NASCAR WCUP: Bill Elliott to recieve March of Dimes Award

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DETROIT, March 7, 2001 -- Two-time Daytona 500 winner and 15-time National Motorsports Press Association "Most Popular Driver" Bill Elliott will be honored by the March of Dimes with a special "Race Car Driving Legend Award" tonight at its National Athletic Awards ceremony in Detroit.

"It's really an honor to be recognized as a legend in this sport," said Bill Elliott. "The March of Dimes is a great organization that helps thousands of children every year. I'm proud to be a part of this event and help them raise funds to continue their efforts."

Elliott has been making headlines lately not only for his performance on the track, but also for leading Dodge's return to NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Last year, he announced his decision to join legendary crew chief Ray Evernham as the veteran driver with rookie Casey Atwood in the new Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T race cars. Elliott led the Dodge charge in the manufacturer's debut at the 2001 Daytona 500, winning the Bud Pole award and finishing fifth in the race.

"We couldn't be more pleased to have Bill Elliott driving the Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T and representing our more than 3,000 Dodge dealers," said Jim Julow, Vice President, Dodge Global Brand Center. "Bill sets a great example both on and off the track. He truly is a legend in this sport."

Elliott has long been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved with charities such as Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Elliott is one of NASCAR's longest-running and best-loved drivers. Since he began his racing career in 1976, he has started in 594 races and accumulated 40 wins and more than $23 million in prize money. In the 1980s, he was named "Driver of the Decade" by the ESPN Speedweeks Fan Poll, two-time American "Driver of the Year" and two-time Georgia Professional Athlete of the Year. In 1998, he was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers of All Time.

The March of Dimes National Athletic Awards will be broadcasted from the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Mich. on FOX Sports Net. The event will be hosted by James Brown and Greg Gumbel.

Text Provided By Debby Robinson

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