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Elliott Sadler wins 2nd Qtr NASCAR USG Person of the Year:

August 1, 2003 at 12:00 AM

A former basketball player, NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Elliott Sadlersaw the opportunity to play basketball to help raise money to benefit a cause that directly impacts his family. Sadler, with the help of his sponsor M&M’s, donated over $45,000 to the Autism Society of America through various events, most notably via his œHoops for Hope charity basketball game in May, all to help raise awareness of autism. For his efforts in staging the Hoops for Hope event and generating significant charitable funds, Sadler has been named the 2003 Second Quarter NASCAR USG Person of the Year. Autism is a disease that has personally affected his family. Sadler’s niece, Halie Dru, was diagnosed with autism in 2001. USG (United States Gypsum), the Official Building Products Supplier of NASCAR, is in its first year as sponsor of the NASCAR USG Person of the Year program. The award is designed to honor drivers, not only for their accomplishments on the track, but for their community service contributions and charitable efforts. For the purpose of determining the NASCAR USG Person of the Year Award winner, the NASCAR Winston Cup season has been divided into four quarters in which drivers are nominated for their off-track efforts. A select group of panelists will select one of the four quarterly finalists as the NASCAR USG Person of the Year. This award will be presented the week of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Awards Ceremony in New York City, along with a prize of $100,000. The prize will be divided evenly between the driver and the charity of his/her choice. Other second quarter nominees included Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton. The 2003 First Quarter NASCAR USG Person of the Year winner was Ricky Craven. In addition to the NASCAR USG Person of the Year, USG also sponsors the Driver of the Race Award, which goes to the eligible driver who wins each of the 36 NASCAR Winston Cup championship events. Each USG Driver of the Race Award winner receives $2,500 with an additional $2,500 going to the charity of his/her choice.(NASCAR PR)(8-1-2003)