The Automotive Hall of Fame has selected Gale Banks to receive one of their 2009 Distinguished Service Citations. Banks accepted the award at the annual luncheon on January 25 in New Orleans. This national citation is the Hall of Fame's oldest ongoing recognition and is presented each year to individuals who have had significant impact on the automotive industry.
Banks, one of only five industry executives who have been awarded this honor for 2009, said he was very surprised by the selection. "I was just blown away and humbled by the names of the others who have been honored with this citation over the years. It's a rare day when I'm struck almost speechless.. .but this was sure one of them!" he said. "When the letter informing us that I'd been selected hit my desk, I actually had to read it over a couple of times before it sunk in."
Banks joins past recipients such as Charles Kettering, Harvey Firestone, Roger Penske, Lee lacocca, A.J. Foyt and Carroll Shelby. The list of recipients of the award dates back to the first recipient, Ransom E. Olds in 1940.
