RRDC TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF RACING AT LONG BEACH WITH EXPANDED LEGENDS DINNER AND GALA
Bobby Rahal, president of the Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC), has announced an expanded 2025 RRDC Legends Dinner and Gala, which will celebrate the 50 years of racing on the streets of Long Beach, Calif., and will honor Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Brian Redman, legendary drivers from the Grand Prix’s rich history.
Mario Andretti winning LBGP in 1984. [Speedcafe image]
All proceeds of the dinner will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation, which supports the RRDC’s SAFEisFAST initiative, and the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, which supports charities in the Long Beach area. The Foundation’s proceeds from the gala will go to Long Beach City College’s Automotive Technology Program.
Andretti, Unser and Redman will be honored at the event and attendees will be treated to a “David Letterman-style” interview of the honorees by Rahal.
Al Unser Jr. takes his 5th LBGP in 1994. [Pinterest image]
“We at the Road Racing Drivers Club are thrilled to join the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in celebrating 50 years of ‘racing through the streets’ of this beautiful California shore city,” said Rahal. “This event has become an icon of the sport, and not just with IndyCars. Its history includes Formula 1, Formula 5000, Trans-Am, and even the popular celebrity races.
Brian Redman wins the 1975 Long Beach F5000 race, the precusor to the F1 race. [Speedcafe image]
“Each year, the Road Racing Drivers Club event is a highlight of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “And this year is especially meaningful as we join with the RRDC in honoring three true legends of the sport—Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Brian Redman. Their contributions to Long Beach motorsports history have inspired generations of drivers and fans alike, and we are thrilled to celebrate their incredible legacies during this special evening.”
Andretti and Unser have been named co-Grand Marshalls for the event.
SAFEisFAST – OVAL RACING IS MORE THAN JUST TURNING LEFT
Fellow Racers, Oval racing might look simple enough, but there is far more to mastering speedways than just turning left.
Your first oval experience can be a daunting one, with much higher speeds and way less margin for error which require a completely different approach behind the wheel to road and street courses.
In our latest video, our oval racing pros – including four-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais and Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson – give their top tips on how to utilize the unique tools inside the car for maximum performance on ovals. Other pros offering oval racing insight are Conor Daly, Colton Herta, James Hinchcliffe, Sting Ray Robb, Pietro Fittipaldi and Christian Lundgaard.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
THE ANNUAL RRDC DAYTONA MEMBERS’ DINNER SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22, 2025
THE ANNUAL RRDC DAYTONA DINNER SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22, 2025
The Annual RRDC Members’ Dinner at Daytona is set for Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Only members in good standing are welcome to register for the dinner. It is recommended that you pay your 2025 dues first, before registering for the dinner.
Dues may be paid at https://rrdc.org/member-login/#myaccount.
The RRDC.org web site now accepts credit cards for payments!
DINNER REGISTRATION: To register for the dinner, here is the link to the rrdc.org events page. Then click on the “Blue” words and it takes you to the events page to register for the dinner. (Two steps to register)
https://rrdc.org/events/#!event-list
Or, go directly to https://rrdc.org/events/#!event/2025/1/22/2025-rrdc-annual-daytona-member-dinner-and-awards-ceremony-to-be-held-in-the-500-club-at-the-daytona-international-speedway
HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RRDC ANNUAL MEMBERS’ DINNER
WHERE:
Daytona 500 Club (infield)
Daytona International Speedway
1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fla. 32114
WHEN:
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 – in advance of the Rolex 24 At Daytona
5:00 p.m. cocktails
6:15 p.m. RRDC member photo
6:30 p.m. dinner
INVITEES:
All RRDC members in good standing and personal guests ONLY.
Please make sure you’ve paid your 2025 dues!
DRESS:
Business casual
COST:
$180 per person (members and guests). $200 after January 8.
Tables of 10 are available for $1800 each, and $2000 each after January 8.
PARKING and TRACK ENTRY:
- Please enter at Gate 40 off Williamson Blvd. Security/guest services will have a list with your name on it.
- Let them know you are attending the Annual RRDC Dinner in the Daytona 500 Club.
- There will be directional signage to lot 2A and parking staff with golf carts to assist you before and after the event.
- The 500 Club is in the infield tower building located at Victory Circle.
EVENT PASSES FOR THE ROLEX 24:
We will advise soon regarding availability of event passes.
______________________________________________________________________
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Dear RRDC Members,
Thanks to the organizational skills of RRDC member Lisa Noble, the RRDC will hold its annual members’ dinner at the Daytona 500 Club in advance of the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona.
The RRDC members’ dinner has become the perfect venue for members and their guests to bench race, meet, and enjoy an evening filled with camaraderie, nostalgia and awards presentations.
The featured award of the evening will be the 31st Phil Hill Award (for rendering outstanding service to road racing).
Also, the 23rd RRDC Bob Akin Award and the 54th RRDC Mark Donohue Awards will be presented.
The program is scheduled to end before 9 p.m., so that those participating in the Rolex 24 will be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for morning practice.
Please make your reservations by January 14, 2025, as seats will be filling quickly. We regret that no late reservations can be accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Noble at noblerace@aol.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you,
Bobby Rahal
President
Always go to www.rrdc.org for the latest RRDC member news and info.
ZAK BROWN AT THE HELM FOR McLAREN’S FIRST F1 CONSTRUCTORS’ TITLE IN 26 YEARS
Zak Brown, who took the reins of McLaren in 2018, reached one of his primary goals Sunday when Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the victory clinching the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. It was McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998 and the tenth in the organization’s history, second only to Ferrari.
