WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 18, 2023) – Richard Childress was honored with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for outstanding contributions to motorsports by the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, New York on Friday.
The Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports honors a person in the motorsports industry who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport. The honoree brings prestige to motorsports and demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Past honorees include Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske and Mario Andretti.
Childress’ history in the motorsports industry spans over 50-years. He began his career selling peanuts and popcorn at his local hometown track, Bowman Gray Stadium, before becoming a successful driver and team owner.
As a car owner, Childress has earned more than 200 victories in NASCAR’s top-three national series, 16 championships, three Daytona 500 championships and three Brickyard 400 championships. Notably, six of Childress’ championships were earned with his best friend, Dale Earnhardt, over a dominating eight-year span (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994).
Beyond the racetrack, Childress is a businessman, philanthropist and conservationist – he loves wine, the outdoors and investing in America’s youth. He counts his family as one of his proudest accomplishments. Grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon were on hand at the IMRCC awards ceremony to help honor Childress on Friday.
The IMRCC’s Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports was established in 2014. The award memorializes Argetsinger, who is often referred to as the father of American road racing and is credited with helping to establish Watkins Glen International.
“Richard is a legendary figure in NASCAR history, someone whose leadership has elevated motorsports for the benefit and enjoyment of fans everywhere,” said IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald.
Childress and his race teams will attempt to add to their motorsports accolades this weekend for the NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen International.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Shriners Children’s 200 at The Glen will be televised live Saturday, August 19, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and the NBC Sports App. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
The Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International will be televised live on Sunday, August 20 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network and the NBC Sports App. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
