USAC's BILLMARVEL GETS AARWBA's "FOUNDERS AWARD" INDIANAPOLIS……..Bill Marvel, USAC’s Benevolent Foundation Chairman and long time official, was honored Saturday by the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) as the 2011 recipient of their prestigious Bob Russo Founders Award. Marvel has been a key figure in the motorsports corporate and media industry for more than 50 years. The award was presented by previous Russo Award recipients Bill York and Michael Knight during the annual AARWBA breakfast meeting at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, site of Sunday’s 100th anniversary Indy 500. Marvel has attended every 500 since 1941. Russo, the late racing journalist/publicist/historian, founded AARWBA in 1955. He died in 1999 at age 71. The Russo Award is presented for “profound interest, tireless efforts and undying dedication to auto racing as exemplified by Russo throughout his lifelong career.” Marvel, a charter member of AARWBA, was unanimously chosen by other members of the Russo Award committee. Marvel’s pioneering and successful accomplishments span almost every non-competitor role in motorsports, including management, public relations, marketing, sales, promotions, writing, editing and announcing. Some of his career highlights: #General Manager at both Pocono International Raceway and Texas World Speedway and key positions at Trenton Speedway, the Houston Astrodome, Winchester Speedway and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. #News Media liaison at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Car team/sponsor PR representative and consultant on the movieWinning, which starred Paul Newman. #Corporate affairs vice president and benevolent foundation executive director for the United States Auto Club. #Writer for National Speed Sport News, track public address announcer, TV and radio broadcaster. #Board or selection committee member: National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, IMS Hall of Fame, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers. Among his numerous honors are: Tom Carnegie Legacy Award, AARWBA Angelo Angelopolous Memorial Award, Andy Granatelli Unsung Hero Award, National Association of Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame, Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame, USAC Ross Hadley Award and 500 Oldtimers Indy 500 Officials Award. Beyond motorsports, Marvel has worked in publicity and/or sales for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, hockey’s Indianapolis Racers, World Team Tennis’ Indiana Love and Butler University sports information director. Previous Russo Award winners include: 2005-Michael Knight; 2006-Wally Parks; 2007-Chris Economaki; 2008-Bob Jenkins; 2009-Shav Glick; 2010-Bill York. A permanent plaque with all winners’ names is on display in the IMS media center. The award is sponsored by Collene and Gary Campbell, the sister and brother-in-law of the late Mickey Thompson.