WCI Person of the Year: The readers of NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated have spoken loudly, naming Teresa Earnhardt the magazine’s 2001 Person of the Year. For the past five years and now with the support of UPS, NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated has encouraged its readers to nominate an individual within the NASCAR industry who has best represented the spirit and integrity of the sport. Readers made their nominations by telling in 50 words or less why their candidate should be recognized. “It is an understatement to say Teresa Earnhardt has endured a difficult year. Yet she has done more than persevere. She has excelled in many areas and under trying circumstances. She has earned the respect and support of all NASCAR fans who overwhelmingly voted her the recipient of this award,” said Steve Waid, vice president of Editorial Development for NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated. Criteria considered in the nomination process include bringing positive attention to NASCAR Winston Cup racing through achievement, technology or safety; representing NASCAR Winston Cup racing in a favorable light through service to the community or charities; and contributing to the growth of NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Teresa Earnhardt’s efforts and actions in 2001 make her the ideal recipient for the award. “It’s quite an honor to be named NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person of the Year. It’s particularly flattering to know that the fans voted on this award and that there are so many distinguished recipients of this award in the past,” Mrs. Earnhardt said. Since her husband’s death at Daytona in February, Mrs. Earnhardt has been thrust into the spotlight. She waged a very public battle to keep autopsy photos private and in doing so, she rallied thousands of fans across the country to her cause. She was instrumental in the Florida legislature’s decision to take action. Mrs. Earnhardt helped to promote a positive image for NASCAR in a very difficult time for herself and the sport. After February, there were also questions about the future of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Under Mrs. Earnhardt’s leadership, the company has flourished and continues to be one of the top organizations in NASCAR. The three-car DEI team has posted four wins to date this season, and Mrs. Earnhardt has contributed significantly to its positive competitive status. The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person Of The Year will be presented by UPS during pre-race ceremonies at Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 18. Ty Norris, executive vice president of motorsports at DEI, will accept the award on behalf of Teresa Earnhardt. Previous winners of the award include Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip (1997), Ray Evernham (1998), Kyle Petty (1999), and the Petty family (2000).(IMG Motorsports PR)(11-10-2001)
