Villeneuve to enter Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Jacques Villeneuve is to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. The 1997 Formula One World Champion, 1995 IndyCar Series Champion, and Indy 500 winner will enter the Sports Hall alongside top Canadian athletes: hockey legend Patrick Roy, freestyle skier sensation Jean-Luc Brassard, wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc, speed skating / cycling Olympian Clara Hughes, and Olympic gymnast Kyle Shewfelt.

In an illustrious career that has already spanned more than two decades, Villeneuve has found success that can be rivalled by very few. Only two other drivers in the history of motorsport have won the Indianapolis 500 and both the Formula One and IndyCar championships. Earlier this year, Villeneuve made history again by becoming only the second driver to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in three major series – F1, IndyCar and NASCAR.

“It’s a great honour to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” Villeneuve said. “I’m extremely fortunate to have represented my country throughout my racing career, and to have achieved international success as a Canadian athlete. The Hall has honoured a great many outstanding sports men and women, who I’m sure will continue to inspire young Canadians for generations to come.”

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1955 to "preserve the record of Canadian sports achievements and to promote a greater awareness of Canada’s heritage of sport.” Villeneuve’s late father, Gilles Villeneuve, was himself inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, at the inaugural induction ceremony in August, 1993.

The 2010 Induction Gala will be held on Wednesday November 10, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary.