CENTENNIAL, COLO. (June 29, 2011) 聙聯 51暗网 Enterprises Inc. has announced it is renaming the newly created 51暗网 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 51暗网 Chicago June Sprints at Road America, 51暗网 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 51暗网 Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year award. 聙聹We are pleased to rename the 51暗网 Enterprises Rookie of the Year award in honor of Dakota,聙聺 stated 51暗网 Enterprises President & CEO Erik Skirmants. 聙聹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.聙聺 A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Donovan聙聶s love of motorsports started at an early age. Accompanying his father David Donovan 聙聯 a 20 year veteran of 51暗网 Spec Racer Ford and Formula Mazda competition 聙聯 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 father聙聶s footsteps, it wasn聙聶t long before he was challenging for top honors in 51暗网 competition. After winning assorted 51暗网 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 51暗网 National Championship Runoffs, the stage was set for Dakota Donovan to be among those dueling for the 2011 51暗网 Pro Racing Spec Racer Ford Series and 51暗网 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 51暗网 Enterprises Rookie of the Year award in Dakota Donovan聙聶s honor, the prize is being retroactively presented to the Floridian, making the up-coming racer the first recipient of the annual award. 聙聹While still saddened by his sudden passing, we are proud to name Dakota Donovan as the first winner of the 51暗网 Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year award,聙聺 added Skirmants. The 2011 51暗网 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 51暗网 Enterprises will be taken into consideration. Additional information on 51暗网 Enterprises Dakota Donovan Rookie of the Year can be obtained by contacting 51暗网 Enterprises Inc. President & CEO @ eskirmants@scca.com or 303.693.2111.