Sat, 1 Sep 2007, 07:16 PM Funny Car Driver to Get Mears 'Good Guy' Award

Courtesy of Judy Stropus Photo copyright 2007 NHRA

BURBANK, Calif. --

Gary Scelzi

Gary Scelzi has long been one of NHRA's most media-friendly drivers and the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association will recognize him as such by presenting him with the Rick Mears "Good Guy" Award.

AARWBA, the country's oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals, offers this honor on an occasional basis to racers in appreciation of their long-time cooperation with journalists. The list of previous recipients includes Mears, Richard Petty and Mario Andretti. The most recent honoree was Rusty Wallace in 2005.

Scelzi and Kenny Bernstein are the only two drivers to win NHRA championships in two classes. Scelzi was the best in Top Fuel in 1997, '98 and 2000. In 2005, he won the closest Funny Car chase in series history. He drives the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger for Don Schumacher Racing and has announced he's going on a "sabbatical" after this season.

The presentation, by AARWBA President Dusty Brandel, is expected to take place the weekend of the Auto Club Finals at Pomona, Nov. 1-4.

AARWBA's 38th All-America Team ceremony, honoring 2007's top drivers from all forms of motorsports, will be Saturday, January 12 at the Indianapolis Hyatt. The dinner is open to the public. Information on individual tickets, tables of 10, and souvenir program book advertising is available at the http://www.aarwba.org website or from President Dusty Brandel, 818-842-7005, aarwba@compuserve.com.

NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Feb 13- NHRA and FOX Sports Announce TV Schedule for NHRA's 75th Anniversary Season
Feb 12- 75th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Feb 10- Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund Part of $27 Million Overall Purse
Feb 08- NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Releases 2026 Schedule
Feb 07- Huge List of Legends Set to Appear at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Feb 05- NHRA and Legends Global Extend Merchandise Partnership Ahead of 75th Anniversary Season
Feb 04- Doug Foley Announces Addition of Ron Douglas as Consultant to Foley Lewis Racing Top Fuel Team
Feb 04- Tickets Now on Sale for NHRA's Debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and Rockingham Dragway
Feb 04- Reed, Zetterström to Share Driving Duties of Reed Trucking & Excavating Top Fuel Dragster
Jan 29- NHRA to Honor Iconic John Force in 2027 with "50 Years Of Force"