Yunick to be Awarded: Prolong Super Lubricants, Inc. announced that Henry “Smokey” Yunick, the leading innovator in motorsports engineering, will be posthumously presented Prolong’s “Racing Angel” award for 2002 in conjunction with the 12th annual International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction in Talladega, Ala., on April 17th. The “Racing Angel” award identifies and acknowledges individuals exemplifying extraordinary achievements, determination and charitable goodwill within the motorsports community. The award will be presented by Linda Vaughn, the first lady of motorsports, who also is a Hall of Fame inductee and a tireless motorsports goodwill ambassador. Mr. Yunick from Daytona Beach, Florida, was well known for Smokey’s, “The Best Damn Garage in Town.” It most certainly was, as he fielded stock cars that won eight victories in 61 starts as an owner and more than 50 winners as a crew chief, chief mechanic or engine builder. In 1960, Mr. Yunick was crew chief for Jim Rathmann, the winner of the Indianapolis 500. Prolong’s “Racing Angel” award, conceived by Linda Vaughn, was previously given to T. Wayne Robertson, the sports marketing legend, and Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR. Noted motorsports sculptor Ivan Fuller created the striking bronze sculpture depicting a racing angel, which is on permanent display at the Motorsports Hall of Fame museum in Talladega (a great place to visit by the way).(Business Wire)(4-17-2002)
