In a time when it seems that drivers are better rewarded for consistency than winning, Speed Channel DRIVER OF THE YEAR for 2004, Greg Anderson, accomplished both. As a result, Anderson, who won his second-straight NHRA POWERade Pro Stock world championship, was voted the most prestigious honor in United States auto racing. Anderson, 43, had a year of stunning success winning two out of every three races in 2004, for a record 15 victories, in the Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac Grand Am. He also qualified first sixteen times. In the professional ballot Anderson’s victory might be considered an upset as he beat NASCAR Nextel Cup runner-up Jimmie Johnson, (who was the Speed Channel Driver of the Year in quarters two and four) and Nextel Cup Champion, Kurt Busch. Also getting votes were World of Outlaws ace, Steve Kinser, and IRL Champion Tony Kanaan. Sebastien Bourdais, winner of the Champ Car World Series won the fan vote, beating Johnson, and Kanaan.
In its 38th year, the DRIVER OF THE YEAR title is unique because it is the only award that encompasses all of the racing series in the United States and fan participation. A panel of 18 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. plus the fan vote on SpeedTV.com determine the winner.(Speed Channel PR)(1-25-2005)
