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Andretti Speed Performer of the Year
Speed Channel honors
Stewart
CHARLOTTE, N.C- Racing legend Mario Andretti presented his namesake
trophy to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart on SPEED
Center earlier this evening, acknowledging the three-time champion’s
Chase run as the difference maker among a very impressive field of
finalists for the annual SPEED Performer of the Year presented by ACE®.
“This is an awesome moment in my career,” Stewart said on the program.
“I grew up in Indiana watching this guy a lot. Winning any award is an
honor, but winning one with Mario’s name on it is very special.”
Five of this year’s seven finalists received first-place votes,
including Stewart, runner-up Casey Stoner; AMA Supercross/Motocross
champion Ryan Villipoto; last year’s SPEED Performer of the Year,
Sebastian Vettel, and USAC/WoO phenom Kyle Larson.
“I get to see the best of the best and, Tony, you are in that company,”
said Andretti, who actually noticed Stewart’s calm demeanor during the
Chase and texted the driver, “I smell championship.”
The award, now in its sixth season, is presented annually by SPEED to
the racer who puts a premium on winning races, shines on motor sports’
biggest stages and does it all with a measure of sportsmanship and
class.
The 2011 SPEED Performer of the Year was selected by a panel including
racing legends Andretti and Dan Gurney, “Wind Tunnel” host Dave
Despain, veteran broadcasters Varsha, Ralph Sheheen and Leigh Diffey,
SPEED.com writers Robin Miller and Tom Jensen, versatile racers Tommy
Kendall and Dorsey Schroeder and a select group of SPEED motor sports
producers.
The trophy, a true work of art created by bronze sculptor Elie Hazak,
stands 38 inches tall and weighs 95 pounds. It features eight cars,
including six of the most important in Mario’s rise to superstardom, as
well as an array of artistic symbolism that captures the essence of the
trophy’s namesake.
Mario Andretti Trophy
winners and runner-ups:
2006 – Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR. Nicky Hayden, MotoGP
2007 – Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR; Donny Schatz, WoO
2008 – Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR; Tony Schumacher, NHRA
2009 – Tony Schumacher, NHRA; Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
2010 – Sebastian Vettel, F1; Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
2011 – Tony Stewart, NASCAR; Casey Stoner, MotoGP
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