2011 TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence Announced
Winners Picked Among Record-Setting Number of Entries
CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 24, 2012) – TaxSlayer.com and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced today the winners of the 27th Annual TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway. This year marked the most competitive contest to date, as a record-setting 200 entries were submitted.
The 2011 honorees were Don Coble (Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union), David Caraviello (NASCAR.com), Alan Cavanna (WSOC), Justin Burnett (SPEED) and Will Lester (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin) for outstanding motorsports coverage in 2011. To view the winning entries, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/catlinaward/2012winners.
The TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence recognize the best motorsports coverage in five categories: Daily and Other Writing, Local and National Broadcast and Photojournalism. Entries are open to all forms of motorsports coverage, and no affiliation or membership is required for participation.
“It’s an honor for TaxSlayer.com to recognize the best in motorsports journalism,” said Daniel Eubanks, Director of Motorsports for TaxSlayer.com. “We’re thrilled to distinguish the journalists who stood out among their peers. We’re also excited to contribute a scholarship in each winner’s name to help perpetuate journalism excellence for years to come.
”As in years past, the Indiana University School of Journalism judged the award entries. The recipients were honored at a ceremony held in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Winners received a trophy and $1,000 scholarship from TaxSlayer.com in their names to the school of their choice. Their names were also added to a perpetual trophy housed at Charlotte Motor Speedway that lists all past winners.
“It was an especially exciting year for the Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence,” said Scott Cooper, vice president of communications for Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We received 200 entries from journalists covering drag racing, dirt racing and several forms of stock car racing. It was certainly representative of the best in motorsports coverage. We’re excited to honor the winners and keep up the tradition of awarding top-notch journalism.”
Since 1985, the award has been among the most coveted in motorsports journalism. The 2011 TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence winners are as follows:
Writing – Daily
Don Coble – Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union
Entry: “Moment of Impact”
Judges’ Comments: Of all the death-of-Dale-Earnhardt stories, this one took the most courage to report. Using an unusual angle in covering this tragic anniversary, the writer captures the universal theme of guilt as experienced by survivors/those left behind. Thanks to seamless storytelling, readers have the opportunity to walk in Sterling Martin’s shoes, to relive the accident as if they were on the track themselves.
Scholarship: Edward Waters College; Jacksonville, FL
Writing – Other
David Caraviello – NASCAR.com
Entry: “The Road to Relevance”
Judges’ Comments: This in-depth, behind-the-scenes piece about a NASCAR underdog provides an unvarnished look at the racing world. Without the exceptional narrative writing skills of this reporter, the story would not have been effective. However, the story’s strengths are two-fold: an interesting and relatable main character, plus a narrative structure that reveals the writer invested great time and energy in research, observation and interviews.
Scholarship: University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC
Broadcast – Local
Alan Cavanna – WSOC, Charlotte, NC
Entry: “NASCAR in the Classroom”
Judges’ Comments: This story stood out because it appeals to a broader audience, thereby making racing more accessible. The reporter shows the complexity of racing by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the science and math engineering involved in the sport. Local viewers can see real-life application of concepts learned in academic classes by students who will be racing’s future, a unique approach to covering the sport.
Scholarship: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Broadcast – National
Justin Burnett – SPEED
Entry: “Veterans Day Feature”
Judges’ Comments: A timely feature that demonstrates racing’s contributions beyond the track, this story’s effectiveness lies in its use of multiple sources and themes. It addresses a serious social issue with an updated approach and shows how racing can benefit society. This story meets all technical requirements while telling an inspiring story.
Scholarship: Nash High School; Bailey, NC
Photojournalism
Will Lester – Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Entry: “Blown Up”
Judges’ Comments: Captures action not commonly seen in such photos. Excellent framing creates a sense of suspense and relates a story. Photo has “stopping power” -- causes a person to pause and examine the details.
Scholarship: California State University, Fullerton; Photocommunications Dept.
TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence Past Winners
The 2011 honorees were Don Coble (Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union), David Caraviello (NASCAR.com), Alan Cavanna (WSOC), Justin Burnett (SPEED) and Will Lester (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin) for outstanding motorsports coverage in 2011. To view the winning entries, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/catlinaward/2012winners.
The TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence recognize the best motorsports coverage in five categories: Daily and Other Writing, Local and National Broadcast and Photojournalism. Entries are open to all forms of motorsports coverage, and no affiliation or membership is required for participation.
“It’s an honor for TaxSlayer.com to recognize the best in motorsports journalism,” said Daniel Eubanks, Director of Motorsports for TaxSlayer.com. “We’re thrilled to distinguish the journalists who stood out among their peers. We’re also excited to contribute a scholarship in each winner’s name to help perpetuate journalism excellence for years to come.
”As in years past, the Indiana University School of Journalism judged the award entries. The recipients were honored at a ceremony held in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Winners received a trophy and $1,000 scholarship from TaxSlayer.com in their names to the school of their choice. Their names were also added to a perpetual trophy housed at Charlotte Motor Speedway that lists all past winners.