The ebullient CEO has been not only the leader of the company’s motorsports effort but also its public face and cheerleader. His promoting Italian engineer Andre Stella to Team Principal solidified McLaren’s resurgence to the sharp end of the grid.
With McLaren leading Ferrari by 21 points coming into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, it looked very good for the Woking team with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri claiming the front row in qualifying. The team’s quiet confidence lasted for the first quarter mile of the race. That’s when Piastri was spun out by a lunging Max Verstappen, and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz slipped through to second behind Norris.
It was tense from there to the finish for Zak Brown as Ferrari pilot Charles LeClerc moved from deep in the field to third making it imperative that Norris continue to hold point. Any difficulty for the race-leading McLaren would hand the constructors’ title to Ferrari.
“What an awesome team effort,” Brown said on the Sky Sports / ESPN telecast “Amazing! That was stressful!”
“That was the most miserable two hours of my life,” Brown later said while awaiting the trophy ceremony where he took to the podium with Norris to accept the constructors’ victory trophy.
JOSEF NEWGARDEN GETS HIS SECOND IMAGE ON BORG-WARNER TROPHY
On Wednesday, Josef Newgarden was present at the unveiling of his likeness on Borg-Warner Trophy presented winners of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936. It is his second bas-relief sterling silver image on the iconic trophy, as he scored his second consecutive 500 victory in May, becoming the sixth member of an exclusive club of back-to-back winners – Helio Castroneves (2001-02); Al Unser, Sr. (1970-71); Bill Vukovich (1953-54); Mauri Rose (1947-48); and Wilbur Shaw (1939-40).
Sculptor Will Behrends with Josef Newgarden’s bust for 2024. [IMS image]
Engraver Reid Smith. [IMS image]
This life-size clay version is used as reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before attaching it to the trophy.
KATHERINE LEGGE’S INDYCAR SPONSOR WINS TWO CLIO AWARDS
Katherine Legge’s Indianapolis 500 sponsor on the No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing Honda – e.i.f Cosmetics (eyes, lips, face) – received Clio Awards at ceremonies in New York City Wednesday in both the Experience/Activation and Fan Engagement categories.
Photo by John Cote
The two-pronged promotion through in-person outreaches at the Speedway in May plus an extensive digital media campaign drew praise for promoting both Legge and the participation of women in motorsports.
Legge told RACER: “The e.l.f. Cosmetics collaboration was by far and away the most meaningful partnership I have ever seen in racing from a female perspective. I am beyond proud to represent a brand that cares so much about the same things that I do and am very much looking forward to doing more great and meaningful things with them to change the landscape of racing.”
ANDY LALLY TO RETIRE AND TAKE UP REINS OF TRANS-AM SERIES
Andy Lally will soon retire from active competition to join the Parella Motorsports Holdings as president of the Trans-Am Series. The three-time Grand Am champion in prototypes and GTs, 2011 NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year and five-time winner of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, will take part in IMSA’s January 
endurance racing classic at Daytona International Speedway with his longstanding Magnus Racing team.
In an exclusive interview with RACER, Lally told Marshall Pruett, “The timing of this is important. I could probably extend my driving career another two or three years, but when something like this comes along that could end up bringing another 10-plus years in the sport, you say yes to it immediately, and I have to thank Tony Parella [founder and CEO of series owner Parella Motorsports Holdings] for making this happen for me. When he presented it to me, it just made so much sense.
“I think I have a lot to contribute. I’m sure that there will be a lot of people really shocked reading this, as this is coming out of left field, but I’ve seen other really good business decisions that Tony and his team have made in the past that have worked out really well, and I’m going to work really hard to make sure that this is another one. It’s a very respectful and smooth transition out of the driver’s seat and into an official capacity with a series that I love.”
“I could not be more excited to have Andy Lally join us as the president of Trans Am,” said PMH CEO Tony Parella. “Andy is one of the most respected, knowledgeable, talented, and accomplished leaders in motorsports.”
CHIP GANASSI NOMINATED FOR EMPA HALL OF FAME
The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) has released the ballot to its membership for voting in the 2025 inductees to the prestigious EMPA Hall of Fame along with other special awards that will be presented during the organization’s 52nd annual convention, set for Jan. 10-12.
Chip Ganassi is one of eight nominees including journalist “Bones” Bouncier, sprint car legends Sammy Swindell, Rich Ferkel and Steve Smith, Jr., dirt modified champion Jimmy Horton, dirt racing icon Alan Johnson and Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky.
NHRA perennial champion Don Prudhomme and NASCAR Cup Series and pavement Modified star Steve Park will also be going into the hall of fame as automatic lock-ins.
MARIO ANDRETTI NAMED TO GENERAL MOTORS BOARD – GM/CADILLAC F1 TEAM TO JOIN FORMULA ONE IN 2026
The Andretti family will retain an involvement in the revised plan for a General Motors Formula 1 team, with 1978 world champion Mario Andretti serving as a director on the board.
On Monday F1 announced it has agreed in principle a deal to allow an entry for the GM group to enter grand prix racing in 2026 with its own team.
This came as part of a restructured plan from the original idea of a Cadillac-backed Andretti entry, which F1 rejected earlier in the year.
The revamped idea for the project, which has come with original team founder Michael Andretti recently stepping back from his involvement, means that the Andretti name will no longer be a part of the F1 operation.
Instead, it will be a GM/Cadillac team in association with the TWG Global company, which owns and operates Andretti Global.
While that could have meant no involvement for the Andretti name, GM has announced that some ties will remain. And that revolves around Mario Andretti serving as a director, but “not involved in day-to-day operations”.
