John Close had a career in motorsports that few have duplicated, serving as a media member, public relations/marketing specialist, team manager/member, race day spotter/competitor, and author/historian. His work is featured in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC, as part of the NASCAR Media Archive and in driver Matt Kenseth’s Hall of Fame ‘showcase.’

John was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Radio TV Film ‘Hallway of Fame’ for his career media efforts in Professional Motorsports. In 2024, he was presented with the prestigious UW-O Distinguished Alumni Award – the highest honor the University of Wisconsin system can bestow on graduates.

These days, he's retired and resides in North Carolina, but comes back "home" to Wisconsin periodically to visit friends and family.