IRVINE, Calif., (February 2005) – As
the Meguiar’s Award Selection Committee enters its second decade of choosing a
recipient for the prestigious award that honors the Car Hobby’s Person of the
Year, it will be led by a newly appointed chairman. Joining the cross-section
of serious enthusiasts on the 2005 panel will be seven highly respected members
from the automotive media and the automotive industry who will participate in
the complex selection process. The 2005 recipient will be honored at a
black-tie gala event on April 9, when the Meguiar’s Award celebration of the car hobby
returns to the spectacular Kodak Theatre at Hollywood
and Highland in Hollywood.
Keith Martin, editor and publisher of Sports Car Market Magazine and a
contributing commentator for the SPEED Channel, assumes the chairmanship from former
Selection Committee Chairman Ken Gross.
Gross, a respected automotive journalist and former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum,
led the elite panel through its first decade.
New media
Selection Committee members for 2005 include Rich Ceppos (AutoWeek), Michael Dobrin (DriveMedia), and Bob Stevens (Cars & Parts). Car hobby and
industry VIPs who have been invited to join the panel include BJ Birtwell
(DaimlerChrysler), Pete Chapouris (So-Cal Speed Shop), Ritchie Clyne (The Auto Collections at
the Imperial Palace), and Tom Gale
(retired Exec. VP/DaimlerChrysler).
Incumbent members include: Brian Brennan (Street Rodder Magazine), Dick
DeLoach (Lowrider Magazine), John Dianna (SuperRod/American Rodder), Winston Goodfellow (Sports Car International), Tara
Baukus Mello (Streetscene), Phil
Patton (The New York
Times/Esquire/Vibe), Robert Ross (Robb Report), Matt Stone
(Motor Trend), and Brock Yates (Car & Driver).
Committee members will select the 2005 recipient
from a significant roster of nominees. Their decision will be based on a
candidate’s contribution to the growth, quality, visibility and respectability
of the car hobby, their community involvement, and their assistance with federal, state, and
local legislation affecting the hobby. The selection process for the Meguiar’s
Award is kept separate from the business interests of Meguiar’s, Inc.
To obtain more information on the
Meguiar’s Award, visit www.meguiars.com. For ticket information, or a 2006 nomination form,
please contact Elizabeth Perry or Kim Milman at JMPR at 818-992-4353.
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