Grapevine: Franchitti receives Titus award

Franchitti, the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series winner who moved on to NASCAR, helped unveil his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy, then received the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy and was named to the all-America team during the 38th annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association awards banquet Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The Titus award is earned by the driver who receives the most all-America votes cast by AARWBA members. Named in memory of the late journalist and professional racer, it is the highest honor offered by AARWBA, the country's oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals.

Emerson Fittipaldi, the legendary Indy, Formula One and Champ Car champion, was the featured speaker. Approximately 200 members, guests and VIPs were in attendance at the Hyatt Regency ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

AARWBA members annually elect drivers to the team from seven categories: Stock car, open-wheel, drag racing, road racing, short track, touring series and at-large.

"It makes me very proud to receive the Titus Award," Franchitti said. "2007 was a wonderful season for me, and awards like this will help to remind me of what I was able to achieve with my team. Thanks to all my friends who voted for me in the media."

Other all-Americans on-hand to claim trophies were: Tony Schumacher and Tony Pedregon (drag racing); Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and Scott Pruett (road racing); Mika Salo, Jamie Melo and Alex Lloyd (at-large); and Frank Kimmel (touring series).

Also elected were Sebastien Bourdais (open wheel); Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon (stock car); Donny Schatz and Jerry Coons Jr. (short track); and Ron Hornaday Jr. (touring).