JIM FRANCE AND DON PANOZ WILL BE HONORED DURING 2014 MSHFA INDUCTION CEREMONY IN DETROIT
DETROIT (July 9, 2014) – Two motorsport icons instrumental in the preservation and expansion of road racing in North America will be honored during the 26th Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s (MSHFA) Induction Ceremony on Aug. 6 at The Fillmore Detroit.
Jim France and Don PanozJim France and Don Panoz will receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award in recognition of their long-term support of sports car racing in North America and their effort to bring about the landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing (GRAND-AM) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). On Sept. 5, 2012 it was announced the two series would merge to form the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship for the 2014 season with the unified series sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
The award, named in honor of the long-time motorsports journalist and historian, is presented at the recommendation of the MSHFA Board of Directors in recognition of the recipient’s contributions to motorsports throughout their career.
“To recognize two sports car racing icons with the Bob Russo Heritage Award is a tremendous honor,” said Ron Watson, president of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. “Their names are synonymous with sports car racing in North America. Through GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series they established a firm foundation and have assured the future with the merger into the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.”
France launched the Grand American Road Racing Association as the sanctioning body for various forms of road racing in North America. The announcement was made in 1999 with the first race in 2000. It served as the governing entity for five series including the Rolex Sports Car Series and its premier event, the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Panoz founded the American Le Mans Series with the objective of bringing European-style endurance sports car racing to North America. A partnership with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) allowed ALMS teams to earn automatic entries in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The announcement was made in 1998 and got its official start with the 1999 season.
Both France and Panoz serve on the board for IMSA.
The 2014 class that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 6 include Ole Bardahl, Raymond Beadle, John Bishop, Ricky Graham, Arie Luyendyk, Marshall Teague and Rusty Wallace.
In January, it was announced that the Hall of Fame will be relocating to the grounds of Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing, by 2016.
Tickets for the induction ceremony can be purchased by calling 1-248-349-RACE (7223).
The Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame is operated by the Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame of America Foundation Inc.