CENTENNIAL, COLO. (June 29, 2011) SCCA Enterprises Inc. has announced it is renaming the newly created SCCA Enterprises Rookie of the Year award in honor of deceased Spec Racer Ford standout Dakota Donovan. The Florida racer has also been retroactively named the first recipient of the annual prize. During a ceremony at the 2011 edition of the prestigious SCCA Chicago June Sprints at Road America, SCCA Enterprises officials have announced the newly created award honoring the brightest new talent within the Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises ranks will now be called the SCCA Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year award. We are pleased to rename the SCCA Enterprises Rookie of the Year award in honor of Dakota, stated SCCA Enterprises President & CEO Erik Skirmants. Not only was he a gifted young racer with a bright future in motorsports, but he exhibited everything we want this award to represent, both in and out the cockpit. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Donovans love of motorsports started at an early age. Accompanying his father David Donovan a 20 year veteran of SCCA Spec Racer Ford and Formula Mazda competition to the track since he could walk, it came as no surprise that Dakota Donovan soon found himself behind the wheel as well. Initially finding success in the karting ranks, the talented teenager made the move up to car competition via the Spec Racer Ford class. Following in his fathers footsteps, it wasnt long before he was challenging for top honors in SCCA competition. After winning assorted SCCA Regionals in both the Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises class, leading the 2010 Spec Race Ford June Sprints race, and qualifying third and battling for the Spec Racer Ford win in his inaugural SCCA National Championship Runoffs, the stage was set for Dakota Donovan to be among those dueling for the 2011 SCCA Pro Racing Spec Racer Ford Series and SCCA Pro Racing Formula Enterprises Series titles this season. Unfortunately, the 18 year-old was tragically killed this past December, following an accidental shooting, extinguishing not only a burgeoning racing career, but the life of a well-liked and admired man. In addition to renaming the SCCA Enterprises Rookie of the Year award in Dakota Donovans honor, the prize is being retroactively presented to the Floridian, making the up-coming racer the first recipient of the annual award. While still saddened by his sudden passing, we are proud to name Dakota Donovan as the first winner of the SCCA Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year award, added Skirmants. The 2011 SCCA Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year award will be presented upon conclusion of both the amateur and pro seasons, following input from the Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises Customer Service Representatives, media, and racers. In making the selection, on-track results, as well as off-track character, and the ability to be a great ambassador for SCCA Enterprises will be taken into consideration. Additional information on SCCA Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year can be obtained by contacting SCCA Enterprises Inc. President & CEO @ eskirmants@scca.com or 303.693.2111.
