Don Hawk, vice president of business affairs for Speedway Motorsports, Inc., was named the inaugural recipient of the Bruton Smith Award during the 2011 U.S. Legend Cars International and INEX Corporation Championship Banquet held Jan. 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The award captures the spirit of its namesake, SMI chairman and CEO, O. Bruton Smith and recognizes someone with a passion for Legend Car racing and the promotion of it.
“Don has worked very hard to grow and expand this part of our company,” said Smith. “He’s very passionate about promoting grassroots racing and truly puts his heart into it. That’s what U.S. Legend Cars International is all about, developing the next generations of drivers and Don never stops thinking about what we can do to make that happen.”
Hawk was unanimously selected by a group of managers from U.S. Legend Cars International and INEX for his outstanding achievements, selfless drive and a determination for company success.
Marcus Smith, chief operating officer of SMI and president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, said “the Smith family is proud to have their name associated with this award and we can think of no finer recipient for the inaugural Bruton Smith Award. The fact that this is voted on by employees of the company makes it even more special.”
Hawk worked previously as manager of Alan Kulwicki Racing and also served as president of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. before joining SMI in 2007.
After receiving the award, the typically animated Hawk was left stunned and speechless for a few moments.
“What this means to me is so hard to put into words,” said Hawk. “Bruton’s been so much more than a boss to me. He’s my mentor for a job that I absolutely love and have fun with every day. This just inspires me to work harder.“
I’m blessed to work for Speedway Motorsports and want to sincerely thank the Smith family and the employees of U.S. Legend Cars International for this recognition.”
Based in Harrisburg, NC, U.S. Legend Cars, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of race cars in the world, and is the exclusive producer of the Legends Car, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters. U.S. Legend Cars, Inc., a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., hosts a worldwide dealer network featuring 50 exclusive dealers across the United States, Canada and Europe.
SMI PR