Mario Andretti was F1 World Champion in 1978, piloting Colin Chapman’s Lotus 79. [conceptcarz.com image]
Speaking about his role, he said: “My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Michael Andretti drove the 1993 F1 season for McLaren. [The Mike Haywood Collection image]
While Mario’s son Michael, who originally began the project when he ran Andretti Global, will not play any part in how things develop, he says he also fully supports what GM is doing.
Posting on X, he said: “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team.
“I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!”
HELIO CASTRONEVES NAMED 2025 AMELIA HONOREE
Helio Castroneves, who in 2021 joined A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears, as the only four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500, has been named 2025 Honoree for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, celebrating its 30th anniversary at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton, March 6-9.
“There’s clearly a synergy between people who love racing and those who love concours, and The Amelia is the intersection of both those passions, each of which I hold dearly,” said Castroneves. “To be honoree of the event during its 30th year is also an honor and so special, and I look forward to celebrating with The Amelia community.”
Built on a historic legacy of excellence, The Amelia 2025 weekend will feature seminars, films, celebrations, auctions, driving experiences and, of course, the renowned Concours d’Elegance, where guests will enjoy hundreds of vehicles ranging from 1930s Alfa Romeos to the most advanced F1 race cars.
PENSKE ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF LONG BEACH
Penske Entertainment announced today the newest member of its growing event portfolio, confirming the acquisition of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC, from longtime owner Gerald R. Forsythe. The association administers the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running major street circuit race in North America. The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, to further enhance this can’t-miss celebration of speed and Southern California motorsport culture for years to come.
This upcoming year marks the 50th edition of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, with special programming planned to mark the occasion. The race will return to network television, with FOX set to broadcast the event Sunday, April 13.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event,” said Roger Penske. “This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we’re excited to work with Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we’re looking forward to a very special 50th anniversary celebration this April, as well.”
“As we prepare to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone, the 50th anniversary of this amazing event, it’s fitting that we have such exciting and important news to share about its future,” said Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “Roger and the team at Penske Entertainment understand the special history and unique qualities that give us such a strong foundation and will be ideal partners as we continue to deliver an exceptional race weekend for our fans moving forward. I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution that the previous owners, Jerry Forsythe and the late Kevin Kalkhoven, made to the success of our event over the past 19 years.”
As an acclaimed and highly attended annual event located in the nation’s entertainment capital, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a premier race weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Working alongside the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach team, Penske Entertainment plans to invest in bolstering and enhancing the experience for race fans, sponsors and hospitality customers.
“This is a major race weekend, not just on our calendar but across the motorsport landscape,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re committed to preserving the core attributes that make it best in class while also working on some exciting and bold initiatives to make its future even bigger and brighter.”
The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of over 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile racecourse surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The 2024 edition featured a supercharged atmosphere, which included the largest attendance in the modern INDYCAR era. The event brings global attention and positive economic impact to its home city, while also maintaining a charitable organization – the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach – which has donated more than $4.2 million to those in need within the Long Beach community.
“The Grand Prix is an incredibly vital and vibrant asset for our community and an annual event that drives commerce, attracts tourism and elevates cultural connectivity across our city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Penske Entertainment will be a committed and energetic partner for the future that seeks to preserve and enhance this event’s rich history and strong legacy. We’re looking forward to a great working relationship that benefits everyone who calls Long Beach home.”
As part of today’s announcement, Penske Entertainment and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach released a special video, narrated by former Indy 500 Honorary Starter and acclaimed actor Milo Ventimiglia. You can watch here.
GURNEY, PARNELLI, SHELBY GOING INTO LIONS AUTOMOBILIA HALL OF FAME THIS THURSDAY
Join the Lions Automobilia Foundation Board of Directors and founder Rick Lorenzen as they introduce the third annual class of Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Hall of Fame awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominguez, California will honor the following eight individuals who have made a major impact on motorsports: JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, and Bill Stroppe.
The evening will include a delicious sit-down dinner along with a presentation to each of the recipients by the emcee, NHRA Funny Car driver, Jack Beckman. The silent auction will include a variety of unique and highly desirable items with proceeds benefitting the Lions Automobilia Foundation Youth Engagement and Career Path programs. These programs are designed to engage students and young adults by showcasing the history of motorsports and Southern California car culture along with hands-on workshops held at Lions Automobilia Foundation.
Guests will be able to enjoy the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum, from the eclectic collection of vintage race cars, muscle cars and hot rods to the city streets within the museum walls and the re-creation of the Lions Drag Strip. The evening begins with a cocktail mixer in the Long Beach Grand Prix Paddock Club followed by dinner and presentation of the Legends of Lions Award Ceremony.
Proceeds from this event and silent auction go to support the Lions Automobilia Foundation Youth Engagement and Career Path Programs. Geared to engage students and young adults by unveiling the history of motorsports and car culture in Southern California and assist them in discovering the craftsmanship and passion invested in vehicle restoration, maintenance, and design.
The city streets within the museum walls will take you back to a simpler time and as you enter the Lions Drag Strip exhibit, you’ll be looking right at the starting line with cars in the staging lanes. Guests are encouraged to explore the museum galleries, participate in the Silent Auction, and enjoy a cocktail mixer in the Long Beach Grand Prix Paddock Club followed by a delicious, seated dinner and presentation of the Legends of Lions Award Ceremony.
Attire: Semi Formal
Location: Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum
2790 E Del Amo Blvd, East Compton, CA
Evening Schedule
4:450m Nitro Start Up
5:00pm Cocktail Mixer & Silent Auction Benefiting the Lions Youth Engagement and Career Path Program
6:00pm Welcome and Opening Ceremony
7:00 pm Dinner Served
7:45 pm Awards Ceremony
JOEY LAGANO TAKES NASCAR CUP TITLE FOR TEAM PENSKE
Roger Penske’s stock car team put an exclamation point on the 2024 racing season at Phoenix Raceway Sunday, when Joey Lagano nipped his Penske stablemate and defending champion Ryan Blaney for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. It was Lagano’s third title driving for The Captain, becoming one of only 10 drivers in NASCAR history to win at least three championships.
Last month, Porsche Penske Motorsports wrapped up both the IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car GTP team and driver’s championships at Petit Lemans in Porsche 963s, while also clinching the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup manufacturer’s title for Porsche.
In May, Team Penske claimed its 20th Indianapolis 500 victory with Josef Newgarden defending his title from 2023. Porsche Penske Motorsport also won the 62nd edition of the Daytona 24 in January.
All in all, a robust 2024 for the Mooresville, NC, operation.
AMOS JOHNSON’S “BE FIRST” NOW AVAILABLE
Be First: Being The First To Do Anything Gives You An Enormous Advantage, And You Never Forget Your First is the lesson racing legend Amos N. Johnson lays out in this autobiographical journey through an incredible career as he shares personal stories from his time as a pioneering driver in the world of motorsports.
From carving out his place in history by winning the Touring Under class in the first-ever IMSA GT race in 1971 at Virginia International Raceway, to competing in iconic races like the Daytona 24-hour and the 12 Hours of Sebring, Johnson’s story is one of grit, passion, and an unrelenting drive to be first.
As a member of the prestigious Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) and a veteran of racing’s golden era, Johnson’s impact on motorsport goes beyond his wins on the track. He played a crucial role behind the scenes as IMSA’s Competition and Technical Director, shaping the rules for the World Sports Car class. He also led American Motors’ unforgettable assault on the Nürburgring 24-Hour race and earned his place in the American Motors Racing Hall of Fame.
This memoir not only captures the thrilling races and groundbreaking achievements but also offers insights into the dedication it takes to make history. Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast or simply a fan of remarkable life stories, Be First is an inspiring tribute to pushing boundaries and living life in the fast lane.
DAYTONA ANNUAL DINNER MEETING – SAVE THE DATE
As has become tradition, the RRDC will hold its Annual Members’ Dinner at the Daytona 500 Club in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway on January 22, the Wednesday prior to the running of the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. More details to follow.
BOB RILEY: 1931 – 2024
Bob Riley, a celebrated engineer, chassis designer and race car builder who left a permanent mark on motorsports and the automotive industry, died of a heart attack at age 93 after a brief hospitalization following a fall in his home.
Most recently, the Riley was inducted into the Formula Vee Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Oct 1, during the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. RRDC President Bobby Rahal presented the award, stating, “Bob Riley is a wonderful man… When I first met Bob, I felt really stupid because I thought I knew a lot. I realized talking to Bob I didn’t know much at all. He’s a class act. He is super-talented and probably under-rated in many respects.”
This week, Rahal had these additional thoughts: “All of us at the Road Racing Drivers Club are saddened by Bob Riley’s passing.
“I knew Bob Riley. He was not just a creative, practical engineer/designer but a humble, energetic gentleman. I was fortunate to work with him in 1983-84 on the Ford Mustang project.
“A victory in its first race clearly showed its capabilities, but engine unreliability hampered our efforts in virtually every race. Despite this, there was no question the car handled beautifully and therefore such a shame that Bob’s car never achieved the success he deserved.
“I saw Bob at Road Atlanta two weeks ago. As always, he was in good spirits, and we spoke. Motorsport is the poorer with Bob’s passing.
“RIP my friend. You will be missed.”
Earlier this year, Riley was inducted into the IMSA’s Hall of Fame. In 2022, he received the prestigious Phil Hill Award from the Road Racing Drivers Club. Even as he advanced in age, Riley continued his work after retirement at Riley Technologies, the company he founded in 2006 with his son and co-owner, Bill, that released a Ford 1967 Le Mans winner continuation supercar, the Kar-Kraft Mk IV, just this year.
A genius in race car design, Riley contributed to several legendary racing wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, the Sebring 12-Hour and the Rolex 24 at Daytona over the course of five decades. He was a key contributor in the Le Mans-winning Ford GT Mk IV program and had a hand in building many other high-performance vehicles such as the Ford Mustang GTP, Coyote Indy car, Intrepid RM-1, and the Mk XI Daytona Prototype. In total, Riley carried over 70 car designs under his belt, including the dirt track racers that he built as a teenager. During his storied career, his innovative race car designs won championships in IndyCar, IMSA, the Grand-Am and the Trans-Am.
Tara Hurlin posted an obituary for Riley in Hemmings, detailing his incredible career, one of many remembrances including Autosport and Vintage Motorsport.
SAFEisFAST LEGENDS: JACKIE STEWART’S ADVICE TO YOUNG DRIVERS
Fellow racers, The latest instalment of our RRDC Legends series features the wisdom of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
In this video, we sat down with Sir Jackie who offered his thoughts on what qualities a young driver needs to be successful in motorsport.
He emphasizes the importance of mind management and mental discipline, skills he learned from his other career as a champion clay pigeon shooter.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
AUGIE PABST – 1934-2024
Augie Pabst, Jr., who raced in the golden years of American sportscar racing’s late 1950s and early ‘60s, passed away Oct. 9 at age 90. He often teamed with close friends – Harry Heuer, Bill Wuesthoff and Don Devine; at other times with legends of the sport – Walt Hansgen and Roger Penske.
A testimony to Pabst’s skill and proficiency behind the wheel is his being contracted to drive for Briggs Cunningham, Carroll Shelby, John Wyer, Luigi Chinetti’s NART-Ferrari and John Mecom.
