Now in its eighth year, Champ Car honours the memory of Moore, who lost his life during the 1999 California 500, by presenting the Greg Moore Legacy Award to the driver 'who most typifies Moore's distinctive combination of on-track talent and dynamic personality', traits which led the popular Canadian racer to become a favorite among the fans, media and members of the Champ Car community.
The award winner is determined by a select board of Champ Car personnel, along with media and fan voting, with this year's list of four nominees including Hinchcliffe, as the sole pick from the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Championship, and Champ Car World Series drivers Justin Wilson, Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud.
Hinchcliffe, who finished fourth overall in the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Championship before returning to the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport to start his second season racing for A1 Team Canada, expressed his delight at being nominated.
"Obviously I'm really honoured to have been nominated for this award," stated the 20-year-old from Toronto. "Growing up, Greg Moore was someone I really admired, a hero, and to even be considered for an award that bares his name means more to me than most people realize. It's just such a cool feeling. I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps both as a driver and as a person. I'd like to thank the people responsible for nominating as I'm thrilled to make such a prestigious short-list."
Hinchcliffe's exploits in his sophomore season of Atlantic competition, steering the #9 NOCO/ProWorks Sierra Sierra Enterprises entry to five podiums from six front-row starts, were further recognized at the end of the season banquet in August when he won the Gilles Villeneuve Award - presented to the driver who posses extraordinary ability, star quality and who has distinguished himself through sportsmanship, dedication and perseverance in the face of disappointment.
Fans can participate in the voting for this year's Greg Moore Legacy Award by visiting the official website of the Champ Car World Series - www.champcar.ws
The voting will take place in the 'Fan Poll' section on the front page of the website. Voting will close on the website on Monday 12th November at Noon EST.
ENDS - www.a1teamcan.com
Photo Credit: 'A1 Team Canada's James Hinchcliffe' - Jakob Ebrey Photography
From A1 Team Canada Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager
