Presented annually since 2004, the award is named after the former director of public relations for Talladega Superspeedway. The Ken Patterson award is presented in conjunction with Talladega Superspeedway and recognizes a public relations representative in the motorsports industry (team, track, and sanctioning body) who has exhibited the kind, generous qualities that Patterson always demonstrated. Eligible members of the NMPA vote to determine the award recipient. In addition, Talladega Superspeedway donates $1,000 in the winner’s name to the Kenneth Patterson Educational Trust Fund each year.
Patterson died April 2, 2004 from complications of myelodysplasia syndrome.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Mike Siberini |
| 2022 | Amanda Ellis |
| 2021 | Jimmy White |
| 2020 | Amy Walsh Stock |
| 2019 | Mike Forde |
| 2018 | Russell Branham |
| 2017 | Jessica Rohlik |
| 2016 | Dave Ferroni, DMF Communications |
| 2015 | Jon Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Inc. |
| 2014 | Mike Smith, Martinsville Speedway |
| 2013 | Marcy Scott, Atlanta Motor Speedway |
| 2012 | Scott Cooper, Charlotte Motor Speedway |
| 2011 | Kerry Tharp, NASCAR |
| 2010 | Denny Darnell, Darnell Communications |
| 2009 | Judy Dominick, GM Racing |
| 2008 | Tom Roberts, TRPR |
| 2007 | Ray Cooper, Clear! Blue Communications |
| 2006 | Jimmy White, Camp & Assoc., Inc. |
| 2005 | Dan Zacharias, Ford Racing |
| 2004 | Kristi King, Talladega Superspeedway |
