ROAD & TRAVEL magazine presented its first Lifetime Achievement Award to automotive journalist and author Denise McCluggage on Jan. 3, 2004. The tribute, sponsored by General Motors and part of RTM's Top 10 - 2004 Car of the Year Awards, took place in front of a packed ballroom of industry leaders and supporters at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

A video montage dedicated to McCluggage's impressive career and trailblazing spirit featured interviews with Robert A. Lutz, Product Development and Chairman, GM North America; David E. Davis, Jr., founder/editor emeritus of Automobile Magazine; Paul Eisenstein, publisher and editorial director of The Car Connection; Phil Hill, racing legend; Gus Buenz, public relations director, GM Latin America/Africa/Mideast; Jeffrey K. Leestma, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame; and Courtney Caldwell, editor and publisher, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine.

After "Wind Beneath My Wings" was performed live by Juliette Hamilton and the Jerry Ross & Michael Brock Band, McCluggage took the stage to accept the crystal trophy, giving a speech filled with humor and modesty.

Congratulations to Denise McCluggage, RTM's first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!

Learn more about McCluggage's career: [READ PROFILE]