Pabst is a member of Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame. His autobiography “Augie Pabst – Behind the Wheel” is a must read for any student of early American road racing. An early inductee into the Road Racing Drivers Club, Pabst received the Bob Akin Award in 2010.
Pabst is survived by his wife, Joanie, his four children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His son Augie Pabst III is also a member of the RRDC, and he had these reflections of his father:
”I’m extremely grateful to have been his son. He taught me so much, he loved me so much more than most fathers would ever express, especially to their sons. He was fun, extremely generous – sometimes to a fault, and hung his hat on his honesty and integrity. Living next door, my children bonded with he and my mother unlike any grandparent/grandchild relationship I’ve ever seen. I’m so thankful we were able to get him home from the hospital, prior to his death. He died with a view of the lake on a gorgeous fall day with family and a few friends holding his hands and loving him, literally to death. It honestly was so painful, but more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. Sorry to elaborate so much, but I’m having a moment of reflection, and I wanted to share it with you.”
Mark Vaugh wrote a comprehensive obituary for Pabst in Autoweek.
DON KNOWLES’ WIFE BECKY PASSES
It with great sadness that we report that Rebecca “Becky” Knowles, wife of Don Knowles, passed away Oct. 8 at age 78 at their home in Pittsboro, N.C. due to 
complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Don said that she passed quietly and with no pain. They had been married for 56 years and had a daughter Sarah, son Jamie and four grandchildren. A more detailed obituary is posted on the Walker Funeral Home website.
In lieu of a funeral, the Knowles family will host a gathering, and more details will be shared in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Duke Dementia Family Support Program at DukeFamilySupport.org, and to UNC Hospice at uncmedicalcenter.org/hospice.
SAM POSEY DRIVE TOWARD A CURE DAY AT LIME ROCK
You are invited to Lime Rock Park, Thursday, Oct. 10 as “Drive Toward a Cure” celebrates Sam Posey – motorsports legend and champion of Parkinson’s disease – at Sam’s home track. For those wanting to make a day of it, join us at a private collection in NJ followed by a convoy to the track. You can even extend the fun by joining Drive Toward a Cure for dinner and even an overnight stay at the nearby Litchfield Inn.
Register at drivetowardacure.org/day/sam2024.
ROCKY MORAN: 1950-2024
Rocky Moran passed away this week from cancer. He was 74. Moran was a versatile race driver, equally at home in a sports car on road courses and in an IndyCar at the Brickyard. He drove for Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, Jr. After retirement, he had been an active participant in the career of his son, Rocky, Jr. Racer.com posted an interesting and thorough biographical sketch of the man. Our heartfelt condolences to out to his family – wife Kayla, daughter Kelly, sons Rocky Jr. and Cody, and seven grandchildren.
BOB RILEY TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE FORMULA VEE HALL OF FAME
Bob Riley will be inducted into the Formula Vee Hall of Fame in ceremonies set for Tuesday, Oct 1, during the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. Joining Riley in this year’s Hall of Fame class is Jonathan Weisheit, a true veteran and advocate of Formula Vee.
Bob Riley, the visionary engineer behind the iconic Lynx Formula Vee, played a pivotal role in the development of this highly successful car. First introduced in the 1960s, the Lynx went on to dominate the Formula Vee class, capturing four SCCA National Championships and solidifying its place as a benchmark of engineering excellence. Riley’s innovative designs and commitment to performance have made him a revered figure in the racing world, with his influence continuing to shape the sport to this day.
“Bob Riley and Jonathan Weisheit have each left an indelible mark on Formula Vee racing,” said Graham Loughead, founder of the Formula Vee Hall of Fame. “Riley’s engineering and technological innovations changed the course of the sport.”
Here is Bob’s recollection of building the first Lynx from the Lynx Formula Vee History website:
“The first Lynx Formula Vee was built in a single car garage with a dirt floor in Detroit Michigan in 1964. The only fabricating tools I had at that time were an Oxygen-Acetylene torch, electric hand drill, handheld saber saw, and a hack saw with a good supply of blades. The steel tubing for the frame was hand bent by packing the tube with sand and using the torch. We made a body buck using plywood and foam. Female fiber glass molds were made from this buck. The body was three layers of ten-ounce fiberglass cloth using polyester resin.
“John Mills and I worked at Ford in advance engineering. We became friends and eventually partners building Lynx cars. We decided that to be able to afford to go racing, we would need to sell the car to other enthusiasts. John used his experience working with ad agencies in Detroit to create the Lynx brochures. We ran an ad in Road and Track Magazine offering Formula Vee kits. To our complete surprise, we got as many as 10 inquiries a day! Later, we moved to a small building where we fabricated, assembled, and sold FVs, and SFVs ready to race. Also purchased a dynamometer where we developed and sold engines for our cars. We probably sold about 50 cars.
“Because I was very busy designing other race cars, I did not have proper time to spend at Lynx, so I sold my interest to John. Later, Ford Motor Company bought the name Lynx from John. Thus ended the Lynx formula cars.” – Bob Riley
NEW SAFEisFAST VIDEO: HANDLING THE MEDIA
Fellow racers, At some point you will have a terrible race and have to face the media. How do you handle this?
In our latest video, one of the most respected journalists in motorsport, RACER’s Marshall Pruett, gives his top tips for drivers when handling media duties.
He is joined by a roster of champion drivers – Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin, Marcus Ericsson, Laurens Vanthoor and Jordan Taylor – who all understand that the modern racer must be as good in front of the camera as they are behind the wheel.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
ZAK BROWN RECEIVES THE IMRRC CAMERON R. ARGETSINGER AWARD
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ZAK BROWN’S OPEN LETTER TO INDYCAR
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, has sent an open letter to IndyCar, laying out his vision of ways to enhance the series’ visibility, marketing, team strengthening and technical advancement. This treatise is both thoughtful and thorough and will provide much grist for the post-season mill. It’s a good read.
