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AARWBA Titus Trophy to Schumacher:

January 13, 2009 at 12:00 AM
  • Tony Schumacher, whose record-setting NHRA drag racing season was capped with a fifth consecutive Top Fuel championship, was announced as winner of the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy at Saturday nights 39th annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team [AARWBA] ceremony, presented by A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. In the closest margin in over a quarter-century, Schumacher edged NASCAR Sprint Cup titlist Jimmie Johnson by one vote. Shirley Muldowney received one vote more than Bobby Allison in 1982. The Titus Trophy is awarded to the driver who receives the most All-America Team votes. It is named in memory of the late journalist and racer, who was an AARWBA member. It is the highest honor offered by AARWBA, the countrys oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals. AARWBA members annually elect drivers to the Team from seven categories: Stock car, open-wheel, drag racing, road racing, short track, touring series and at-large. Other Team drivers to earn Horsepower Trophies were: Cruz Pedregon (drag racing); Johnson and Carl Edwards (stock car); Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves (open wheel); Scott Pruett/Memo Rojas and David Brabham/Scott Sharp (road racing); Johnny Benson and Justin Allgaier (touring series); Jerry Coons Jr. and Donny Schatz (short track); Jorg Bergmeister/Wolf Henzler and Raphael Matos (at-large).
    Several special awards were presented:
    Pioneer In Racing Award: Dave McClelland, the legendary NHRA announcer and broadcaster, was honored for longtime dedication and achievement that has made a difference in the sport. The Pioneer is one of AARWBAs oldest and most prestigious awards and this was the first time it was presented to someone in the media. McClelland was the evenings Master of Ceremonies. Co-Chairperson Susan Wade made the introduction and presentation.
    Jim Chapman Award: Judy Stropus received the honor for excellence in motorsports public relations. It is named in memory of Chapman, the late legendary PR executive, who was Babe Ruths PR rep and director of racing for CART series sponsor PPG Industries. Stropus, representing Don Schumacher Racing, was chosen by a blue-ribbon committee of journalists, all of whom knew Chapman. The plaque was presented by ceremony Co-Chairman Michael Knight and AARWBA Southern Vice President Mike Harris, both close friends of Chapman.
    Appreciation Awards: Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Porsche were recognized by President Dusty Brandel for their longtime support of the organization. All were represented at the ceremony.
    Gorsline Scholarship: The 16th annual scholarship, given by John Gorsline of The Gorsline Co., went to Star Mazda series runner-up Joel Miller. The prize is awarded to an up-and-coming driver who displays the attributes of a future champion. Four-time SCCA Trans-Am champion and 1997 Titus winner Tommy Kendall made the presentation.(AARWBA PR)(1-13-2009)