Mike Harris one of the most prominent motorsports journalists in the United States will be honored, by the Speed Channel DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD panel, for his lifetime of service to the award, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 27th.

Harris started with the Associated Press in 1969 and has been the motorsports writer since 1980 and a member of the Expert Panel for 25 years.

Born in Wisconsin, Harris had a number of assignments including the Indiana Sports Editor of AP. When the motorsports position opened up Harris thought it would be for three years. Instead he's remained on the beat up to the present day. Harris was a large part of the coverage that took auto racing out of the curiosity phase to mainstream media.

One high point in his career came in 2001 when he won The Story of the Year and Deadline Writing APSE writing awards for his coverage of Dale Earnhardt's death at the Daytona 500

He has appeared on radio shows and television interviews too numerous to count in addition to the annual Speed Channel Driver of the Year Show.

His travel schedule reads like an airline pilot's as he criss-crosses the country to provide reports of the leading races of the week.

Driver of the Year principal Barry Schmoyer considers Harris' counsel invaluable and essential to the continuation and prosperity of the 39 year-old award that honors one driver above all from all auto racing disciplines.

Schmoyer said " Mike's advice and hard work are key reasons that this award has continued to be held in high regard."

Harris said "I'm very honored. The Driver of the Year Award is very special to me, and, it's an honor to be thought of in that way by the panel."

As a token of esteem of the panel Harris will be presented a Maurice Lacroix Swiss wristwatch and (a plaque) in pre-race activities for the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 in the Indy Racing League.

SPEED Channel is the nation's first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage.

Now available in more than 68 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.

SPEED Channel, the nation's fastest growing sports cable network, is the first and only 24-hour cable network devoted exclusively to motor sports and the human fascination for speed.  Speed Channel is the exclusive U.S. cable home for many of the top motor sports series in the world.  It is currently available in more than 67 million homes in North America.