ADRIAN NEWEY JOINS ASTON-MARTIN
In a not totally unexpected move, Adrian Newey has signed with Aston-Martin as managing technical partner. His package is reportedly worth £30m a year and includes a shareholder’s position. It’s no wonder that Lawrence Stroll, owner and chairperson of Aston-Martin, opened the coffers to sign the man considered the preeminent designer in motorsports history.
Newey stands with AMR owner Lawrence Stroll, the pair flanked by team drivers Fernando Alonso (L) and Lance Stroll. [AMR image]
It will be yet another clean sheet of paper for the man who already stands at the head of the class of great race car designers – the likes of Colin Chapman, Gordon Murray and John Barnhard.
NOSTALGIA: McCLUGGAGE AT SEBRING, 1961
The 12 Hours of Sebring in 1961 was won by Phil Hill and Oliver Gendebien in a Ferrari 250 TRI/61. As you might expect, a number of RRDC notables did quite well that March 25th over the 5.2 miles of mostly concrete runways, taxiways and hardstand.
Some well-placed members included Richie Ginther 2nd O/A; Bob Holbert and Roger Penske 5th O/A, 1st in S1.6; Jim Hall and George Constantine, 6th O/A, 1st in S2.5; Don Sesslar, 7th O/A, 2nd in S1.6; Ludwig Heimrath, 9th O/A, 3rd in S1.6; and Denise McCluggage, 10th O/A, 1st in GT3.0.
A happy McCluggage [Bernard Cahier image]
SAFEisFAST LEGENDS SERIES: DAVID DONOHUE RECALLS CLOSEST EVER DAYTONA 24 FINISH
Fellow racers, I’m very excited to present to you the second instalment of our RRDC Legends series, where our members share stories from their careers and offer their guidance to young drivers today.
In this video, David Donohue recalls the closest ever Daytona 24 Hours finish in 2009 – when David beat a chasing Juan Pablo Montoya by just 0.167 seconds, emulating his father’s iconic victory 40 years prior.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
RAOUL “SONNY” BALCAEN: 1936-2024
Raoul “Sonny” Balcaen III passed away unexpectedly after a short illness. He was 88. Raoul belonged to a generation of young men and women who made Southern California the epicenter of American and global car culture. In the 1950s,
Raoul was a pioneer hot rodder and drag racer. As a teenager, he successfully competed with his homebuilt Top Fuel dragster, “Bantamweight Bomb.” Later in the decade he was hired by a young Jim Hall to build a Lister-Chevrolet, a race-winning precursor to Hall’s Chaparrals and Carroll Shelby’s Cobras. That prompted Lance Reventlow, the racer son of Woolworth five-and-dime-store heiress Barbara Hutton, to recruit Raoul to help develop the California-made Scarabs that dominated American road racing in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s; Raoul was in the Scarab dyno room when the engine for the first all-American Formula 1 car was fired up the first time. Raoul then did a number of consulting projects for Shelby, including serving as occasional Shelby-American pilot.
In the ‘60s, he started IECO (Induction Engineering Company), a high-performance parts business specializing in Chevrolet Corvairs and Vegas. The firm succeeded mainly due to Balcaen’s mechanical genius, garnering several patents, and business acumen; in his “spare time” he’d earned an MBA from UCLA. After 20 years he sold IECO and, feeling too young to fully retire, returned to consulting. An early project got him involved with Margie & Robert Petersen in the beginning days of what would become the now world-famous automotive museum.
He also immersed himself in the local food and wine scene, becoming a student of oenology and longtime member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. This led to his involvement in the early years of Vintage House, a wine importer and distributor later renamed the Henry Wine Group.
In recent decades, Raoul enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling and becoming an economist. He also worked for various local charities and most recently was a trustee, fundraiser and goodwill ambassador for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. It is largely due to Raoul’s efforts the Hall was able build its beautiful museum on the grounds of Daytona International Speedway that attracts 150,000 visitors a year. A member of the prestigious Road Racing Drivers Club, in 2022, he published his autobiography: Raoul ‘Sonny’ Balcaen: My exciting true-life story in motor racing from top-fuel drag racing pioneer to Jim Hall, Reventlow Scarab, Carroll Shelby and beyond.
From gearhead to gourmand, Raoul was a renaissance man of many passions and will be dearly missed by his wife Franziska, sister Barbara, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (mshf.com) or your favorite charity. A private celebration of life will be held in September.
Copy published by Los Angeles Times on Aug. 13, 2024.
DAVID HOBBS GRAND MARSHAL FOR 5TH CHATTANOOGA MOTORCAR FESTIVAL
David Hobbs, the 1971 Formula 5000 and 1983 SCCA Trans-Am champion, has been named Grand Marshal of the 2024 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, presented by DeFoor Brothers and hosted by Fifty Plus Foundation Inc.
The fifth annual event, which supports the NeuroScience Innovation Foundation, will be held in and around Chattanooga’s West Village, on October 11-13, 2024.
Hobbs becomes the fifth Grand Marshal since the Festival was established in 2019, following Brian Redman, Corky Coker, Lyn St. James and Luigi Chinetti Jr., respectively.
Nine-time sports-car racing champion Redman returns again this year as Grand Ambassador. Coker, a local businessman and car collector, St. James, the 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, and Chinetti Jr., race-car driver, designer and son of famed Ferrari driver and importer Luigi Chinetti, will be recognized as Grand Marshal Emeriti.
