New York ? Ryan Newman was honored as Driver of the Year in 2003 after a season in which he won eight races and 11 poles in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series.

This was only the second time in the award’s 37-year history the honor did not go to a series champion. Matt Kenseth won this year’s Cup title. Bill Elliott received the award in 1985 despite finishing second to Darrell Waltrip in the points.

Newman failed to finish seven of 36 races in 2003 and wound up sixth in the points, but he drew eight of the 18 votes from a national panel of motorsports writers and broadcasters. He also was the favorite of 44 percent of the fans who voted online. That total counted as one vote in the final tally.

“It’s awesome,” said Newman, who drove for Penske Racing South in only his second full year in Winston Cup. “Not only the award, but the honor of all the drivers that have gotten it.”

Kenseth drew just one vote from the panel. Other drivers receiving votes were series champions Paul Tracy (CART), Steve Kinser (World of Outlaws), Greg Anderson (NHRA Pro Stock), Kenny Bernstein (NHRA Top Fuel), Scott Dixon (IRL), J.J. Yeley (USAC) and IRL standout Sam Hornish, Jr.