Obituary of Michael Argetsinger

Michael Argetsinger, 70, author of five critically-acclaimed books on motor racing and head of Michael Argetsinger Communications in Chicago, died Tuesday, July 7, 2015 in his Lincoln Park home in Chicago, surrounded by his wife, Dr. Lee Green, and family. Michael Reynolds Argetsinger was born on July 12, 1944 in Youngstown, Ohio. He spent most of his childhood in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and continued to spend his summers there throughout his adult life at his family's cottage on Seneca Lake. He was the son of motor racing icons Jean and the late Cameron Argetsinger, who brought Grand Prix racing to America at Watkins Glen, New York. A prominent figure in the motor racing world in his own right, Michael Argetsinger was the author of five definitive books on the sport. His first book, "Walt Hansgen: His Life and the History of Post-War American Road Racing" (2006), received a Gold Medal for biography and was named Best of Books for 2006 at the International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA). His biography "Mark Donohue: Technical Excellence at Speed" (2009) was also named Best of Books by the IAMA and won the overall competition as Best of 2009. He was also the author of "Mark Donohue: His Life in Photographs" (2010) and "Formula One at Watkins Glen: 20 Years of the United States Grand Prix, 1961-1980" (2011) which was a finalist for the 2011 Dean Batchelor Award presented by the Motor Press Guild. All four books were published by David Bull Publishing. In addition, Mr. Argetsinger co-authored "Watkins Glen International" (2013), Arcadia Publishing. Mr. Argetsinger was not only a vivid chronicler of the sport, but was a competitive driver for nearly 45 years, competing in more than 400 races at 54 different circuits in seven countries, including nine circuits that have hosted World Championship Formula One Grands Prix. As a member of an American racing family, he was immersed in the world of post-war road racing from his earliest years. Growing up in the race organization at Watkins Glen, he graduated from mowing grass at the circuit to more active roles: he was assistant to the press director at the United States Grand Prix, and later in Europe, served as liaison to the Formula One teams that participated in the U.S. Grand Prix. After two years of overseas service in the U.S. Army, Mr. Argetsinger began his own racing career in 1965 when he was still in college. He also worked with the Cooper Car Company during the 1966 Formula One Grand Prix season. He raced in Europe for 10 years in Formula cars and sedans. In his first year back in the U.S. in 1978, he won the New York State Road Racing Championship for Formula Ford, and remained an active driver until 2010. As the head of Michael Argetsinger Communications, Mr. Argetsinger was a well-respected figure in the communications industry in Chicago where he provided public relations and governmental relations counsel to businesses and institutions primarily in the areas of international trade and health care. He served on numerous boards including the International Trade Club of Chicago and was president of the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC). He was the recipient of professional media awards including two PCC Golden Trumpet Awards. He was also a member of the Authors Guild and the Society of Midland Authors. Mr. Argetsinger was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Motor Racing Research Center, located in Watkins Glen, New York, and was a driving force in the Center's success. He worked tirelessly with race drivers, organizers, scholars, and enthusiasts, as well as with community members and the international press, to help create a world-class facility rich in archival material covering all forms of motorsports from around the world. He also organized and implemented a popular speaking series that brought a wide range of experts to the Center, drawing national and international audiences of motorsport aficionados. A lifelong enthusiast of many sports, Mr. Argetsinger especially loved baseball, and was a distance runner and vice president of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA). He was on the track team at Watkins Glen Central High School (class of 1962) and a distance runner during his college years at Youngstown University and Ithaca College. He was also widely read, with a deep knowledge in particular of history and poetry. Michael Argetsinger was known and beloved for his generosity, keen intelligence, positive spirit, graciousness in all situations, fierce loyalty, and love of his family. He is survived by his wife Dr. Lee Green of Chicago; his mother, Jean Argetsinger of Burdett, New York; his aunt Dr. Louise Sause of East Lansing, Michigan; his brother J.C. Argetsinger (Joan) of Montour Falls, New York; his sister Louise Kanaley (Tom) of Rochester, New York; his sister Marya Smith of Elizabeth, Illinois; his sister Margretta (Getchie) Argetsinger (Kevin Potter) of New York, New York; his brother Peter Argetsinger (Sjoukje Schipstra) of Sebring, Florida and Watkins Glen, New York; his brother Robert Argetsinger of Illinois; his brother Philip (Duke) Argetsinger (Kirk Piersma) of Phoenix, Arizona; his sister-in-law Danielle Green of Deerfield, Illinois; his 17 nieces and nephews; and his 17 great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Cameron and his brother Sam. A memorial mass for Michael will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 20, 2015 at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, 905 N. Decatur St., in Watkins Glen. Burial will be private. Remembrances can be made in Michael Argetsinger's name to the International Motor Racing Research Center, Watkins Glen, New York.