Hobbs is one of auto racing’s most remarkable all-rounders. In a 31-year driving career he raced in almost every imaginable category: endurance sports racers, touring cars, Formula 1, Formula 5000, IndyCars, IMSA, Trans-Am, Can-Am and even NASCAR. On top of that, he has been a television commentator in America for nearly 40 years.
He’s the author of his autobiography, “HOBBO: MOTOR RACER MOTOR MOUTH,” published by Evro Publishing, and set a British closed-course speed record of 167.5 mph driving the then-secret Jaguar XJ13 in 1967 – a record that lasted for 19 years.
“We at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival are honored to have David Hobbs as Grand Marshal of our fifth annual Festival,” said Byron DeFoor, founder of the event. “His history in the sport and TV industry is unsurpassed. Not only was he a champion race-car driver, his humor and wit on air and in speaking engagements are legendary. He’s a great addition to this year’s Festival.”
“It’s a great honor to be invited to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Chattanooga Motorcar Festival,” said Hobbs. “I’ve had the pleasure of attending previous events and have found the city to be dynamic and beautiful. Byron DeFoor has put together an event that rivals any major Concours in the world.”
DDeFoor added: “We’re also privileged to have Brian Redman continue to support the Festival. He’s been an integral part of the operation since the beginning, and his input is invaluable. And what can I say about Corky Coker, Lyn St. James and Luigi Chinetti Jr.? Corky is our local hero, Lyn has been a strong supporter of the Festival, and Luigi Jr. is a Ferrari icon. We acknowledge all their achievements, and we welcome them back to this year’s Festival with gratitude.”
LEIGH DIFFEY LEADS THE PARIS OLYMPICS TRACK TELECAST FOR NBC
Leigh Diffey, veteran motorsports play-by-play announcer, led the NBC telecast coverage of the track and field competition for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. It’s less well known among motor racing aficionados, but this is Diffey’s sixth Olympiad engagement, both Summer and Winter.
He did have one hiccup on the virtually dead heat finish in the 100m Gold Medal dash, calling Kishane Thompson the winner when American Noah Lyles late lunge gave him the victory by nanoseconds. Our man was gracious in admitting the error: “My eyes [and] instinct told me Kishane Thompson won. Obviously, that wasn’t the case. I shouldn’t have been so bold to call it, but I genuinely thought he won. I got it wrong.”
You gotta cut Leigh some slack, Track athletes don’t have transponders.
LYN ST. JAMES NEWEST LAGUNA LEGEND
Lyn St. James has been named a Legend as part of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Legends Club VIP Experience. Bob Vasha introduced St. James at a gathering July 31. Read the story at Racer.com.
Lyn St. James gets a laugh out of Bob Varsha at Legends announcement. {Laguna Seca image}
SAFEisFAST – TEAMMATE HAS BETTER MACHINERY?
Fellow racers, have you ever suspected that your teammate might have a slightly better engine or chassis than you?
While it’s rarely the intention of the team to slow you down, having unequal machinery is something that can happen and should be addressed so you can bring your best to the track.
In our latest video, our guest editor – former Formula 1 driver and two-time Le Mans 24 Hour winner Alex Wurz – and our professional drivers – Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, Paul di Resta, Felipe Nasr, Scott McLaughlin and Jordan Taylor – help you identify the signs of having unequal machinery and what to do about it.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
NOTE: be sure to check out the six other tutorials on Career Management at SAFEisFAST.com.
SAFEisFAST INTRODUCES NEW LEGENDS SERIES
BOBBY RAHAL ON WINNING THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
Fellow racers, while we largely welcome the advice of current drivers, we also want to give you the input of some of the RRDC’s long-standing members.
With that, I’m excited to present to you our new RRDC Legends series, where our members share stories from their careers and offer their guidance for today’s young drivers.
In this first video, I recall my 1986 Indianapolis 500 victory, my relationship with Jim Trueman and how I overcame the urge to quit racing despite the ups and downs of my career.
Bobby Rahal
SAFEisFAST.com
JIM HALL TELLS HIS STORY
“TEXAS LEGEND: Jim Hall and his Chaparrals,” by George Levy, with Jim Hall, is now available. Jim Hall tells his entire story – his life and his cars – for the first time to award-winning author George Levy in this authorized biography.
One of the greatest drivers of his generation, Jim Hall is even better known as an innovator. From tiny Chaparral Cars in Midland, Texas, emerged a series of vehicles that changed the face of racing. His high-winged Chaparral 2E Can-Am car and 2F World Sportscar Championship contender may be the most influential race vehicles of the 20th century. Today, every Formula 1 car uses net downforce, driver-adjustable wings, composite chassis, side-mounted radiators, semi-automatic gearboxes and advanced telemetry to optimize vehicle performance — all things Chaparral pioneered in the mid-1960s.
He talks about his relationship with Chevrolet, his partnership with Hap Sharp, and his battles with sanctioning body bureaucracies.
Key Topics:
First-ever book in which Hall tells his own story.- The massive influence of his introduction of net downforce to racing, which is now incorporated into the design of every major type of four-wheel competition vehicle.
- How Hall shocked the world with innovative designs that won in every series in which they competed, including Can-Am, Trans-Am, the World Sportscar Championship, Formula 5000, United States Road Racing Championship, Canadian Sports Car Championship and the Indianapolis 500.
- How Jim and John Barnard created the Chaparral 2K “Yellow Submarine” that won the Indianapolis 500 and USAC national championship, setting the template for the modern Indy car.
- The massive resistance Jim faced from teams and sanctioning bodies intent on outlawing his legal but game-changing innovations.
