Linda Vaughn wins Jim Chapman Award: Linda Vaughn, who as Miss Hurst Golden Shifter and "The First Lady of Auto Racing" became one of the sport's greatest world-wide ambassadors, was announced as the first recipient of an honorary Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations. The Chapman Award, established in 1991, is considered by many in the industry as the highest honor in racing public relations. It is named in memory of Chapman, the legendary PR executive and innovator, who worked with Babe Ruth, Dan Gurney, Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti, Bill France Sr. and Avis Rent-a-Car founder Warren Avis among many others. Chapman, named Indy Car racing's "most influential man" of the 1980s, died in 1996 at age 80. The announcement was made at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association breakfast meeting. Michael Knight, chairman of the selection committee and one of Chapman's closest friends, made the presentation. This first-ever honorary Chapman Award is the result of several suggestions and endorsement of the Chapman family and approval of members of the national media selection committee. Vaughn has earned PR awards from NHRA and SEMA and is in several Halls of Fame. Established in 1991 by media and publicists within the CART series, the Chapman Award originally focused on achievement in CART. After a hiatus of several years, the award was resumed in 2004, with eligibility expanded to anyone working in racing PR.(SpinDoctor500)(5-24-2015)
