Organizers from this year's RPM@Daytona Workshops event--which coincides with Daytona Speedweeks, is backed by Racing Promotion Monthly (RPM) Newsletter and provides education and networking opportunities for motorsports organizations--have announced recipients of honors and awards.

Doug Johnson, promoter of Huset's Speedway, was announced as this year's 50th Annual "Golden Anniversary" Auto-Racing Promoter of the Year. Johnson represents Region Four – the Upper Midwest Region as part of the RPM balloting.

"This is an incredible honor," said Johnson to RPM. “While this award is extremely special, it truly reflects a team effort. I wouldn’t be standing here without the people who surround me and give me the opportunity to do what I love at the race track. It is humbling and one of the greatest honors you can receive in our sport. To join the list of outstanding promoters who have earned this award means a great deal to me. I especially want to thank my wife. Racing has been our life, and the track means so much to us. We hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.”

Johnson has previously been named RPM Regional Auto-Racing Promoter of the Year four times, underscoring his long-standing commitment and impact within the sport.

Kathy Root of Vinton, Iowa, meanwhile, was announced as the fourth annual recipient of the Jody Deery Award. In 1996, Root purchased the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA), from the Knaack family and successfully expanded the organization into one of the largest sanctioning bodies in short-track racing, all while maintaining an affordable platform for competitors. Today, the organization continues under the leadership of her son, Brett Root.

The award is named in honor of the late promoter Jody Deery, a longtime industry fixture and promoter of the former Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, Illinois.

In addition, the following individuals and teams were honored as 2026 Regional Auto-Racing Promoter of the Year Award recipients:

• Region One – Eastern Region: Kolten Gouse, BAPS Motor Speedway

• Region Two – Southeast Region: Jeremy Burnett & Ashly Burnett, Millbridge Speedway

• Region Three – Central Midwest Region: Matt Curl, Fairbury American Legion Speedway

• Region Five – Midwest Region: Danny Lorton, Lucas Oil Speedway

• Region Six – Southwest & Western Region: Kevin Rudeen, Skagit Speedway

• Region Seven – Australia & New Zealand (New in 2025): Michael Parry, Premier Speedway, Australia

The Jim Ford Classic, held annually at Fremont Speedway in Fremont, Ohio, and promoted by Rich and Shelley Farmer, was named the RPM Outstanding Event of the Year.

Image courtesy of RPM