2008 Racer of the Year – Douglas Morton

01/23/2009

Douglas Morton’s resilience both on and off the track makes him a stand-out choice for the 2008 Team Kendall Racer of the Year accolade. After Crohn’s disease nearly claimed his life in 2006, Morton fought his way back into the winner’s circle with the help of Kendall Motor Oil and hasn’t looked back since.

Morton’s battle with Crohn’s disease forced him to miss all of the 2006 racing season. Prior to falling ill, he had spent his entire life involved with racing and, for the first time ever, he was forced to take a break from the sport. As his health steadily improved, and he found himself strong enough to get behind the wheel again, Morton took to the track with more determination than ever before. With the help of his friends, family and supporters, Morton was able to make a full return in 2007.

“Kendall Motor Oil is the key to preventing overheating in our engine, offering better protection compared to any other racing oils I have used in the past,” says Morton. “When I was coming back to the track for the first time in 12 months, I had enough to worry about and my trust in Kendall Motor Oil’s superior products allowed me to focus on my health and other aspects of returning to racing.”

In 2008 Morton set out to build a new engine and with the help of friends and family, he not only built that engine, but built it to be faster than ever before. Just as soon as Morton hit the track in 2008, he was waving to the crowd from the winner’s circle. On August 16, his late mother’s birthday, Morton took home top honors at a trophy dash at the 48th running of the Daffodil Cup.

“Douglas’ dedication to Team Kendall makes us extremely proud to support his racing career,” says Team Kendall sponsor Rick Dykstra, Kendall Motor Oil brand manager for United Petroleum Products. “He is an inspiration to everyone both on and off the track, and is incredibly deserving of the Racer of the Year title from Kendall Motor Oil.”

Team Kendall has played an important role in Morton’s success for more than six years and he is looking forward to what the future holds for the partnership. In the off season, Morton plans to promote Kendall Motor Oil on behalf of United Petroleum.

“Racing has always been, and always will be, a huge part of my life and I’m grateful for the chance to pursue my dream again,” says Morton. “I look forward to each and every season with a renewed vigor and enthusiasm for the sport.”

Morton has truly earned the title of 2008 Team Kendall Racer of the Year. We congratulate him on this exciting achievement and look forward to watching him in 2009!