Championship "Tire Specialist" award announced: Champion Tire & Wheel announced the 2009 Sprint Cup "Consistently Smooth" award goes to Hendrick Motorsports's Lisa Smokstad and Zach Miller. The award recognizes the skill and effort of the team's tire specialist in overseeing the organization and management of their tire and wheel program. Both Lisa and Zach teamed up to handle the championship effort. The tire specialist is a critical piece in the formula for a championship team as it takes over 2,500 tires and wheels to run the full Sprint Cup season. The lead crystal trophy will be presented to Lisa & Zach at the team's shop in Charlotte with #48 team manager Michael Landis, and crew chief Chad Knaus. In addition to the Sprint Cup series recipients, Champion Tire and Wheel will also present Joe Gibb's Racing's, Jason Clements, the Championship tire specialists award for the Nationwide Series, and Scott Haller of Kevin Harvick Racing, the award for the Camping World Truck Series.(Champion Tire & Wheel PR)(12-3-2009)

#42 Pit Crew to be honored: Tuesday night on Eddie D'Hondt's radio show "The NASCAR Insider" heard each Tuesday [5:00 - 6:00 pm/et] on the Power Up Motorsports Channel, Ted Abdon of Mechanixwear announced, at the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards ceremony to be held Thursday in Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino from 1:00 - 2:45 PM/PT, he will present the # 42 Ganassi/Earnhardt - Juan Montoya, NASCAR Sprint Cup team with the "2009 Mechanixwear Pit Crew of the Year" award. This award is elected by the crew chiefs of the entire Sprint Cup Series and the folks from Mechanixwear not only present the prestigious silver Mechanixwear glove award to the team, but they also present them with a check for $100,000 and they fly the entire Juan Montoya pit crew to Las Vegas to receive their award. Abdon went on to say that Mechanixwear will also be renewing their program with NASCAR for the next five years.(12-3-2009)

#24 - Fastest Crew Award: To recognize the fan-chosen “fastest pit crew,” AT&T donated $20,000 to Victory Junction. “We are pleased to donate this money as part of our ‘Fastest Pit Crew’ program to Victory Junction,” said Daryl Evans, vice president of marketing for AT&T. “It was exciting to see who the fans thought was the fastest and most valuable pit crew, but it’s even more exciting to know we will be helping some great kids attend this special camp.” AT&T’s Fastest Pit Crew ran season-long and asked fans to vote each race via text message to determine the fastest pit crew. Points accumulated throughout the season, and #24-Jeff Gordon's DuPont pit crew was the ultimate winner. “Congratulations to the DuPont pit crew,” said Kyle Petty,co founder of Victory Junction. “They came out and hung out with the kids this summer, and that was really cool. This year has been hard on all of us financially so we’re especially grateful to AT&T and its ‘Fastest Pit Crew’ program for benefiting the kids at Victory Junction. With this donation, eight kids will get an experience of a lifetime!”(victoryjunction.org)(11-25-2009)

NASCAR And Craftsman Name Winners Of NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Awards: Craftsman and NASCAR have announced the winners of the first annual NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award. The Wrenchman Award recognizes behind-the-scenes NASCAR crew members from each of the three national NASCAR Series who “turn the wrenches” in the shop and along pit row, but rarely get the recognition they deserve. Winners were announced at The Wrenchman Award Ceremony in Miami from November 20-22.
The winner from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was chosen by online fan voting. Winners from the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series were selected by a committee.
The NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award SM winners include:
•Andrew Mason, Shop Foreman, Richard Childress Racing # 29, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
•Ramie Jones, Team Engineer, Braun Racing #32, NASCAR Nationwide Series
•Bob Rahilly, Truck Chief, Jim Rosenblum Racing #28, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
All NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award winners will receive a cash prize of $14,000 and $10,000 in Craftsman gift cards. At The Wrenchman Award Ceremony in Miami, the winners were also rewarded with a trophy from NASCAR and Craftsman representatives. The two-foot trophies were specially designed in the shape of a wrench for each winner.(NASCAR)(11-21-2009)

