Fox Cities News

John Close of Charlotte, North Carolina, a 1976 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) radio TV film program, will be honored next month with the UWO 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Close is retired after a lengthy career in motorsports as a NASCAR journalist, author of five books, marketer, team member, and race day spotter.

Beth Hubbard, associate professor of the UWO radio TV film program, highlighted Close’s professional excellence and personal contributions to the field and his alma mater. “John’s career...is a testament to his remarkable dedication and skill...he has impressively built a hall of fame career in motorsports media,” she said.

Hubbard noted that Close’s professional activities extended beyond personal achievements—he pioneered media coaching for aspiring drivers that set new standards in the field by blending his expertise in communications with a deep understanding of motorsports dynamics. His extensive work in public relations and marketing for top-tier NASCAR teams has brought innovative strategies and insights to the industry. His books and articles serve as foundational texts that guide newcomers and veterans alike.

“During his guest lectures in my Quest I class and other courses, he focused not on his own storied career but on the students, their work, and their potential,” Hubbard added.

Matt Kenseth, 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup champion, provided a letter of nomination for Close. “Later when I debuted as a driver at age 16, John wrote the first-ever story about me...It is safe to say my career would have been different without John’s personal involvement and professional assistance,” Kenseth said.

Close expressed pride in being a good son, husband, father, grandfather, and treating people respectfully regardless of race or background. Professionally he took great pride in his ability to work hard and take leadership roles even when things did not go as planned.

He credited Robert Snyder, RTF department founder at UWO for helping him learn to take creative chances and develop self-confidence. “My UWO RTF background also produced a willingness to embrace new technologies...That willingness extended my career while many contemporaries saw their careers end prematurely.”

In retirement, Close enjoys traveling and disc golf. He serves as publicist for his high school 50th reunion and UWO Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He has also been active as a presenter at the Learning in Retirement speaker series at UWO classes.

The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will celebrate the talents and successes of 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend Oct. 18-19. Four alumni including Close will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award; two will be recognized with Alumni Outstanding Service Awards; seven will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

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