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162 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 2024BARRETT-JACKSON CEO CRAIG JACKSON HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARDEMBODYING THE SPIRIT OF CARROLL SHELBYIn the automotive world, one name remains forever associated with speed, power and innovation: Carroll Shelby. The legendary automotive designer and racing driver - with his larger-than-life persona and a career that spanned over six decades - revolutionized high-performance cars, pushed the boundaries of engineering and left an indelible mark on the industry.After Shelby%u2019s passing in 2012 at the age of 89, it was fitting, therefore, for Carroll Shelby International to introduce the Carroll Shelby Spirit Award, which recognizes people who achieve and is designed to kindle a desire for excellence. It is awarded by the Carroll Shelby International board of directors to someone who displays exuberance, character and, most importantly, enjoys a high-octane lifestyle.The annual award was first presented in 2015 to renowned race car driver Bob Bondurant, who was an integral part of the 1965 Shelby American FIA World Championship team.In 2024, the coveted Carroll Shelby Spirit Award was bestowed upon Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson at a special ceremony held during Monterey Car Week in August.Jackson, born and raised in the automotive lifestyle, was a natural choice to receive the award. Following in the footsteps of his father, Russ Jackson (who, with Tom Barrett, founded the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company in 1971), and brother Brian (who nurtured Craig%u2019s love of cars, restoration and racing), Jackson has earned a reputation as one of the world%u2019s most respected collector car and restoration experts.After Brian%u2019s untimely death, Jackson assumed the leadership position of Barrett-Jackson in 1995, working tirelessly since that time to grow the company into the worldclass automotive lifestyle event it is today. He has also embraced the worlds of vintage racing and rallying and is committed to fostering a love of collector cars in future generations. Jackson%u2019s view to the future is evident in the scholarship and internship opportunities he has developed in conjunction with the acclaimed automotive restoration program at McPherson College in Kansas, as well as the recent inclusion of the Future Collector Car Show element of the BarrettJackson Scottsdale events. %u201cCarroll was my friend and mentor, and he was larger than life. The Carroll Shelby Spirit Award carries with it a list of past honorees who are some of the greatest names in motorsports. Being recognized among those who I consider heroes is more than an honor - it truly touches my heart.%u201d In addition to Bondurant, past Carroll Shelby Spirit Award recipients include Peter Brock, Allen Grant, Ken Miles, Edsel B. Ford II, Parnelli Jones, Don Prudhomme, Jim Farley and Dan Gurney. The stunning award is a 45-pound bronze sculpture of a 427 Cobra designed and hand-cast by artist Rick Hadley.%u201cCraig Jackson has been driven to succeed throughout his life, much like my grandfather, Carroll Shelby,%u201d said Aaron Shelby, Carroll Shelby International board member and co-president of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. %u201cBoth thrive on competition and reshaped the automotive landscape through tenacity and innovation. Craig and his team create exceptional automotive lifestyle events built around the auction block, where everyone can compete for their ultimate prize. And Craig has done much to keep Carroll%u2019s legacy alive, from naming his daughter Shelby to collecting Shelby cars and supporting his charity on the auction block. He certainly deserves this honor.%u201d