KEVIN KENNEDY HONORED WITH SPIRIT OF FORD AWARD FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Concord, NC, Jan. 27, 2011– Kevin Kennedy, who has worked with some of the greatest names in Ford Racing history as director of Ford Racing public affairs, was presented the prestigious Spirit of Ford Award in a surprise ceremony today as part of the annual Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour.
The Spirit of Ford Award is Ford Motor Company’s highest honor in auto racing, recognizing lifetime achievement and contribution to the industry both on and off the race track. Kennedy becomes the 25th recipient, joining an international list of honorees from all forms of racing and racing media. He was recognized in a surprise presentation today by Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford and a member of the company’s board of directors. “
For over 25 years, Kevin has served as Ford’s communications compass in this ever-evolving racing industry,” said Ford. “He has been an invaluable advisor to the Ford executive team, and to so many of the drivers and owners who have built Ford Racing’s brand over the years, names like Mario Andretti, Jack Roush, Bill Elliott and John Force. His dedication over the last three decades has undoubtedly made us a better racing program.”
In addition to his duties with Ford Racing, Kennedy is Executive Vice President at PCGCampbell, a marketing communications agency that was founded in 1982 as Campbell & Co. in conjunction with Ford Motor Company’s corporate reentry into professional motorsports.
“Kevin is the steady hand that I rely on as we evaluate and implement strategic initiatives at Ford Racing,” said Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports. “His counsel is indispensible, and I am so grateful for our friendship. He is very deserving of The Spirit of Ford.”
In addition to the Spirit of Ford, Kennedy was also recognized for his excellence in motorsports public relations by the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) with the Jim Chapman Award in 2006.
Spirit of Ford Awards Winners
Bill Stroppe, 1988
Bob Glidden, 1989
Chris Economaki, 1990
Richard Petty, 1992
Bob Bondurant, 1993
Mario Andretti, 1994
Jackie Stewart, 1994
Bud Moore, 1995
Parnelli Jones, 1996
Jim Clark, 1997
Phil Hill, 1998
Stirling Moss, 1998
Bill France, Sr., 1998
Bill France Jr.1998
Junie Donlavey, Jr., 1999
Glen Wood, 1999
Leonard Wood, 1999
Dan Gurney, 1999
Denise McCluggage, 2000
Bill Elliott, 2000
Carroll Shelby, 2001
Wally Parks, 2001
Ned Jarrett,2003
Mose Nowland,2005
Jack Roush, 2006
John Force, 2010
Kevin Kennedy,2011
