Driver of the Year 1st 1/4 Nominees:

  • Whether it’s “young guns” or veteran gunslingers the nominations for Speed Channel Presents the DRIVER OF THE YEAR for the first quarter 2004 are all top guns. In the first vote of the year auto racing fans will get to participate via an online ballot of the year, which is part of the process to recognize the best driver in this young season. This quarter’s nominees show that drivers of any age can be competitive not only in their own series, but in the minds of experts and fans alike.
    The drivers, some of whom are repeat nominees, include Greg Anderson (NHRA), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (NASCAR), Sam Hornish, Jr. (IRL), Tony Kanaan (IRL), Kasey Kahne (NASCAR), Steve Kinser (World of Outlaws), Matt Kenseth (NASCAR), and Tony Schumacher (NHRA). In its 38th year, the DRIVER OF THE YEAR’s award for this quarter will be determined by an independent vote of the 18-member panel of blue ribbon auto racing journalists and broadcasters and one vote based on the cumulative tally of fans’ voting at www.speedtv.com – click to vote. At the end of the year a special separate vote will be held for the 2004 DRIVER OF THE YEAR.(DOTY PR)(4-9-2004)