“It was an especially exciting year for the Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence,” said Scott Cooper, vice president of communications for Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We received 200 entries from journalists covering drag racing, dirt racing and several forms of stock car racing. It was certainly representative of the best in motorsports coverage. We’re excited to honor the winners and keep up the tradition of awarding top-notch journalism.”
Since 1985, the award has been among the most coveted in motorsports journalism. The 2011 TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence winners are as follows:
Writing – Daily
Don Coble – Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union
Entry: “Moment of Impact”
Judges’ Comments: Of all the death-of-Dale-Earnhardt stories, this one took the most courage to report. Using an unusual angle in covering this tragic anniversary, the writer captures the universal theme of guilt as experienced by survivors/those left behind. Thanks to seamless storytelling, readers have the opportunity to walk in Sterling Martin’s shoes, to relive the accident as if they were on the track themselves.
Scholarship: Edward Waters College; Jacksonville, FL
Writing – Other
David Caraviello – NASCAR.com
Entry: “The Road to Relevance”
Judges’ Comments: This in-depth, behind-the-scenes piece about a NASCAR underdog provides an unvarnished look at the racing world. Without the exceptional narrative writing skills of this reporter, the story would not have been effective. However, the story’s strengths are two-fold: an interesting and relatable main character, plus a narrative structure that reveals the writer invested great time and energy in research, observation and interviews.
Scholarship: University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC
Broadcast – Local
Alan Cavanna – WSOC, Charlotte, NC
Entry: “NASCAR in the Classroom”
Judges’ Comments: This story stood out because it appeals to a broader audience, thereby making racing more accessible. The reporter shows the complexity of racing by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the science and math engineering involved in the sport. Local viewers can see real-life application of concepts learned in academic classes by students who will be racing’s future, a unique approach to covering the sport.
Scholarship: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Broadcast – National
Justin Burnett – SPEED
Entry: “Veterans Day Feature”
Judges’ Comments: A timely feature that demonstrates racing’s contributions beyond the track, this story’s effectiveness lies in its use of multiple sources and themes. It addresses a serious social issue with an updated approach and shows how racing can benefit society. This story meets all technical requirements while telling an inspiring story.
Scholarship: Nash High School; Bailey, NC
Photojournalism
Will Lester – Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Entry: “Blown Up”
Judges’ Comments: Captures action not commonly seen in such photos. Excellent framing creates a sense of suspense and relates a story. Photo has “stopping power” -- causes a person to pause and examine the details.
Scholarship: California State University, Fullerton; Photocommunications Dept.
TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence Past Winners
| 1985 | ||
| Clyde Bolton | Birmingham News | |
| Electronic | Ken Squier | CBS Sports |
| 1986 | ||
| Sandra McKee | The Baltimore Sun | |
| Electronic | Mark Allen | Sunbelt Video |
| 1987 | ||
| Bruce Martin | Gaston Gazette | |
| Electronic | Bob Hice | WBTV |
| 1988 | ||
| Ed Hinton | The Atlanta Journal | |
| Electronic | Randy Pemberton | Inside Winston Cup Racing |
| 1989 | ||
| Tom Higgins | The Charlotte Observer | |
| Electronic | Mark Allen | Sunbelt Video |
| 1990 | ||
| Deb Williams | Winston Cup Scene | |
| Electronic | Steve Porter | On Pit Road Teleproductions |
| 1991 | ||
| Deb Williams | Winston Cup Scene | |
| Electronic | Bill Weber | Sunbelt Video |
| 1992 | ||
| Joe Siano | The New York Times | |
| Electronic | Randy Pemberton | Inside Winston Cup Racing |
| 1993 | ||
| Cary D'Amato | The Milwaukee Journal | |
| Electronic | Ralph Sheheen | Int'l Communications Group |
| 1994 | ||
| Rob Sneddon | Stock Car Racing | |
| Electronic | Scott Dowless | Inside Winston Cup Racing |
| 1995 | ||
| Bones Bourcier | Stock Car Racing | |
| Electronic | Randy Pemberton | Inside Winston Cup Racing |
| 1996 | ||
| Print - Daily | Liz Clarke | Dallas Morning News |
| Print - Other | Bones Bourcier | Stock Car Racing |
| Broadcast - National | Pamela Branner | RPM 2Night |
| Broadcast - Local | Sean Pragano | WCYB - TV |
| 1997 | ||