- The connection to Chevrolet and the crucial role Chaparral Cars played in the defense of GM during the Corvair trials of the mid-1960s.
- How Hall became a national celebrity, with Newsweekand Sports Illustrated covers, Coca-Cola commercials, and millions of “Jim Hall Authorized” slot cars and model kits.
- Text based on the author’s extensive interviews with over 100 racing standouts, including Jim and Sandy Hall, Roger Penske, Jackie Stewart, Dan Gurney, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Phil Hill, Al and Bobby Unser, Bernie Ecclestone, Johnny Rutherford, Gordon Murray, Adrian Newey, Gil de Ferran, Mario Andretti, Bob Lutz and Tony Southgate.
- Big, beautiful and packed with facts and anecdotes, the book is lavishly illustrated with period photographs by many of the world’s best motorsports photographers, including Pete Biro, Bernard Cahier, Hal Crocker, Dave Friedman, Pete Lyons, Dan Boyd, Lionel Birnbom and Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Jackson.
About the Author:
After a distinguished career as a motorsports author, speaker and historian, George Levy is now President of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, based at Daytona Beach, Florida, which honored Jim Hall as an inductee in 1994. He began his journalism career in 1980 at Autoweek, where he rose to editor at 27. He has also contributed to RACER, Car and Driver and Vintage Motorsport. Latterly he has turned to writing books and is best known for Can-Am 50th Anniversary: Flat Out with North America’s Greatest Race Series (2016), which earned a Gold Medal in the 2017 International Automotive Media Competition, and F1 Mavericks: The Men and Machines that Revolutionized Formula 1 Racing (2019). He lives in Ormond Beach, Florida.
RRDC AT SARATOGA AUTO MUSEUM ANNUAL GALA
RRDC member Derek Hill will join Pam Yates, renowned Ferrari expert Joe Colasacco and Luigi Chinetti, Jr., son of the legendary U.S. Ferrari importer and NART founder in a panel 
discussion at the Saratoga Auto Museum’s Annual Gala featuring the iconic Ferrari marque on July 26.
Hill is the son of Phil Hill who became the first American F1 World Champion driving for Ferrari in 1961. Yates, executive producer of Michael Mann’s movie “Ferrari”, will be signing copies of late-husband Brock Yates’ seminal book, “Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine” on which the Mann film is based. Hill plays the part of Jean Behra in “Ferrari”.
PARNELLI JONES: 1933-2024
Our sport has lost one of the greatest talents ever to sit behind the wheel of a racing car and one of the kindest and most humble of individuals. Rufus “Parnelli” Jones passed away peacefully Tuesday at the Torrance (CA) Medical Center at the age of 90 after years of suffering from Parkinson’s disease. His wife and family were by his side.
Race fan or not, most people hearing the name Parnelli immediately know who is being mentioned. As such, his lifetime of achievements is today chronicled in major news outlets around the nation and the world: CBS Sports, the New York Times, the Indianapolis Star, Autoweek, Autosport and IndyCar.com. Perhaps the most personal and touching is David Malsher-Lopez’s remembrance on Racer.com.
Parnelli with car owner J.C. Agajanian in the 1963 Indy 500 winning #98 Watson=Offenhauser
Parnelli has been an honoree at the RRDC annual banquet at Long Beach and is a legacy member of the club. His passing leaves a void in so many hearts and lives. Our sincere condolences to his wife Judy, sons P.J. and Page and six grandchildren.
RRDC President Bobby Rahal issued this statement: “All of us at the Road Racing Drivers Club mourn the passing of Parnelli Jones, an American racing icon. His successes and reputation as a hard-driving racer are legendary. He made his mark in a number of racing series, competing and winning against the best in the world. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered for his talent and determination.”
MORE TRIBUTES
Parnelli Jones was one of the most accomplished racers in history, and his determination and will to win made him one of the toughest competitors I have ever seen. From racing against him on track to competing against him as a fellow team owner, I always respected Parnelli’s passion and commitment to the sport he loved. I was proud to call Parnelli a good friend for many years, and our thoughts are with his family as we remember one of the true legends of motorsports. – Roger Penske
NUMBER 20 FOR THE CAPTAIN
Josef Newgarden nipped past Pato O’Ward starting the white flag lap and held off the Arrow-McLaren driver to win the 108th Indianapolis 500, his second consecu8tive victory in the Memorial Day classic and the record-extending 20th win for Team Penske. Owner and chairman of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Roger Penske launched the 500 with the iconic “Drivers start your engines!” and then had the proverbial last word when Newgarden took the checkered flag some three hours later.
DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK’S ONLINE AUCTION
In support of Dementia Action Week, the organization has launched an online Silent Auction which includes VIP Paddock passes to 2025 Monaco GP, plus a number of other sought-after experiences and signed memorabilia from Sir Jackie Stewart, Michael Schumacher, Charles LeClerc, George Russell, Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt and many more sports stars. Stewart founded The Race has been instrumental in championing this cause – The Race Against Dementia.
Please feel free to share this with friends and family. The bidding closes Oct. 24, 2024. Here’s the link to the auction site.
BRUMOS COLLECTION PRESENTS AN EXCLUSIVE EVENING WITH BRIAN REDMAN
Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, McLaren, BMW and Aston Martin – racing champion Brian Redman lent his talents to many of the greats and built an impressive track record, with dozens of victories at legendary circuits like the Nürburgring, Sebring, Daytona, Spa and Targa Florio. Now, Brian joins us for an exclusive celebration of his storied career. The evening will open with a cocktail reception with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a conversation with Brian moderated by Bill Warner, and the unveiling of our newest car.
Tickets for this event are extremely limited. Attire: sports coats recommended. The Brumos Collection is located at 5159 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL
