Veteran motorsports journalists and longtime members of the NHRA press corps, Susan Wade and Will Lester,
were named top winners today in the Aflac Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin, an annual contest that recognizes outstanding coverage in major auto racing since 1985. The announcement was made today in Concord, N.C. at Lowe's Motor Speedway as part of the Coca-Cola 600 festivities.

The awards are among the most coveted in motorsports journalism. Reporters from USA Today, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and the Washington Post, among others, have been past winners.

Veteran motorsports journalists and longtime members of the NHRA press corps, Susan Wade and Will Lester,
were named top winners today in the Aflac Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin, an annual contest that recognizes outstanding coverage in major auto racing since 1985. The announcement was made today in Concord, N.C. at Lowe's Motor Speedway as part of the Coca-Cola 600 festivities.

The awards are among the most coveted in motorsports journalism. Reporters from USA Today, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and the Washington Post, among others, have been past winners.

Wade earned the award in the Writing-Daily category for her story published in the Newark Star-Ledger following the aftermath of Scott Kalitta's fatal crash last June at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, N.J. The entry, titled "Mourning All Day; Drivers and Owners Pay Tribute to Fallen Scott Kalitta at NHRA Super Nationals," received several favorable comments from the judges, comprised of students from Indiana University's School of Journalism: "Timely; well-written with good interviews; newsworthy; good detail; well structured with fine transitions; solid lead and ending." Wade will receive a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship to the Indiana University School of Journalism in Bloomington, Ind. for her award.

Lester, whose news photography of NHRA events has garnered him many awards over the years, won in the Photojournalism category for his photo titled "Fireball," which was published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin in Southern California. Judges comments for Lester's image included: "Good framing and capturing of 'decisive moment' in this fiery explosion of a funny car; Heat waves from cars are interesting visual effects, providing some sense of high temperatures accompanying great speeds; Good focus and color." Lester will receive a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship to California State University, Fullerton College of Communications, Fullerton, Calif.

"On behalf of NHRA I would like to congratulate Will and Susan for their respective accomplishments in winning Aflac motorsports journalism awards of excellence," said Jerry Archambeault, vice president for public relations and communications, NHRA. "Both Susan and Will are veteran journalists who have covered NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing for many years and have delivered many dynamic images and compelling stories. Susan's account of what transpired in the aftermath of Scott Kalitta's tragic death was sensitive and conveyed the true feeling of what the entire NHRA community was feeling at the time. Will's photo certainly demonstrates the power that NHRA Funny Cars can deliver. Both efforts are very deserving of these prestigious awards."

Other winners included Mike Hembree of NASCAR Scene in the Writing-Other category for his story "NASCAR's Lost Tracks"; Tom Rinaldi, ESPN NASCAR Now, in the Broadcast-National category for his Jerome Davis feature; and Kevin Wrenn of WGHP TV 8 (FOX) in High Point, N.C. in the Broadcast-Local category for his feature story titled "Faster Pastor." 

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