IRL: Indy500: Davey Hamilton is honored by Scott Brayton Award

Indianapolis, IN - This year's recipient of the Scott Brayton Award was veteran Indy Racing League driver Davey Hamilton, who received the honor at The Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration on May 27th in Indianapolis.

Hamilton was completely stunned and speechless. It wasn't until he had a moment to really embrace the honor that was bestowed upon him that he was able to comment,

"During my racing career I have accomplished many things, winning races, championships, competing in every IRL event, running six Indy 500's but this past Sunday evening at the Indianapolis 500 banquet I was extremely honored to be the 2001 recipient of the Scott Brayton Award. It is a tremendous compliment to win an award that signifies the passion and dedication that Scott Brayton had at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is that kind of dedication and passion that I feel every year when I set foot at the famed Brickyard. My memories of Scott are filled with how he enjoyed every moment at the speedway, working hard to get every mph out of his car, at the race that meant so much to him and always having a smile at the end of the day. I would like to thank the Scott Brayton Award Committee for selecting me, it's an award that I will always cherish. Thank you to Tony George, Bob Reif, Brian Barnhardt, and the entire IRL staff, your vision has made it possible for racers like myself to reach our dream to race the INDY 500. I have been fortunate to start every IRL event in its history and hope to keep that streak going for many years. "

Lee Brayton, Scott's father is one of six members on the board of directors that makes the decision. Mr. Brayton comments, "The Scott Brayton award is a tremendous honor for our family. Like the Borg Warner Trophy, it will go on forever, thanks to the generosity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tony George, Andy Evans, Tom Kelley and John Menard. It was created for the driver who has been through the hardships like Scott. Scott didn't drive for a big team until he got to Menards. There were many occasions that he had the rug pulled out from underneath him by guys with money. But he fought hard and stayed in it. He made his living at driving a race car and that's a big part of the award. Davey's been through those hardships too. We've received hundreds of phone calls from people who have seen the trophy in the Hall of Fame museum and we are just very honored." Becky Brayton also serves on the Board of Directors.

As if the honor to receive the award isn't enough, Hamilton also received a beautiful bronze replica of Scott Brayton's car and a check in the amount of $25,000.

Brayton was tragically killed in a practice crash in May of 1996 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway just days after winning his second consecutive Indianapolis 500 pole with Team Menard in stunning fashion.