Catchfence

Jim Hunter is the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award for 2010 for his lifelong efforts in support of NASCAR and those involved in the sport.

Hunter, who died in October 2010, was among four quarterly winners for the award and chosen by NMPA members as the overall winner for the year.

The NMPA Spirit Award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports.

Hunter took on many roles in NASCAR over the years, something that allowed him to offer a unique perspective on the sport and those working in it. He worked as a sportswriter and as a public relations director for Darlington Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway before he took on that role with NASCAR.

He returned to Darlington as track president from 1993-2001, also serving a role in parent company International Speedway Corporation. In 2001, he was named vice president of corporate communications for NASCAR.

Throughout his career, Hunter was an advisor to the France family and a friend and mentor for countless drivers and media members.

Other quarterly winners in 2010 were:

Brian Vickers, who is active with various charities, and was selected based on his attitude and determination to return to racing after blood clots forced him out of the car in May.

J.D. Gibbs, for hosting Taylor’s Finish Line Festival in May, held to celebrate the end of cancer treatments for Gibbs’ 5-year-old son, Taylor. Proceeds benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western, N.C., and the Levine Children’s Hospital of Charlotte.

Bobby Hutchens, director of competition at Stewart-Haas Racing, for continuing to oversee operations after the death of his wife from breast cancer in December. He also continues to support the group his late wife and a friend formed to help raise money to fight breast cancer.

- NASCAR, Press Release