Recently crowned 2012 IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay has been named recipient of the Driver of the Year Award for the third quarter of the 2012 season.

Hunter-Reay, who drives for Andretti Autosport, beat NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski in the voting.

The panel of 21 broadcasters and journalists gave 10 first-place votes to Hunter-Reay, who totaled 138-points. Keselowski received six first-place votes and totaled 105-points. Two panel members did not vote in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, the Texas-born Hunter-Reay, had wins at Toronto and Baltimore.

“I’m honored to have been voted Driver of the Year for the third quarter,” Hunter-Reay said. “With every driver that races on four wheels in America being eligible, it’s humbling to know that the media voted for me.”

Barry Schmoyer, President of the Driver of the Year Foundation, said, “while the voting is open to all drivers racing in the U.S., there’s a certain pride that an American has won the IndyCar title for the first time since Sam Hornish accomplished it in 2006.”

Erica Enders, an NHRA Pro Stock driver, was third in the points and garnered two first-place votes and 55 points. Antron Brown, who races in the NHRA’s Top Fuel division, was fourth with 39 points.

Denny Hamlin, the only other driver to receive a first-place vote, was fifth with 34 points.

A total of 18 drivers scored points in the third quarter voting.

In its’ 46th year, the Driver of the Year Award, is unique. The panel of journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis. Hunter-Reay will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a time and place to be determined.

“I have to thank my crew and everyone at DHL, Sun Drop and Chevy for all their support – this year just gets better and better,” Hunter-Reay added.

Further information on the award may be obtained from Driver of the Year Foundation, PO Box 49827, Sarasota, Florida 34230 or from (941) 379-2318 or email: barrydoty@yahoo.com

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