Steve Peterson, NASCAR’s Technical Director who has been heavily involved in helping introduce a wide range of safety initiatives within the sport, was recently the recipient of the 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Motorsports Achievement Award.

Peterson received the award at the annual SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference and Exhibition Dec. 5 in Dearborn, Mich. SAE presents this award to the individual that has shown outstanding leadership or contribution to motorsports over an extended period of time. Peterson has served as NASCAR’s Technical Director since 1995 and during that span he has been instrumental in the development and implementation of such safety features as the SAFER Barrier and Head and Neck Restraints, along with improved Seat Belts, Cockpit Surrounds/Seats and Fire Safety.

His most recent work has been with the Car of Tomorrow, NASCAR’s new race car that focuses on safety, improved performance and cost efficiency. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Peterson has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive engineering industry. He worked as a crew chief for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Mark Martin in 1982 and also has experience as a race team engineer and design engineer. He currently resides in Concord, N.C., where he works at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

[NASCAR PR]

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