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Ford Motor Company Honors Elliott with Spirit of Ford Award
The Spirit of Ford Award (formerly known as the Ford Special Achievement Award) is Ford's highest honor in auto racing, given to those who have made a significant lifetime contribution to the world of auto racing, both on and off the track. The award, a beautiful Steuben crystal eagle, was presented to Elliott by Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology and head of Ford's worldwide racing program. "Even though Bill will be ending his racing relationship with us after today's race, it wouldn't be right to let him go without recognizing the sacrifice and loyalty he has displayed all these years to Ford Motor Company," said Davis. "To be honest, our NASCAR program would not be where it is today without the contributions of Bill Elliott," continued Davis. "Bill, along with his brothers, Ernie and Dan, and their father, George, took a chance with us and their success in the mid-1980s helped prove that Ford teams could be successful in this series. As a result, the Ford roster of teams began to grow and much of that can be traced back to the accomplishments of Bill, especially that magical season of 1985 and the championship season in 1988. "There have been a lot of stories recently referring to the deep loyalty Bill and his family have had for Ford throughout the years, but, from our standpoint, we will never be able to completely thank Bill for all he has done on our behalf," added Davis. "We wish him well and even though he may not be officially driving a Ford product on the track, he will always be considered part of our family." Elliott is the 17th recipient of the Spirit of Ford Award.
Previous Spirit of Ford Award Winners Bill Stroppe (1988) - Off-road racing legend, driver and builder, in recognition of his successes during 50 years of racing Ford vehicles Bob Glidden (1989) - America's most successful drag racer, on the occasion of his 75th career NHRA Pro Stock victory, and in recognition of his record 10 NHRA Pro Stock championships in 18 years of drag racing Chris Economaki (1990) - Publisher emeritus of National Speed Sport News, in recognition of his 50 years in motorsport journalism Richard Petty (1992) - The "king" of stock car racing, in recognition of his seven Winston Cup championships and 200 victories Bob Bondurant (1993) - Founder and president of the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, in recognition of his contributions to driver education for 25 years, and his career in Formula One, Le Mans events, and sports car racing Mario Andretti (1994) - CART and Formula One champion, in recognition of his legendary career that included victories in CART, USAC, Formula One, NASCAR, and sports car racing worldwide Jackie Stewart (1994) - Three-time Formula One World Driving Champion, in recognition of his racing accomplishments and his 30 years as a Ford Motor Company product consultant Bud Moore (1995) - Race team owner for more than three decades, winner of both NASCAR Winston Cup and SCCA Trans-Am championships, in recognition of his contributions to both racing and his country Parnelli Jones (1996) - Driver, team owner and builder who won in sprint cars, Indy cars, stock cars, road racing, and off-road racing, in recognition of his success, versatility and competitive spirit Jimmy Clark (1997) - One of the greatest racers of all time, Clark captured Ford first Formula One win with the Ford-Cosworth DFV in 1967, and its first Indianapolis 500 win in 1965 in a Lotus. Stirling Moss (1997) - One of the greatest European drivers of all time, who excelled in Formula One and sports car racing, for his significant contributions to auto racing The France Family (1998) - On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing, for their vision and contribution to making NASCAR America's most popular form of motorsport Dan Gurney (1999) - One of the greatest American drivers of all-time, who excelled in sports cars, Formula One, NASCAR and Champ Cars; the man who helped Ford win Le Mans in the 1960s Wood Brothers (1999) - The winningest Ford team in NASCAR history, and third winningest team overall, they raced Ford Motor Company products for 50 years and taught the racing world the value of the quick pit stop Junie Donlavey (1999) - A NASCAR Winston Cup team owner for 50 years, including 40 years with Ford, he has provided opportunities to more than 160 drivers and started the career of countless crew members Denise McCluggage (2000) - A pioneering woman race car driver in the 1950s and 1960s, McCluggage has gone on to become one of America's most respected automotive journalists. Bill Elliott (2000) -- Recognized as one of NASCAR's most popular drivers ever, Elliott won 40 NASCAR Winston Cup races during a 25-year career with Ford and brought the manufacturer its first driver's championship of the modern era in 1988.
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