International GT has established the tradition of special recognition awards in addition to the annual International GT Championships, Maranello Cup, Stuttgart Cup and Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy. One of these is the Bob Akin Award established in 2013. Bob was the consummate professional gentleman racer. He started racing as a hobby at Lime Rock Park in the early sixties, progressing to professional racing with IMSA in 1978.

Bob approached racing with the same professional attitude he had incorporated into his successful business, Hudson Wire in Ossining NY. He was one of the first in IMSA to employ some of the best drivers from Europe and the US including Derek Bell, Hans Stuck, Joe Gartner and Bobby Rahal. His red & white Coca Cola Porsche 935 and 962 race cars were some of the most recognizable liveries in motorsports.

The Bob Akin Award criteria for any International GT driver, sponsor, team manager or crew member that displays the following characteristics:

• A passion for motorsports and automobiles
• A history of successful amateur or pro racing
• A high level of sportsmanship and fair play
• A sharp wit and mischievous sends of humor
• An articulate and courteous presence
• A broad range of interests and meticulous attention to detail
• A record of contribution to motorsports and the community
• A devotion to family and friends

Past winners include:
2013 – Bill Riddell , 2014 – Mark Sandridge, 2105 – Not awarded, 2016 – Paul & John Reisman, 2017 – Juan Gonzalez

The award is the actual IMSA Championship Camel GT trophy that Bob won in 1984. This trophy is presented by Hudson Historics, Bob’s race team. As a mentor and a friend, Bob’s “Speed with Style” mantra is incorporated into the International GT mission statement. This very special recognition will be presented at the International GT Awards Reception in Sebring’s Gallery of Legends on Friday, March 1, 2019.

Entry is now open for the 1st round in the 2019 International GT Championship at Sebring International Raceway, February 27 – March 3, 2019. Click above for the event schedule or to register for the Sebring event.

If you have any questions about registration or event entry please contact Julie Bentley at jbentley463@gmail.com or (770)380-7770.