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Spirit of Ford Award - Wood Brothers, Junie Donlavey

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 9, 1999 -- For their lifetime contributions to the world of auto racing, Ford Motor Company today awarded the Wood Brothers and Junie Donlavey its prestigious Spirit of Ford Award in a special ceremony at the Virginia World ...

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 9, 1999 -- For their lifetime contributions to the world of auto racing, Ford Motor Company today awarded the Wood Brothers and Junie Donlavey its prestigious Spirit of Ford Award in a special ceremony at the Virginia World Building on the grounds of the Richmond International Raceway.

The Spirit of Ford Award (formerly known as the Ford Special Achievement Award) is Ford's highest honor in auto racing, given to those who have made a significant lifetime contribution to the world of auto racing, both on and off the track. The awards, beautiful Steuben crystal eagles, were presented to Glen Wood, on behalf of the Wood family, and Donlavey by Edsel B. Ford II, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and a member of the company's board of directors.

"It's an honor for us to make this special presentation the Wood Brothers and Junie Donlavey, people who represent the best aspects of NASCAR Winston Cup racing, " said Ford.

"Junie has been fielding teams in NASCAR for 50 years, the last 40 exclusively with Ford products," Ford said. "One of NASCAR Winston Cup's true gentlemen, he has won over the entire NASCAR family with his dedication, his honesty, and the opportunities he has provided for more than 160 drivers during the years.

"When you think of the Wood Brothers, you think of success at NASCAR's highest level," Ford added. "As a team, they have raced Ford Motor Company products for 50 years, and have won more races than any other team to compete with Ford. As people, they showed the racing world that you can win with dignity and perseverance, and the respect they have earned in the NASCAR garage is enormous."

The Woods and Donlavey are the 12th and 13th recipients of the Spirit of Ford Award.

Previous Spirit of Ford Award Winners

Bill Stroppe (1988) - Off-road racing legend, driver and builder, in recognition of his successes during 50 years of racing Ford vehicles

Bob Glidden (1989) - America's most successful drag racer, on the occasion of his 75th career NHRA Pro Stock victory, and in recognition of his record 10 NHRA Pro Stock championships in 18 years of drag racing

Chris Economaki (1990) - Publisher emeritus of National Speed Sport News, in recognition of his 50 years in motorsport journalism

Richard Petty (1992) - The "king" of stock car racing, in recognition of his seven Winston Cup championships and 200 victories

Bob Bondurant (1993) - Founder and president of the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, in recognition of his contributions to driver education for 25 years, and his career in Formula One, Le Mans events, and sports car racing

Mario Andretti (1994) - CART and Formula One champion, in recognition of his legendary career that included victories in CART, USAC, Formula One, NASCAR, and sports car racing worldwide

Jackie Stewart (1994) - Three-time Formula One World Driving Champion, in recognition of his racing accomplishments and his 30 years as a Ford Motor Company product consultant

Bud Moore (1995) - Race team owner for more than three decades, winner of both NASCAR Winston Cup and SCCA Trans-Am championships, in recognition of his contributions to both racing and his country

Parnelli Jones (1996) - Driver, team owner and builder who won in sprint cars, Indy cars, stock cars, road racing, and off-road racing, in recognition of his success, versatility and competitive spirit

Sterling Moss (1997) - One of the greatest European drivers of all time, who excelled in Formula One and sports car racing, for his significant contributions to auto racing The France Family (1998) - On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing, for their vision and contribution to making NASCAR America's most popular form of motorsport

Dan Gurney (1999) - One of the greatest American drivers of all-time, who excelled in sports cars, Formula One, NASCAR and Champ Cars; the man who helped Ford win Le Mans in the 1960s

Wood Brothers (1999) - The winningest Ford team in NASCAR history, and third winningest team overall, they raced Ford Motor Company products for 50 years and taught the racing world the value of the quick pit stop

Junie Donlavey (1999) - A NASCAR Winston Cup team owner for 50 years, including 40 years with Ford, he has provided opportunities to more than 160 drivers and started the career of countless crew members

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