WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (July 12, 2021) – The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) will honor Lyn St. James with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports on Sept. 11, 2021. After a hiatus in 2020, the ceremony returns to a new location at the Jack Daniel’s Club at Watkins Glen International during the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend. Motorsports broadcast journalist Bob Varsha will be emceeing the ceremony.
“Lyn embodies the spirit of the Argetsinger award, which recognizes individuals who have advanced and improved the sport,” said John Saunders, chairman of the Governing Council of the IMRRC. “We’re thrilled to celebrate her achievements this September.”
A pioneer for women in motor racing, St. James racked up numerous firsts and records for speed over the course of her 20 years as a professional driver. Among those, she is the first female recipient of the “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year” award presented in honor of her spectacular debut in 1992, the first of seven starts in the series. With a victory in the Serengeti 500 race at Watkins Glen in 1985, she remains the only woman to win an IMSA GT race as a solo driver.
Equally recognized for her many contributions off the track, St. James received numerous awards for distinguished service to racing, driver education, and as an advocate for women’s participation in sports. In 1994, she founded the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation to provide support, training and scholarships to women in automotive fields. St. James is also an author, sports commentator, and motivational speaker.
“The IMRRC does great work in preserving and honoring the history of motorsports, and it’s a privilege to host the Argetsinger Award ceremony at Watkins Glen this fall,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “Lyn’s influence in the sport is unmatched and we’re honored to help celebrate her.”
Tickets are now on sale and all proceeds benefit the IMRRC. Celebrate Lyn’s distinguished career in racing by joining us for live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar. Sahlen’s is the presenting sponsor of the event, with additional support from IMRRC Governing Council Members Greg Galdi, Larry Kessler, Robert M. Newman Jr., and Archie Urciuoli as well as Glenora Wine Cellars, Gorsline Company, Hilliard Corp., SCCA Inc. and Foundation, SVRA, Watkins Glen International, and Welliver. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
About the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC)
Located in one of the premier racing towns in America, the IMRRC’s collection spans continents, eras, and race series, embodying the speed, drama and camaraderie of amateur and professional motor racing throughout the world. The Center welcomes serious researchers and casual fans alike to share stories of race drivers, race series, and race cars captured on its shelves and walls and brought to life through exhibitions and special events. The IMRRC is free and open to the public, no appointment necessary, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More at racingarchives.org.