IndyCar trumps NASCAR in Alabama
The second event at the Barber Motorsports Park featured the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy. I first have to thank Mr. (George) Barber for his vision for Barber Motorsports Park. In addition, without the combined efforts of the public and private sectors, this event would not be possible, nor would it have seen the success it has enjoyed," said Gene Hallman, president of ZOOM Motorsports (promotional group of Barber Motorsports Park).
“The fact that IndyCar is racing in Alabama, as the only stop in the Deep South, is an example of what we can do when we work together. We look forward to many more spectacular years of IndyCar at Barber Motorsports Park."
Criteria for Event of the Year include outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact statistics, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts, additions and/or improvements designed to increase appeal to tourists, increased attendance, and the enhancement of local, regional or state image as a tourist destination.
The Event of the Year award is among 14 for 2011 that comprise the Alabama Tourism Awards. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum received the Attraction of the Year award. Indycar.com