New Shav Glick Award Recognizes Distinguished Californians in Racing

The Shav Glick Award, which will be presented annually for distinguished achievement in motor racing by a Californian, was created this year to honor the popular, respected sportswriter who has covered motor racing for The Times since 1969.

It was the brainchild of publicist Alex Litrov of Encino, who got it approved last summer by Times sports editor Bill Dwyre.

Eagle One sponsors the award.

“Shav is uniquely deserving of special recognition for the many years he has reigned as one of the deans of motor sports journalism and for his admirable support of motor racing,” said John Dillon, vice president of Eagle One. “This award will ensure that his name will long be associated with the sport.”

Glick, 79, has covered sports in the Southland for 64 years, the last 45 at Times Mirror.

He nominated five for the inaugural award and picked the panel of judges who selected Dan Gurney as the winner.

The panel: Bill Center, motor racing writer for the San Diego Union; Jim Short, motor racing writer for the Riverside Press-Enterprise; Mike Harris, motor sports writer for Associated Press; John Zimmerman, editor of Racer magazine; Mary-Ellen Wright-Rana, publicist and marketing director for Laguna Seca Raceway; and Doug Stokes, public relations director at Irwindale Raceway.