IZOD IndyCar Series driver Charlie Kimball was honored today as one of 18 national recipients of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service.
Kimball, who drives the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing car, was recognized for spreading awareness of diabetes and its impact on individuals/families and motivating individuals not to allow diabetes stand in the way of their dreams.
"It was an absolute honor to receive the Jefferson Award as recognition for my work with Novo Nordisk in the diabetes community," said Kimball, who accepted the medal and certificate at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "To be included in such an inspirational group of people is truly special. I am very blessed to be able to do what I love and at the same time inspire people to overcome obstacles and live their dreams."
The Jefferson Awards was co-founded 40 years ago by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Kimball is one of three recipients from the world of sports honored with awards, dubbed a "Nobel Prize" for public service. Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly was feted for his foundation's work to fund research for the treating and curing of Krabbe disease and other leukodystrophies. Former NHL star Pat LaFontaine was lauded for creating a group that pays for "Lion's Dens" game rooms for kids in hospitals.
Other honorees this year include retired four-star Army General-turned-CIA director David Petraeus (greatest public service by an elected or appointed official) and jazz musicians Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr. (for the efforts to rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005).
Grid penalties for Kanaan, Viso at Iowa
There weren't any post-race technical penalties issued for the Milwaukee IndyFest Presented by XYQ.
KV Racing Technology has opted to change the Chevrolet engines in the No. 5 car of E.J. Viso and No. 11 car of Tony Kanaan for this weekend's race at Iowa Speedway and will be subject to a 10 grid-spot penalty.
Star Mazda's Team GDT, Tveter get TV time
Star Mazda driver Ryan Tveter and Team GDT will be featured in a documentary filmed during the Honda Indy Toronto June 6-8 race weekend and produced by Rogers TV.
As part of its involvement, Rogers TV is launching a contest on www.RogersTV.com to win a behind-the-scenes experience at the races at Exhibition Place for Ontario residents at least 18 years old.
Of note
Upcoming Firestone Indy Lights testing includes Team Moor Racing's Gustavo Yacaman and David Ostella at Sebring International on June 28 and Team AFS driver Sebastian Saavedra and Andretti Autosport's Carlos Munoz at MSR Houston the same day. ... Graham Rahal, who will participate in an outing at Safari Golf Club in Powell, Ohio, on June 29, will have a zoo-themed helmet for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race weekend.