John Doonan's acceptance speech at the Grand American ROLEX Banquet for Wayne Nonnamaker' Bob Akin GT Class Sportsman award:

 "On behalf of everyone at Mazda North American Operations and our 800 dealers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Wayne (Nonnamaker) and the entire Team Sahlen’s Family. Wayne and everyone at Team Sahlen’s did an outstanding job throughout the 2011 season…helping put Mazda in a position – down to the very last corner of the very last lap of the season – to secure another manufacturers championship.  From their first pole position at Road America, to a strong podium at New Jersey, to being in a position to win the season’s final race at Mid-Ohio in the late going - they certainly have a great deal to be proud of and we are grateful for their loyalty to the Mazda GT program. It is an extra special honor to accept this award on Wayne’s behalf because of what the Bob Akin award represents.  Away from the race track, Bob Akin was a dedicated family man and a very successful business man.  Sports car racing may have only been Bob’s hobby, but he performed his hobby with the utmost in professionalism and he brought home plenty of top level sports car racing trophies over the years to show for it.  I am fortunate to enjoy a close personal friendship with his son Bobby, who (if you did not already know) is with series TV broadcast partner Speed Channel.  Bobby….I can assure you, your mom, and your entire family that it is with the same passion and sense of enjoyment that your dad displayed in his many years behind the wheel….that Wayne and his entire family go about their programs here in the Grand Am ROLEX Series.  Congratulations to Wayne for his performance on and off track…  Thank you very much."