RACER magazine, a longtime content partner with SPEEDtv.com, will present the RACER Rookie of the Year Award as part of the inaugural SPEED Performance Awards.

"We're excited that the Rookie of the Year presented by RACER will be an important part of the inaugural SPEED Performance Awards," said RACER editor Andy Hallbery. "RACER magazine prides itself in having its knowledgeable readers vote auto racing's rising stars into the spotlight. The 2006 season has given us some amazing rookies across a wide variety of championships, and when the votes from RACER's readers and SPEED's viewers are in, we know the winner will be truly deserving."

The RACER Rookie of the Year winner will be featured in the April edition of the magazine.

Nominees for the inaugural RACER Magazine Rookie of the Year include Marco Andretti (IRL), Colin Braun (Grand Am), Dan Clarke (Champ Car), Bryan Clausen (USAC), Denny Hamlin (NASCAR) and Robert Kubica (F1).

Beginning the week of Nov. 20, SPEED will air nominees for the fan-vote categories, allowing SPEED viewers to vote for their favorites at SPEEDtv.com. The winners will be announced as part of a 60-minute special in February, culminating with the presentation of the Mario Andretti Trophy to the inaugural SPEED Performer of the Year.

Fan-vote categories for the SPEED Performance Awards:

RACER ROTY
Best Rivalry
Biggest Upset
Biggest "Hit"
Oops Award
Tell it Like it Is
Best Finish
Temper, Temper
Best Victory Celebration

The SPEED Performer of the Year will be selected by a panel of racers, journalists and SPEED producers and personalities. The winner will receive the Mario Andretti Trophy, created by bronze artist Elie Hazak.

RACER is America's best selling general motor sports magazine passionately devoted to covering the best in international auto racing from an American perspective. RACER's award-winning editors and photographers take readers deep inside the exotic world of modern motor sports. RACER's style is independent, thought-provoking and addictive, celebrating the glamour, excitement, color, speed, personalities, technology and competition that characterizes the world's most exciting sport. For more information on RACER magazine visit Haymarketworldwide.com.