John Force

1996 DRIVER OF THE YEAR

"I'm going to start my life today at 47... I'll tell you something about a hot rod. It makes you 16 again."
John Force
DRIVER OF THE YEAR 1996

"The DRIVER OF THE YEAR award is one of the awards I really cherish. It's voted on by the top motorsports journalists in our country and it's very exciting to know they have looked very closely at your accomplishments during the racing season. It's similar to winning the Most Valuable Player in football, baseball or basketball."
Bobby Rahal
DRIVER OF THE YEAR 1986, 1992

The History

Auto racing has been a part of the American scene almost from the time two automobiles first met on an unpaved road. History records the Elgin Road Race--an event that took place in what is now a suburb of Chicago--as the first official automobile competition.

The DRIVER OF THE YEAR Award was the brain child of Count Gregor Cavalchini and Bruno Torte of the U.S. marketing wing of Martini and Rossi. "We were looking for a way to keep the product line's image young and to build a modern image," according to Torte. The company created three season-ending awards in the three most glamorous sports--tennis, yachting, and auto racing--and then stepped back an let the experts choose the greatest tennis player, yachtsman, and driver of the year.

After Martini and Rossi concluded their sponsorship, Olsonite Automotive and Eljer, an Olsonite customer, continued with the DRIVER OF THE YEAR Award until 1985.

In 1986 Ki Cuyler--grandson of Baseball "Hall of Famer" Hazen "KiKi" Cuyler--decided to become involved with auto racing at its highest level. An All American in his own right and an avid sports and racing fan, Ki Cuyler lives in Longboat Key, Florida, semi-retired from numerous business ventures worldwide, yet he remains actively involved in the award program.

Since Ki Cuyler assumed ownership, The DRIVER OF THE YEAR Award continues to grow in stature with the likes of the Oscar and the Emmy as one of the world's premiere awards.

The Panel

	Cris Economaki....National Speed Sport News
	Mike Harris.......Associated Press
	Bob Jenkins.......ESPN-TV, Speedweek
	Steve Waid........Winston Cup Scene
	Dave Woolford.....Toledo Blade
	Shav Glick........Los Angeles Times
	Tom Haggins.......Charlotte Observer
	John Sturbin......Sorth Worth Star Telegram
	Dick Mittman......Indianapolis Newspapers, Inc.
	Mark Armijo.......Arizona Republic
	Gary Long.........Miami Herald
	Dr. Dick Bergen...Stock Car Racing and
	                  Open Wheel Magazine & TV