
But in his native India, a country with 1.2 billion people, Narain Karthikeyan is a star.
With the award determined by voting through the Internet, Karthikeyan, a former Formula One driver, relied on his worldwide fan base to win the award.
Just how big is that fan base? Karthikeyan has more than 36,000 followers on Twitter. Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael, who made the transition to NASCAR last year and won the 2009 award, has more than 28,000 followers.
The 33-year-old Karthikeyan drove in nine races this year for Turn One Racing through an association with Starbeast Motorsports. He has not announced his plans for 2011.
“What can I say?” Karthikeyan said in accepting the award Monday. “I am surprised I am getting this award, and I am honored by it.
“I have to thank my fans. … I had the great opportunity to come here and race in NASCAR with Starbeast Motorsports. We did a partial season. I’m really looking forward to coming back and racing here in 2011.”

