On Jan 28-29 1972 the first annual EMPA convention held at Holiday Inn in Atlantic City. In the Feb. 2nd issue of the AARN it was reported that the convention was a great success.
On Saturday Jan 28, the activities consisted of a driver’s panel followed by Q&A panels by promoters and manufacturers such as USAC, ARDC, ARC, Pocono Raceway, Lime Rock Park, Williams Grove Speedway.
On Sunday morning the election for officials was held and the results of the election were as follows;
President- Ernie Saxton
Vice President- Bill Claren
Secretary- Art Maxim
Tresurer- Skip Clayton
Board of Directors- Red Kirsch, Bob Zera, Walt Chernokal, Harry Blaze, Pete Zanardi
The first annual award for outstanding motorsports writing was given to Frank Blunk and named for him.
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To view the awards year by year, click on a below link.
The mission of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) is to foster a better understanding of the sport gaining recognition for the motorsports press, improving working condition for the working racing media and honoring deserving individuals who make or have made contributions to the sport.
About EMPA
Since its founding in 1969, EMPA has grown from a handful of members to become one of the largest motorsports media organizations in the nation with more than 250 members.
EMPA holds the only annual working convention featuring seminars, press conferences with outstanding competitors, sponsors, organizers and promoters. Technical specialist present workshops. Photography, journalism and broadcasting competitions are sponsored to recognize excellence within each respective field. These competitions are judged by professionals, experts in the field that are not involved in the competition or member of the organization.
EMPA recognizes the responsibility and its unique position to bring divergent motorsports positions together whenever possible. Supplemental events are planned throughout the year to coincide with major racing programs in the East. At these events, members are given an opportunity to receive information first hand from noted racing personalities, thereby gaining a greater perspective of new developments in the motor racing world. A regular newsletter also keeps members informed of the happenings within the organization.
Direct all inquiries to the EMPA Media Office:
John Snyder tel- 845-225-3560 email- jbsnyder@bestweb.net
Postal address: P.O. Box 8547 Trenton NJ 08650