SPECIAL EVENT (CONCORD, NC.) - USA Today Writer, ESPN Producer and Charlotte TV Reporter Among Miller Lite Motorsports Journalism Award Winners

A quintet of journalists were honored Tuesday afternoon during the 23rd annual presentation of the Miller Lite Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin.

The group included a veteran sportswriter whose feature story for USA Today explored whether popular Indy Car driver Danica Patrick could win in the open-wheel series, a Charlotte television reporter who gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at ABC’s coverage of the Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and an ESPN feature producer who profiled 1992 NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki

The Miller Lite Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence annually recognize outstanding motorsports coverage in five categories while honoring the memory of Russ Catlin, a motorsports journalism pioneer.

The entries were submitted to the Indiana University School of Journalism, whose faculty members selected the winners.

Each winner received a plaque and a Rolex watch from Miller Lite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kurt Busch during a Dodge Motorsports luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Concord Convention Center. The event was part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

The 2007 Miller Lite Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin winners:

Writing – Daily

Nate Ryan – USA Today

Hometown: Richmond, Va.

Entry: “For Patrick, the Question has become: Can She Win?”

Judges’ Comments: Good variety of sources and fine quotes. This story explores an interesting phenomenon and paints an interesting picture. Solid lead with strong quotation ending. A story of interest to race fans and non-race fans alike.

Writing – Other

David Caraviello – NASCAR.com

Hometown: Charleston, S.C.

Entry: “The King of New York”

Judges’ Comments: Paints a definite picture of a modern super-smooth driver who is comfortable in NASCAR settings as well as in NYC. Clear beginning with an effective lead and a solid ending. Interesting inside look at off-track demands of top drivers. The story consists of one deft stroke after another. Enterprising reporter—to spend a day in NYC with Jeff Gordon.

Broadcast – National

Drew Gallagher – ESPN “NASCAR Countdown”

Hometown: Unionville, Conn.

Entry: “Alan Kulwicki Feature”

Judges’ Comments: Good structure and flow to this effective and well-told story. Visually appealing from beginning to end, with good sound bites. Many interviews and authoritative sources add credibility. Historic footage was well coordinated with script. Also, good audio and video match. Unique focus about a driver who broke the mold…and interesting

Broadcast – Local

Blair Miller – WSOC - TV

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

Entry: “The Fast Lane, Off the Track”

Judges’ Comments: Captured a real sense of “being there.” Well-written with strong audio-video sync. Well-reported and well-sourced package with good technical information that was told in an interesting fashion. Good sequences with fine pacing and editing.

Photojournalism

David Griffin – NASCAR Scene

Hometown: Concord, N.C.

Entry: “Air Apparent”

Judges’ Comments: This photo caught the moment nicely, and it’s beautifully framed. Good depth of field and fine directional force give this photo movement.

“Miller Brewing Company is proud to recognize these five journalists for their outstanding work during the 2007 racing season, while also honoring the memory and accomplishments of Russ Catlin,” said Pete Laatz, manager of sports and entertainment marketing for Miller Brewing Co. “This year’s winning entries demonstrate how motorsports journalism has changed since Catlin’s days in the press box. They include a story written specifically for a Web site and another that appeared on the front page of the nation’s largest circulation newspaper.”

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