The Jim Chapman Award: Recognizing PR Excellence in Partnership with SPMJ

The Jim Chapman Award is presented for excellence in motorsports public relations. Considered by many as the highest honor in racing PR, the award is named in memory of Jim Chapman, the legendary PR executive and innovator who worked with Babe Ruth and was named Indy Car racing’s “most influential man” of the 1980s. Chapman passed away in October 1996 at age 80.

The award is determined by a vote of national media members and is authorized by the Chapman family. PR representatives from all forms of motorsports are eligible for consideration.

Presented in conjunction with the Society of Professional Motorsports Journalists (SPMJ), the Jim Chapman Award remains owned and administered by Michael Knight, who was the inaugural recipient in 1991 and one of Chapman’s closest friends.

“Jim set the ultimate standard of professionalism, which forever elevated PR and media relations,” said Knight, award chairman and rights holder. “His word and handshake were his bond. He only did things one way: First class. Most importantly, he knew that solid professional relationships with journalists were important in good times and essential in bad times.

"Jim was a true ‘people person’ and knew nothing could replace a handshake, a face-to-face conversation, a shared meal, or the sound of another person’s voice."

Jim Chapman Award for PR Excellence

The Chapman Award serves three major purposes:

• To honor Chapman’s unmatched legacy.

• To recognize current PR professionals who uphold Chapman’s standard and spirit.

• To inspire and educate future generations of PR practitioners.

  
  

For a full list of award recipients, visit the Jim Chapman Award page.

Jim Chapman's Legacy

Chapman’s career began as a sports editor and later a New York Times journalist before entering public relations in 1946 with Ford Motor Co. He soon hired Babe Ruth as an ambassador, traveling together for over two years and forming a close friendship. Chapman was by Ruth’s bedside when he passed away in 1948 and announced his death to the press.

In 1950, Chapman launched his own PR firm, working with Warren Avis and leading financial PR efforts. He entered motorsports in 1951, partnering with Bill France to promote the Motor City 250. In 1967, he moved into Indy Car racing with Olsonite’s sponsorship of Dan Gurney’s team, later featuring Bobby Unser.

“Jim was one of the most innovative and imaginative PR men ever to grace a pit lane,” said Gurney, the American racing legend who passed away in 2018. “Jim practically invented most of what is now considered routine sponsor PR work.”

Chapman’s influence grew as PPG Industries’ director of IndyCar sponsorship from 1981 to 1992, expanding prize funds from $250,000 to $3.75 million. He introduced innovations such as the PPG Pace Car Driving Team and PPG Editors’ Days, bringing business journalists to tracks for direct engagement with drivers.

His work extended beyond racing. He was active in civil rights, representing the Detroit Urban League and United Negro College Fund, and played a pivotal role in welcoming Willy T. Ribbs, the first African-American driver to qualify for the Indy 500 in 1991.

The permanent Jim Chapman Award, cast in bronze, features a classic image of Chapman in his signature navy blue double-breasted blazer, with the names of past recipients. The inscription reads:

“All who ever have, do, or will work in public relations stand on Mr. Chapman's shoulders.”

“The true honor of the Jim Chapman Award is not a plaque. The true honor is having one's name forever associated with that of the great James P. Chapman.”

By presenting the Jim Chapman Award in conjunction with SPMJ, the tradition of recognizing excellence in motorsports public relations continues, ensuring Chapman’s impact endures for future generations.