Jimmie Johnson receives NMPA Spirit Award for second quarter

CONCORD, N.C. - Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson has been selected as the second-quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association’s Spirit Award.

Johnson, a five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, joined with primary sponsor Lowe’s to assist the residents of Moore, Okla., in the wake of an EF5 tornado that struck the town May 20, 2013. Click here to watch video from the Johnsons' trip.

Lowe’s made a $1 million donation to the recovery effort while Johnson donated his earnings, in excess of $1 million, from his victory in the annual Sprint All-Star Race. In addition, the annual Jimmie Johnson Foundation Golf Tournament and Dinner Auction, held this past June, raised more than $600,000. Funds from the events will be distributed to schools in need through the Toolbox for Education Champions Grants program.

Other second-quarter nominees were Richard Petty Motorsports, defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion James Buescher/Turner Scott Motorsports and Sonoma Raceway.

The NMPA Spirit Award, presented annually since 1992, recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. At year’s end, an overall recipient from the quarterly winners is selected by the NMPA membership.

Previous overall winners have included track owner Andy Hillenburg, four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon and NASCAR official Jim Hunter.