Carlos Munoz at IMS

Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Rookie of the Year Carlos Munoz was named Colombia’s driver of the year Dec. 10 as part of the Federación Colombiana de Automovilismo Deportivo “Night of the Best” in Bogota.

Munoz, who finished second in the Indianapolis 500 and third in the Firestone Indy Lights championship standings, will move up to the IndyCar Series full time with Andretti Autosport in 2014. Also among the nominees was Firestone Indy Lights championship runner-up Gabby Chaves.

"After all these years of sacrifice and hard work, since I was 8 years old and started my sports career, there have been good and not so good moments," said Munoz, 21. “This year, I could see the results of all that. I hope this is the first year of a lot full of victories and happy moments. It was a great year of victories, pole positions. I am only sorry I could not win the Indy Lights championship due to mechanical problems, but I will always remember my first Indy 500 and my second place there being the first time I was taking part of that race. I am sure I will never forget that and I hope to make the most of the opportunity again next year.”