Verizon IndyCar Series team owner Bryan Herta was presented the FIA Americas Award during an awards gala Jan. 17 in Panama City, Panama.

The Skip Barber Racing School nominated Herta, who began his racing career in 1990 in the Skip Barber Saab Pro Series.

“I am very honored to receive the FIA Americas Award," Herta said. "I have been privileged to work with and have the support of so many talented people throughout my career in and out of the cockpit and I will take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of them. And thank you also to the Skip Barber organization for the nomination, without the opportunity the Skip Barber Race Series provided me as I began my career none of this would have been possible.”

Herta competed in Indy Lights in 1993 and competed full time in Indy car. Bryan Herta Autosport has been a race-winning team in Indy Lights and Verizon IndyCar Series competition since its formation in 2009, including winning the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dan Wheldon. 

"We are excited for the opportunity to highlight an outstanding race car driver and team owner in Bryan Herta," said Skip Barber CEO Michael Culver (at left with Herta). "He is an exceptional individual who possesses admirable traits of perseverance, passion and determination. He continues to influence the motorsports world and will do so for a very long time. Bryan is very deserving of this award and we're thrilled for him."

Gabby Chaves, the 2014 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires champion, also was recognized at the event for his accomplishments in the top rung of the Mazda Road to Indy.

Aleshin confirmed for LMP2 seat

Mikhail Aleshin, who finished 16^th in the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series standings in a Schmidt Peterson Motorsports entry, has been confirmed as one of the drivers for SMP Racing‘s LMP2 entry in the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Reserve margin not met at auction for Lotus 56-3

The STP-sponsored No. 70 Lotus 56-3 driven by Graham Hill that set the Indianapolis 500 four-lap qualifying record of 171.208 mph in 1968 and was a featured item Jan. 17 during the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., received a bid of $1.3 million but did not clear the reserve margin

The Granatelli Racing Chevrolet-powered Lola that two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk drove to victory in 1991 at Phoenix International Raceway sold for $123,200 at the auction.

Of note