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NorthernLight IRL: Eddie Cheever Jr. named recipient of Scott Brayton Award

1 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Indianapolis, IN - #51 Excite@Home driver Eddie Cheever Jr. has been selected as this year's recipient of the Scott Brayton Award, presented annually to the driver best exemplifying the character and racing spirit of late driver Scott Brayton. Cheever received the award at the 2000 Indianapolis 500 victory banquet on May 28.

"I don't really think that anybody can emulate the pleasure that Scott Brayton derived from being a racing driver," admitted Cheever, the 1998 Indianapolis 500 Champion who finished fifth at last weekend's event. "I was a teammate of his when we drove for Menards, and and he will always be remembered as someone who truly loved being a racing driver."

"Scott lived for a variety of things - his family being the most important one - but from a professional point of view, qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 was the highlight of his year," noted Cheever of Brayton, the 1995 and 1996 Indianapolis 500 pole winner who was killed during practice for the 1996 event.

"Scott truly adored Indy. It is a great honor for me to receive the Scott Brayton Award, especially when it pays tribute to one of my best friends who is no longer here."

Text Provided By: Ashleigh Higgins

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