Miami: Narain Karthikeyan beat veterans and fan favourites like Ron Hornaday and 2010 champion Todd Bodine to win the ‘Most Popular Driver of 2010’ award in a fan poll held on the NASCAR website.
In a huge surprise, Karthikeyan, now participating in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series here, and who has run a total of only nine out of the 25 race calendar, garnered the most votes.
Karthikeyan, who drives for Starbeast Motorsports team, said: “Racing in NASCAR has been such a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. From the other drivers to the fans, everyone has been extremely welcoming and supportive.”
“I really want to thank all the fans, in India, the US and everywhere else who voted for me. I am truly honoured to receive this accolade,” India’s first Formula One driver said on receiving the honour at the NASCAR end of season awards banquet.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, November 23, 2010, 23:55