[Racer Duck]

AARWBA Dinner to Draw Champions, Winners, Headliners


INDIANAPOLIS -- Dario Franchitti, Emerson Fittipaldi and Carl Haas are among the headliners confirmed to attend the Jan. 12 American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America Team dinner presented by A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.

The 38th annual ceremony will be at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. AARWBA is the country's oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals. The All-America Team, voted on by AARWBA media members, includes drivers from open wheel, drag racing, stock car, road racing, short track, touring and at-large categories.

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement and presentation of the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy. The Titus goes to the Team driver who received the most votes.

In addition to Indy 500 winner/IndyCar Series champion Franchitti, other Team drivers set to attend include: NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher (last year's Titus winner); NHRA Funny Car champ Tony Pedregon; Rolex Series co-titlists Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty; Rolex runner-up Scott Pruett; ALMS GT2 co-champions Mika Salo and Jamie Melo; and Indy Pro Series champ Alex Lloyd.

Fittipaldi, the legendary Indy, Formula One and Champ Car champion, will be the evening's featured speaker. Fittipaldi is an ambassador for the A1GP series and seat holder for A1GP Team Brazil. A1GP, the ceremony's new presenting sponsor, also will be represented by Chief Commercial Officer Scott Hollingsworth.

Haas, Champ Car championship team owner the last four years, will accept AARWBA's Pioneer In Racing Award.

Media will hear several announcements at the inaugural Shav Glick Newsmakers Forum, which will begin the evening's activities. The Forum will be followed by a reception, co-hosted by ESPN, MAZDASPEED, Budweiser and Edelman Motorsports. Numerous racing executives and VIPs also will be in the audience.

Other highlights will be presentation of the Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations, and the Dusty Brandel President's Award. AARWBA will offer its tribute to Bill France Jr., Wally Parks and Shav Glick. Popular broadcaster Bob Jenkins will serve as dinner Master of Ceremonies for the third consecutive year.

The event is open to the public and tickets can be ordered at the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association site. Click on the "banquet" link and payment can be made using PayPal.


-credit: aarwba