with Calvin Fish one of those who

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 20: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Cadillac F1 Team Ferrari and Oliver Bearman of Great Britain driving the (87) Haas F1 VF-26 Ferrari in the queue to leave the pitlane during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 20, 2026 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) UPDATE (Saturday, March 14 -- 6:34pm/et) The FIA have made it official, Bahrain and Saudi Arabian roun

Photo: Jeremy Scott Editor's Note: Press Release From the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Sonsio Grand Prix Credential Requests Open All requests must be made by April 20 Media credential requests for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Sonsio Grand Prix are being accepted. The deadline to submit all requests is Monday, April 20. Media credentials are for working media only, for t

SPMJ is proud to announce the release of our inaugural physical membership cards. Designed by MAP Studio, these high-quality credentials include a special Charter Member edition for our 2025 founding class. As we transition to this new professional standard, cards are now shipping to active members worldwide.

From Penske’s commanding Porsche 963 lineup to a historic fog delay that halted racing for over six hours, the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered no shortage of drama. When the checkered flag finally fell, Roger Penske had secured his long-sought third straight Rolex—and sent a clear message to the rest of the paddock.

After AAA stepped away from sanctioning auto racing in 1955, the sport stood at a crossroads. Tony Hulman turned to Bob Russo, whose unmatched knowledge, industry relationships, and deep love of racing helped shape a new national vision for the future of American motorsports.