NEW AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT MONTEREY HISTORICS:
THE AUTOBOOKS-AEROBOOKS “HARRY MORROW TROPHY” WILL BE PRESENTED TO
OUTSTANDING 500cc PARTICIPANT
Burbank, Calif. (May 27, 2006) – – The plaque on the unique-looking award is direct and to the point: “Presented To The Person Who Best Typifies The Spirit Of 500cc Formula Car Racing”. It’s scheduled to be awarded at the 33rd Monterey Historics on August 20th of this year.
Topped by a wheel from an old Cooper F3 car, this new perpetual trophy will honor the memory of the late Harry Morrow. Morrow, who founded the legendary Autobooks-Aerobooks bookstore in 1951, was one of the most
energetic supporters of the Formula 3 movement in the early days of road racing on the Pacific Coast.
As the smaller plaque on the upper part of the base indicates: Autobooks Founder Harry Morrow Lived And Breathed To Promote And Race 500cc Formula Cars. His Influence On West Coast Road Racing Was Immense, His Enthusiasm Boundless.
“He was true character,” said Autobooks owner Chet Knox. “I really regret that I never met the man; but our customers have filled me in so well on Harry, that I feel that he was almost an old friend. His spirit still pervades this store in many ways, many years after his passing. With this new annual award, we’ll be able to celebrate the guy who opened the world of motorsports to so many people with his deep love of books and road racing.”
“Harry loved 500cc racing and the people who got involved in it,” said Autobooks, GM Doug Stokes. “There were always little formula race cars and race car parts out in back of the store, and Harry always had time to talk racing with anyone, even me when I was a gawky Covina High School Junior who started making regular ‘pilgrimages’ to Burbank in 1958.”
Morrow also promoted road racing events at Willow Springs and was one of the founders of the Formula Racing Association (FRA). “He was a integral part of the southern Californian racing scene in the 50’s and 60’s, said Knox.
This is award is something that continues the memory of a guy who meant so much to west coast amateur racing.”
The award will be unveiled to the public on May 27 at 1:00pm and be on display thereafter at Autobooks-Aerobooks in Burbank.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Doug Stokes (818) 545-0707 AUTOBOOKS-AEROBOOKS is located at 3524 W. Magnolia Blvd.
THE OFFICIAL AWARD BUILD LIST: The wheel was graciously donated vintage racer Charles McCabe (Bay Area), media blast clean-up by Finish Line in Monrovia, painting by Garage Industries in Duarte, preparation for mounting by Schroeder Engineering in Burbank, authentic Cooper center medallion from Richard Neale (Cooper Car Club, UK) and the trophy base and plaque engraving was by Shaffer Awards in Monrovia.
MANY THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED!