Center will honor Andretti at sellout event

Watkins Glen--Bosch and Firestone have joined the team of racing industry giants honoring Mario Andretti at the International Motor Racing Research Center's Cameron R. Argetsinger Award dinner Aug. 31, a sold-out event.
The IMRRC, a research and archival library focused on the history of all types of racing and all race tracks worldwide, is presenting Andretti with its annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.
Andretti is considered by many to be the greatest driver in the history of the sport, posting victories at virtually every level of racing in a career that spanned five decades.
NASCAR, the International Speedway Corp., Watkins Glen International and IMSA are the presenting sponsors for the gala dinner, which will be at the Corning Museum of Glass. It precedes the Verizon IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen weekend at WGI.
"The interest from both fans and corporate sponsors in honoring America's racing icon Mario Andretti has been phenomenal," Tom Weidemann, IMRRC executive director, said. "It's a testament to Mario's popularity not only among his many followers but the racing industry as well. We are not surprised that we have sold out."
The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen almost 70 years ago. It was established to honor a person who is recognized universally for having advanced and improved the sport, who brings prestige to motorsports and who demonstrates commitment to the future of racing.
Chip Ganassi was the inaugural award recipient. Richard Petty was the 2015 honoree, and Roger Penske was cited in 2016.
NASCAR, ISC and WGI have been presenting sponsors of the Argetsinger Award dinner since its inception in 2014. IMSA joined last year. Bosch also is returning for its second year of support, and Firestone, which has long-standing relationship with Andretti, is a first-time sponsor.
The Firestone brand has been an integral part of world-class motorsports since its victory in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Since 2000, the brand has served as the sole tire supplier of the Verizon IndyCar Series. The Indianapolis 500 has been won by a Firestone-equipped driver 68 times--more wins than all other tire manufacturers combined--including Andretti's legendary win in 1969.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs nearly 32,800 associates in more than 100 locations as of Dec. 31, 2016. In 2016, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $13.7 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing, engineering and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The company employs roughly 390,000 associates worldwide and generated sales of $80.9 billion in 2016.
The dinner serves as a key fundraiser for the Racing Research Center. The IMRRC, opened in 1999, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Other event supporters are Corning Incorporated, Honda, Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, Sports Car Club of America, Smithfield Foods/TOPS Markets, AmeriCarna, WELK Vintage Motorsports, Williams Auto Group, the Hilliard Corp., Elmira Savings Bank, Welliver, Corning Automotive Glass Solutions, Glenora Wine Cellars, Larry Kessler, Bob Newman and Archie Urciuoli.