The inaugural SPEED Performer of the Year, to be awarded in December as part of a one-hour SPEED television special honoring the top moments in motor sports for the year, will be selected by a panel including Wind Tunnel host Dave Despain, veteran broadcasters Bob Varsha and Ralph Sheheen, SPEEDtv.com writers Robin Miller and Tom Jensen and versatile racers Tommy Kendall and Dorsey Schroeder.

"In selecting panelists for the inaugural SPEED Performer of the Year, we wanted a core group that had experience across multiple disciplines," said Hunter Nickell, SPEED EVP & General Manager. "We also wanted to make sure we included voters with different perspectives … we have broadcasters, journalists, racers and SPEED producers on the panel. If it's happening in the world of motor sports, this panel knows about it."

The criteria for SPEED Performer of the Year will emphasize winning, with candidates having to score at least two victories within the season to be considered for the honor. In addition, the award will not be given to any driver suspended for any part of the racing season.

"The SPEED Performer of the Year will be someone who lives for the checkered flag and behaves with the class of a champion on and off the track," Nickell added. "We want this to be a meaningful award, not only to the drivers, but to the fans as well."

Beginning in November, SPEED will air highlights from multiple categories and multiple race series, allowing fans to vote on their favorites by visiting SPEEDtv.com or through their mobile phone. With categories still in development; "Fantastic Finish", "Unbelievable Pass", and "Outstanding Achievement in a Post-Race Celebration" are at the top of the early list. Winners from each category will also be announced as part of the year-end SPEED Performance Awards special.

SPEED, celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2006, 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 delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 71 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.