Karthikeyan wins NASCAR Truck Series Most Popular Driver Award
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Deep in the heart of red-neck country, open wheel driver Narain Karthikeyan from India (right) receives his Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Truck Series award. Imagine that!
11/23/10 “The Fastest Indian in the World" is now also the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ Most Popular Driver of 2010. In a huge surprise, Karthikeyan, who has run a total of only 9 out of the 25 race calendar, garnered the most votes in a fan poll held on the NASCAR website.
Beating out veterans and fan favorites like Ron Hornaday and 2010 Champion Todd Bodine, Narain’s Most Popular Driver win proves the power of India in any global arena. Driving for Starbeast Motorsports, a team whose mission it is to bridge the businesses of India and the United States through NASCAR racing, Narain has been one of India’s most popular sportsmen ever since his debut as India’s First Formula 1 Driver in 2005.
On receiving the award at the NASCAR end of season Awards Banquet in Miami, Narain 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 honored to receive this accolade."
[Editor's Note: What is this open wheel driver from India doing driving part-time in the red-neck NASCAR truck Series? His dream was F1 but he never quite made it. Therefore, he belongs in IndyCar where he can showcase his talents better. His fan base in India is huge, as evidenced by the fact he won the award.]