Wheldon Ambassador Award continues at the 2016 FWT

Awarded by Race Tech Development’s Mike Maurini and with Ben Cooper claiming the honors in 2015, the 2016 edition of the popular winter karting program opens the door for a new and deserving recipient with the award being given away during the final round of the 2016 Sofina Foods Florida Winter Tour.

 

“I am really excited to once again announce that the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award will be given away in 2016,” expressed Mike Maurini, who took over the program in 2015. “Dan was a great friend of mine, our family and the karting community, and I am happy to be able to carry on the tradition for another season.”

 

Developed by former Florida Winter Tour owner and promoter Bill Wright, the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award is expressed in his words as two fold: First to honor the memory of Dan Wheldon, second to inspire others to be aware and adopt the personal attributes that made Dan an outstanding father, racer, friend and a strong and positive image for the karting community.

 

Continuing with Wright’s tradition, the award will be presented to a Florida Winter Tour participant who best represents karting with a highly competitive spirit, a helpful and positive attitude, and a professional image. The eligibility for the award requires the recipient to be a Florida Winter Tour participant. Although drivers are the most visible part of any series, success in karting requires a group of individuals including drivers, parents, tuners, mechanics, coaches, team managers, business owners, importers, track owners and even event promoters.

 

Maurini added, “The list of award winners from previous years include Jim Russell Jr., Alan Rudolph, Jorge Arellano and Ben Cooper. I can’t wait to see who will be the recipient in 2016.”

 

With the award being given out during the final Sunday of the Sofina Foods Florida Winter Tour, nominations must be submitted to DWAward@FloridaWinterTour.com anytime between noon on Friday, January 15 to noon on Friday, March 27, 2015. The award recipient will have their name engraved on a plaque and placed on a perpetual trophy that will be displayed at FWT events. In addition, they will receive a framed certificate and a copy of the Michael Voorhees photo book "Dan Wheldon Lion Heart" created by Michael and Dan for Dan's parents and fans.