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SPMJ NEWS
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Why Herta?
KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images Three reasons why Cadillac were spot on signing Colton Herta as a 2026 Formula 1 test driver ...
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Sep 8


F1's Take On Herta To Cadillac
IndyCar racer Colton Herta will spend the 2026 season as Cadillac’s test driver, following the signing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio...
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Sep 4


Inside Look At Toronto Indy Venue Change
Tyson Lautenschlager · CBC News The roar on Toronto's lakeshore is no more as the annual NTT IndyCar Series weekend races north. Green...
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Sep 4


O'Ward Has New Goal After Capturing Nashvile Pole
LEBANON, Tenn. (Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025) – With second place secured in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings this season, Pato O’Ward has a...
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Aug 30


Remembering Ernie Saxton: A Pioneer in Motorsports Media
It is with deep regret that we share the passing of Ernie Saxton, a cornerstone of motorsports journalism and the driving force behind the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA). His vision, leadership, and dedication helped shape one of the most respected media organizations in auto racing.
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Aug 18


Announcing the 2025 Russo-Marvel Award Recipient: Mike Harris
Veteran motorsports journalist Mike Harris has been named the 2025 recipient of the Russo-Marvel Award. Known for his decades of work with the Associated Press, Harris is celebrated for his integrity, influence, and lasting contributions to motorsports journalism.
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May 23


Pat Caporali Wins 2025 Jim Chapman Award for Excellence in Motorsports PR
Pat Caporali, Firestone’s lead communications rep for the NTT IndyCar and Indy NXT series, has been named the 2025 Jim Chapman Award winner for excellence in motorsports PR. Presented with the Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists, the award honors her outstanding professionalism, dedication to the media, and embodiment of Chapman’s legacy of trust, respect, and class.
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May 23


Award-Winning Journalism: Jim Donnelly’s Deep Dive into the Ford GT40
SPMJ member Jim Donnelly has once again been recognized for his outstanding work in motorsports journalism. His article for Tazio magazine explores the early challenges of the Ford GT40 project and the crucial role of engineer Roy Lunn in saving the car’s future. The piece earned Jim the 2025 Ken W. Purdy Award from the International Motor Press Association — his second time receiving the honor. It’s a compelling story, told with the depth and clarity that define Jim’s work.
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May 15


A letter to Roger Penske: ‘Color confusion’ and the quest for young IndyCar fans
In an open letter to Roger Penske, veteran driver and broadcaster Derek Daly urges IndyCar to fix its inconsistent branding. He argues that ever-changing liveries and team colors confuse young fans, making it hard to build loyalty. Without recognizable drivers, Daly warns, IndyCar risks losing its next generation of followers.
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May 14


Welcoming Derek Daly: A Racing Legend Joins SPMJ
SPMJ proudly welcomes Derek Daly—a former F1 and IndyCar driver, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. From the racetrack to the broadcast booth, his career is defined by grit, heart, and innovation. Whether helping shape motorsports coverage or lifting others off the track, Derek’s story inspires—and his journey continues with us.
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May 1


Will Josef Newgarden Beat The Curse?
Only five drivers have ever entered the Indy 500 with a shot at a historic three-peat. None succeeded. From crashes to heartbreak, the so-called “three-peat curse” has held strong. Now, Josef Newgarden takes his shot at history. Can he break the streak—or will the Speedway’s mystique strike again?
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May 1


Honoring Carl Haas: SPMJ to Launch First Journalism Contests
SPMJ is proud to announce the launch of our first journalism contests, created in memory of motorsports legend Carl Haas. Open to professional members, the contests will recognize excellence across multiple categories with cash prizes, while honoring Haas’ remarkable legacy of leadership, innovation, and passion for racing.
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Apr 26


A Life on the Limit: Revisiting Jochen Rindt’s Remarkable Rise and Tragic Fall
Jochen Rindt lived fast, raced harder, and never expected to grow old. In an era when Formula One often felt like a death sentence, his fearless style and magnetic personality made him unforgettable. From a rebellious childhood in Austria to a meteoric rise through the racing ranks, Rindt's story is one of raw talent, relentless drive, and tragic destiny. Crowned Formula One World Champion after his fatal crash at Monza in 1970, he remains the sport’s only posthumous titlehol
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Apr 17


From Payphones to Press Rooms: 50 Years of Long Beach and Motorsport Journalism
This past weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the Long Beach Grand Prix. From the first Formula 5000 race in 1975 to today’s state-of-the-art media centers, the event has grown alongside the evolution of motorsport journalism. One journalist looks back on how far we’ve come—from fax machines and phone plugs to satellite links and scissor-lift broadcast booths.
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Apr 14


MSHF President George Levy Joins SPMJ, Strengthening Industry Ties
Michael Knight attended in support o Carl A. Haas induction at MSHF, welcomed George Levy to SPMJ.
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Apr 3


The Russo-Marvel Founders Award: Honoring Dedication to Motorsports
The Russo-Marvel Award honors those who show tireless dedication to motorsports, continuing the legacies of Bob Russo and Bill Marvel.
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Apr 3


SPMJ Welcomes Pegasus Marketing Group as a Sponsor
SPMJ proudly welcomes Pegasus Marketing Group as our newest sponsor, bringing 40+ years of excellence in motorsports marketing.
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Mar 13


SPMJ Website is Now LIVE! Apply Today
The Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists (SPMJ) is now live! Join a community of passionate motorsports media professionals and g
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Mar 3


The Jim Chapman Award: Recognizing PR Excellence in Partnership with SPMJ
The Jim Chapman Award honors excellence in motorsports public relations, named after the influential PR executive Jim Chapman. Known for his
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Feb 23


Remembering Ed Hinton: A Motorsports Journalism Trailblazer
Motorsports journalism lost a legend with Ed Hinton’s passing at 76. His fearless storytelling and legacy continue to inspire.
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Feb 16
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