Narain Karthikeyan (#60 Safe Auto Insurance/Wyler.com Toyota) will receive India’s prestigious Padma Shri Award on Wednesday in ceremonies at the presidential palace in New Delhi. The honor will be bestowed by India’s President, Pratibha Pratil. The Padma Shri Award recognizes a citizen’s exceptional and distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity. Karthikeyan, the first native of India to compete in Formula 1, is being honored along with five of India’s noteworthy sporting figures: Virender Sehwag and Ramakant Vithal Achrekar (cricket), Saina Nehwal (badminton), Ignace Tirkey (field hockey) and Vijender Singh (boxing). Karthikeyan, who finished 13th in his NCWTS debut at Martinsville Speedway, expects to rejoin the series at Kansas on May 2.(NASCAR PR)[For more of NASCAR’s off-week notes visit the Kansas Race Page.](4-5-2010)
