Owen A. Kearns, a Hall of Fame publicist, administrator, journalist, and respected figure on the California racing scene for 50 years, was announced as the recipient of the 2021 Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations.

The Chapman Award is considered by many as the highest honor in racing public relations. It is named in memory of Chapman, the legendary PR executive and innovator, who worked with Babe Ruth and was named Indy Car racing’s “most influential man” of the 1980s. Chapman died in October 1996 at 80 years old.

The announcement was made by Michael Knight, chairman of the selection committee, and one of Chapman’s closest friends. The award is determined by a vote of national media members and is authorized by the Chapman family. PR representatives from all forms of motorsports are eligible for consideration. For the 2021 award, a “veterans committee” subset of the full panel nominated and voted for those either retired or active in a limited capacity.

“I know Jim would be delighted because Owen works in the ‘old school’ manner  Mr. Chapman perfected during his iconic life and career,” said Knight, the inaugural Chapman Award recipient in 1991 and now award rights-holder. “He’d also smile because both were newspaper reporters and editors, a business Jim revered.”