| Print - Daily | Lon Wagner | Virginian-Pilot |
| Print - Other | Bob Zeller | Car and Driver |
| Broadcast - National | Julie Smith | RPM 2Night |
| Broadcast - Local | Charlie Sherman | WMUR |
| Photojournalism | Phil Cavali | NASCAR Winston Cup Scene |
| 1998 | ||
| Print - Daily | Bill Koenig | Indianapolis Star |
| Print - Other | Bob Zeller | Car and Driver |
| Broadcast - National | Kathryn Nixon | RPM 2Night |
| Broadcast - Local | Chuck Howard | WCNC |
| Photojournalism | Phil Cavali | NASCAR Winston Cup Scene |
| 1999 | ||
| Print - Daily | Juliet Macur | Orlando Sentinel |
| Print - Other | Bruce Martin | Circle Track/Stock Car |
| Broadcast - National | Donald Schick | RPM 2Night |
| Broadcast - Local | Chuck Howard | WCNC |
| Photojournalism | Jim Fluharty | NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated |
| 2000 | ||
| Print - Daily | Al Levine | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |
| Print - Other | Bob Judd | Road and Track |
| Broadcast - National | Mike Massaro | Inside NASCAR/TNN |
| Broadcast - Local | John Roberts and Clint Wiles | WBTV |
| Photojournalism | Will Lester | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
| 2001 | ||
| Print - Daily | Godwin Kelly | Daytona Beach News-Journal |
| Print - Other | Mike Hembree | The Sporting News |
| Broadcast - National | Ryan McGee | Totally NASCAR |
| Broadcast - Local | Joe Dodd | Game Day Productions |
| Photojournalism | Bill Anderson | NASCAR Winston Cup Scene |
| 2002 | ||
| Print - Daily | Dave Kallmann | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |
| Print - Other | Mark Ashenfelter | NASCAR Winston Cup Scene |
| Broadcast - National | Chrissy Pellegrino | Totally NASCAR |
| Broadcast - Local | Chuck Howard | WCNC |
| Photojournalism | Phil Cavali | NASCAR Winston Cup Scene |
| 2003 | ||
| Print - Daily | Liz Clarke | The Washington Post |
| Print - Other | Godwin Kelly | Racing Milestones |
| Broadcast - National | Rob Nelson | SPEED ChannelR |
| Broadcast - Local | Chuck Howard | WCNC |
| Photojournalism | Earl Ma | National Speed Sport News |
| 2004 | ||
| Print - Daily | Sandra McKee | The Baltimore Sun |
| Print - Other | Gordon Kirby | Road & Track |
| Broadcast - National | Matt Dillner | Totally NASCAR |
| Broadcast - Local | Jeff Gravley | WRAL-TV |
| Photojournalism | Chuck Yadmark | NASCAR Illustrated |
| 2005 | ||
| Print - Daily | Nate Ryan | Richmond Times-Dispatch |
| Print - Other | Mike Hembree | NASCAR Scene |
| Broadcast - National | Mike Massaro | ESPN Outside the Lines |
| Broadcast - Local | Paul Johnson | WCYB-TV |
| Photojournalism | Phil Rider | Sports Illustrated |
| Last Call Writing | Rea Whiter | NASCAR Scene |
| Last Call Broadcast | Paul Johnson | WCYB-TV |
| 2006 | ||
| Print - Daily | David Poole | The Charlotte Observer |
| Print - Other | Seth Livingstone | USA Today Sports Weekly |
| Broadcast - National | Mike Massaro | ESPN Outside the Lines |
| Broadcast - Local | Heather Williams | WTVC-TV |
| Photojournalism | Will Lester | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
| 2007 | ||
| Writing- Daily | Nate Ryan | USA Today |
| Writing- Other | David Caraviello | NASCAR.com |
| Broadcast - National | Drew Gallagher | ESPN, NASCAR Countdown |
| Broadcast - Local | Blair Miller | WSOC-TV |
| Photojournalism | David Griffin | NASCAR Scene |
| 2008 | ||
| Writing- Daily | Susan Wade | Newark Star-Ledger |
| Writing - Other | Mike Hambree | NASCAR Scene |
| Broadcast - National | Tom Rinaldi | ESPN, ESPN NASCAR Now |
| Broadcast - Local | Kevin Wren | WGHP TV |
| Photojournalism | Will Lester | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
| 2009 | ||
| Writing- Daily | Nate Ryan | USA Today |
| Writing - Other | David Newton | ESPN.com |
| Broadcast - National | Bonnie Larkin | ESPN |
| Broadcast - Local | Brian Tetzler | KWGN - TV |
| Photojournalism | David Moulthrop | Gater News |
| 2010 | ||
| Writing- Daily | Nate Ryan | USA Today |
| Writing - Other | Kris Johnson | NASCAR Illustrated |
| Broadcast - National | Lauren Stowell | ESPN |
| Broadcast - Local | Brian Tetzler | KWGN - TV |
| Photojournalism | Mark Rebilas | US Presswire |
| 2011 | ||
| Writing- Daily | Don Coble | Morris News Service/Florida Times-Union |
| Writing - Other | David Caraviello | NASCAR.com |
| Broadcast - National | Justin Burnett | SPEED |
| Broadcast - Local | Alan Cavanna | WSOC- TV |
| Photojournalism | Will Lester | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
For daily updates on October race activities, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.
2011 TaxSlayer.com Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence Announced
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