SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Dr. Joseph Mattioli, a dentist who spurned his trained profession to build and run one of the most popular racetracks in the Northeastern U.S., received the NASCAR Buddy Shuman Award during last week’s NASCAR Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas. One of the sport’s oldest and most prestigious honors, the Shuman award is presented annually by NASCAR and Federal-Mogul’s Champion spark plug brand to an individual who has played an integral role in the success of Cup racing.

Mattioli’s career in racing began some 50 years ago during a period of professional “burnout,” when, having established a successful dentistry practice in Philadelphia, he decided to look for a more exciting way to spend his life. He soon learned to fly airplanes, and following a flight to Mount Pocono, Pa., met one of the early planners of what eventually became Pocono Raceway. Due largely to Mattioli’s financial investment and resolve, the track opened in 1968 and hosted its first NASCAR race six years later. Today, the 2.5-mile superspeedway, known by drivers as the “Tricky Triangle,” is the only family-owned track on the NASCAR circuit. In keeping with Mattioli’s commitment to innovation, Pocono Raceway recently became the world’s largest sports facility powered through renewable energy.

“Doc Mattioli is one of the most dedicated, creative and generous individuals in the history of professional racing. He is the consummate gentleman whose accomplishments honor the heritage of the Buddy Shuman Award,” said Michael Proud, Federal-Mogul director of marketing, North America.

The Shuman Award was established in 1957, two years after the death of one of NASCAR’s most beloved personalities, Louis Grier “Buddy” Shuman, in a hotel fire. The Champion Spark Plug Company (now part of Federal-Mogul) has presented the award, in partnership with NASCAR, for 54 consecutive years.

“I've known every one of the (Shuman award) recipients, and they were good friends of my family,” Mattioli said in a videotaped acceptance speech. “When I look at the number of people who have received it already, I'm very proud and humble of everyone responsible.”