Barbosa officially awarded Force For Earth Hard Charger

Firestone Indy Lights driver Rodrigo Barbosa didn’t expect to receive a postseason award for his 2010 season, so he made plans to leave Miami before he could collect the Force For Earth Hard Charger Award.

“I was surprised when I got the call to tell me (I had won)," the Brazilian said as he accepted his award from two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr on Oct. 14 in Indianapolis.

Driving for his second Firestone Indy Lights season with PDM Racing, the Brazilian improved the most positions during the season to collect the award and its $5,000 prize. He credited his team for helping him achieve the award.

“PDM and I did a great job together," Barbosa said. “We made a big improvement with the ovals and on the road courses, too. I hope we are working together again next year and can do a better job for next year."