TOPEKA, Kan. (March 22, 2016) – Calvin Stewart is still reaping the rewards from his 2015 racing efforts. Not only did the longtime SCCA racer from Novi, Michigan, win the F500 Class at the 2015 SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB, but he also claimed the coveted Mark Donohue Award presented annually by the Road Racing Drivers Club to a competitor displaying outstanding performance, competitiveness and sportsmanship during the SCCA Runoffs.
Now, Stewart has been conferred the 2015 Kimberly Cup, which he accepted March 12 during the Great Lakes Divisional Awards Luncheon. Named after Jim Kimberly, a top-caliber driver and former President and Governor of SCCA, The Kimberly Cup is awarded to the driver showing the most improvement in the last year. Previous recipients include notables such as Mark Donohue, Roger Penske, Peter Revson and last year’s recipient, Danny Bender.
A member of the Detroit Region, Stewart began racing karts in 1984 before joining the SCCA seven years later. With six previous Runoffs appearances, 2015 resulted in a career-high finish. His previous best finish was third at the 2001 SCCA Runoffs at Mid-Ohio.
Entering the 2015 Runoffs with the second-fastest qualifying time, Stewart went on to lead every lap at the stripe, but it took considerable effort and skill. There was a fierce back-and-forth battle for the lead that produced at least one lead change during every lap, but Stewart was ahead by 0.713-seconds when the checker flag fell.
Lisa Noble, SCCA President and CEO, is also a former Kimberly Cup recipient and said: “The Kimberly Cup award was the highlight of my racing career. Holding the historic trophy and seeing the iconic names of racing’s greats engraved on the side was a humbling experience. I’m thrilled that as this year’s recipient, Cal’s name will be added as well. His 2015 Runoffs drive was outstanding in every way from strategy to car prep. It is well deserved.”
With the 2016 SCCA U.S. Majors Tour underway, and competitors around the country already focusing on the 2016 SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB taking place at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, many eyes will be on Stewart this year watching for a repeat performance of last year’s success.
Photo Caption: Calvin Stewart and his wife, Ruthie, accept the 2015 Kimberly Cup.
Photo Credit: Jay Bonvouloir (F500 photo)
