The Rod Campbell Award, established to honor the memory and legacy of the late motorsports executive Rod Campbell, is returning for its sixth consecutive year. With the 2026 edition now upon us, the prestigious award is now accepting applications from individuals aged 18 to 23 who are pursuing careers in automotive or motorsports journalism, public relations, marketing, sales, business development, or sponsorship. The application window will close on February 18, 2026.
The application process is open to individuals aged 18 to 23 who are pursuing careers in the following fields including but not limited to: automotive or motorsports journalism, public relations, marketing, sales, business development, and sponsorship.
Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2026 – HERE
“Winning the 2025 Rod Campbell Award was a life-changing experience, which allowed me to gain relevant, portfolio-ready experience across multiple areas within the motorsports industry,” explained Eddie Fuhrer, the 2025 recipient of the Rod Campbell Award. “Through the Rod Campbell Award, I truly got to do it all: from broadcasting live on television, writing over 40 stories read by thousands of motorsports fans from around the world, and telling the stories of both up-and-coming and world-renowned drivers alike. I traveled to racetracks in ten different states and got professional work experience behind the scenes of every major American racing series, including INDYCAR, IMSA, and the NASCAR Cup Series.”
Each year, the Rod Campbell Award offers a life-changing opportunity for one deserving candidate, providing six to eight weeks of paid apprenticeship with leading motorsports organizations managed by Campbell’s former protégés. This hands-on experience is designed to help winners kickstart their careers in the competitive world of motorsports and the automotive industry.
The winner will be selected by a panel of industry executives and professionals from both motorsports and automotive sectors. In addition to gaining invaluable experience, the recipient will build connections with influential companies and individuals who can help shape their professional future.
Since its inception, the Rod Campbell Award has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of its past winners, who have all gone on to make meaningful contributions to the racing and automotive sectors, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to the industry.
Fuhrer added, “There’s an immeasurable amount of knowledge and expertise I will take from this time to apply to my career, and I find myself significantly more well-versed in the business aspects and digital media strategies at the highest levels of motorsports, my two main goals for the fellowship. I look forward to continuously being able to deliver excellent results and being a part of tomorrow’s solutions in the sports media and motorsports space for years to come, and the Rod Campbell Award gave me the confidence to work at a much more streamlined pace and renewed vision towards those goals. I’d like to thank Jeff and the rest of the RCA Panel for giving me this opportunity, and all the involved companies.”
Rod Campbell, who passed away in March 2020, left behind a profound legacy. Throughout his career, he mentored countless individuals, guiding them into successful careers in motorsports and beyond. The Rod Campbell Award was created by a dedicated board of industry leaders to continue Campbell’s commitment to supporting the next generation of talent. Board members include:
- Sean Jones (7R Events, Bryan Herta Autosport, Steinbrenner Racing)
- Townsend Bell (FOX, Short Shoot TV)
- Jeff Swoboda (BHA, Luftgekühlt, Short Shoot, Lights Out Marketing)
- Jason Campbell (Canadian International Auto Show)
- Greg Shea (Campbell Marketing & Communications)
- Steve Madincea (Founder & CEO / Madincea & Partners)
- Chris Lencheski (Phoenicia Sport)
- Jose Matiauda (Interact Automotive)
- Mike Maurini (RTD Media, HMD Motorsports)
- Paul Pfanner (Racer Media & Communications)
For more information on the award, eligibility requirements, and how to submit your application, please visit the Rod Campbell Award website. Additionally, please follow the Rod Campbell Award on Instagram at @RodCampbellAward.
For additional information, please contact RTD Media & Management at 317.270.8723 or via email to Mike@RTD-Media.com.
Photo Credit: Rod Campbell Award