Penske Racing Hauler driver wins: Congratulations goes out to Bill “Stump” Lewis for claiming the first-place prize in the 2009 Freightliner Run Smart Hauler Challenge. The final segment of the annual contest for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team transport drivers was held over the weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and “Stump” was presented his trophy and $35,000 first-place check on the stage prior to Saturday night’s NASCAR Banking 500. “This one’s especially sweet,” said the popular veteran driver, who shares the over-the-road duties with wife, Cindy. “It’s my third big trophy and I was up against a bunch of young bucks this time around.” “I guess you could call Stump the Brett Favre of what we do out here,” Cindy offered. “I’m so proud of him. He just keeps on getting better…in everything he does…” The last time Stump was a winner in the contest, he bought Cindy a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. “This time around, we’re going to spend the money on getting things done around the house, like putting in an irrigation system for the yard.” “But first, we’ll have a big party to celebrate and have all the team over,” said Cindy.(Tom Roberts PR)(10-21-2009)

#42 Target Crew best in the pits 3rd Qtr: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Target Chevy pit crew has proven that they have the speed, power and performance to help their driver earn a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and to run at the front of the field. The team is now in third place in the Chase standings with six races to go, and has earned two poles, six top-fives and 16 top-10 finishes so far this year. That's why the #42 Target team won the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for the third quarter - the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs. It is the first time the #42 team has won the award. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award is given quarterly throughout the NASCAR Sprint Cup season, and the winning pit crew is determined by a vote of each team's crew chief. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award and a check for $100,000 is awarded at the 2009 NASCAR banquet and awards ceremony.(Victory Management Group)(10-20-2009)

Biffle's pit crew gets a name: Greg Biffle has a new weapon in his war in the Chase for the Championship - the Pit Bulls. 3M Car Care announced the winner of the "Name of Fame" contest to find an 3M Pit Bulls appropriate name for Biffle's hard-working crew. Named by Dennis Romano of Dingman's Ferry, PA, a long-time Greg Biffle fan who cheers him on every weekend. Romano's entry in the 3M Car Care Name of Fame contest was selected from 10 finalists and voted on by 3M Car Care and the #16 3M team. More than 1,000 entries were received in the contest. The Pit Bulls and winning entry are featured in a special video on www.3MCarCare.com/NameofFame and shows their new look on pit road at the Richmond race. Romano's grand prize for his winning entry is a VIP trip for two to meet the #16 pit crew at one of the final races of the season. The grand prize package includes airfare, hotel, rental car, race tickets, garage credentials and spending money.(VMG/3M)(9-13-2009)

Lawsuit reveals insight on crew pay: A lawsuit against Roush Fenway Racing gives a look into the world of crew members and what they earn and what their contracts can be like. Jason Myers, former car chief for Carl Edwards, has filed suit against Roush Fenway Racing for wrongful discharge (i.e. firing) and in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act. Myers, who joined Roush in 2002 and was Edwards' car chief (title just below crew chief) from 2006-2008. Court documents stated that Myers suffered from depression and attempted suicide three times. The court document states that on Feb. 17, 2009, the team fired him "for allegedly not noifying anyone that he would miss work on Friday, Feb. 13.'' The case has moved to federal court. Monday, Roush Fenway Racing filed a motion to dismiss Myers' wrongful discharge claim. Roush Fenway Racing claims in court documents that Myers was "not employed with Roush as an employee at-will as required to state a claim of wrongful discharge under North Carolina law. In this case, Myers was emplyed with Roush pursuant to an employment agreement dated January 11, 2008.'' Roush submitted Myers' contract as part of its court documents on Monday. Just like driver contracts, crew contracts are kept confidential. Teams don't want other teams to know what they're paying or how they're compensating their employees. Get a look at the contract information with salary/bonus at the Virginian Pilot.(8-11-2009)

Sprint Cup MAHLE Engine Builder of the Year named: MAHLE Clevite Inc. announced Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports as the 2009 MAHLE Engine Builder of the Year for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Parsnow, engine builder for Hendrick Motorsports, received this award for accumulating the most MAHLE Clevite points (307), based on qualifying, laps lead and finishing position. Fellow Hendrick Motorsports engine builders, Danny Emerick and Earl Wheeler, finished in second place with 288 points and third place with 254 points respectively. This is Hedrick Motorsports' fourth consecutive Engine Builder of the Year title, and Parsnow's second in four years. Parsnow was presented with the coveted award at the annual Myers Brothers' Award Presentation held a day in advance of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet at the Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, December 4th. Over the years, Hendrick Motorsports has racked-up a total of 14 MAHLE Engine Builder of the Year titles. For more information about MAHLE Clevite and its brands, visit www.mahleclevite.com, or contact your local representative.(PR)(12-8-2009)

Nationwide & Truck Series MAHLE Engine Builder Awards: MAHLE Clevite recently announced the MAHLE Engine Builder of the Year for the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The award is presented to the engine builder in each series who has accumulated the most points, based on qualifying, laps lead and finishing position.
Mark Cronquist of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and builder of the #18 Toyota driven by Kyle Busch; received the MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year for the Nationwide Series after accumulating 5,862 points. This marks Cronquist's fourth title in his career with JGR. "It is a great accomplishment, to receive this coveted award for the fourth time," said Cronquist. "I'm proud of the entire Joe Gibbs Racing team and want to say thanks to MAHLE Clevite for their recognition and for providing us with the parts that continue to out-perform each year."
The MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year for the NASCAR Truck Series went to Pro Motor Engines (PME) owner Mark Smith for the second consecutive year. Smith was recognized for his work on the Kevin Harvick Inc. #33 Chevy driven by Ron Hornaday, Jr. that accumulated a total of 3,817 points. "Our efforts to finish on top for a second consecutive season really paid off," said Smith. "I'm honored to receive this award for the second year in a row, and many thanks to MAHLE Clevite for always providing quality products, and for recognizing those of us who are behind the scenes." For more information about MAHLE Clevite and its brands, visit www.mahleclevite.com, or contact your local representative.(PR)(12-1-2009)

Engine Builder Showdown winners: Matt Pennell and Scott Vester of Hendrick BMW/Motorsports built their Chevrolet R07 engine in record time to win the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown at Hendrick Motorsports on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The duo assembled and fired their engine in 22 minutes and 57 seconds, shattering the 2008 championship time of 27:05. This is the second year the R07 has been used in the two-day competition. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group (HAG), started the event eight years ago as a way to recognize the engineers on his race team and in his car dealerships. He got the idea from watching a NASCAR engine building competition that Hendrick Motorsports hosted in 2000, and he held his first event one year later.

Since then, 24 individuals -- 12 engineers from Hendrick Motorsports and 12 technicians from HAG -- are paired up on 12 teams for the annual event, which is held in honor of the late engine builder Randy Dorton and sponsored by MAHLE-Clevite. The top 12 HAG technicians are chosen based upon becoming a Hendrick Master Certified technician and scoring the highest grades on an annual Automotive Service Excellence exam.

"I'm sure Jeff Andrews (Hendrick Motorsports' director of engine operations) has a place to hide those motors because I'll probably put them in something if he leaves them sitting around," Hendrick joked. "These two companies are super special, and it's because of the people. Congratulations to everybody who participated. I hope you all had a good time."

On Tuesday, Pennell, an event rookie from Hendrick BMW in Charlotte, was matched with Vester, a Hendrick Motorsports dyno engineer and two-time Showdown winner (2006 and 2007). Pennell and Vester worked through early communication issues and an improperly attached flywheel to post the fastest time (25:49) in their first build and advance to the championship round.

In the finals, Pennell and Vester faced off against Allen Gates of Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo Subaru (Franklin, Tenn.) and Jason Ingle of Hendrick Motorsports. Gates, who won the event in 2005, and Ingle advanced to the championship matchup by scoring the second-lowest build time (26:15) during the preliminary round.

The two teams raced to build their engines on Wednesday afternoon in front of a crowd of almost 200 supporters. Pennell and Vester fired their engine roughly two minutes before Gates and Ingle. "It's exciting," a smiling Pennell said afterward, trophy in hand. "What else can you say?"
"You don't have to be the best guys out here to win," added Vester, now a three-time champion. "It's how well you mesh together and communicate. If you do that better than anybody else, you win." The winners and their guests receive suite tickets and hot passes for the May 30, 2010, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The winning service technician also can invite his service manager and a guest to accompany him. "It was an honor for us to have this here," Andrews said. "This year we had an all-time high in terms of enthusiasm, participation level and having all the dealership general managers here from across the country. It's an honor to represent these groups each weekend at the racetrack."

2009 Engine Builder Showdown times
First build:
Jeff Krogmann/Superior Toyota and Jared Morris/Hendrick Motorsports 34:33
Jeff Heinz/Hendrick Chevrolet and Kevin Moler/Hendrick Motorsports 29:34

Second build:
William Heimel/Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth, Ga., and Jay Wiles/Hendrick Motorsports 28:59
Robert Marock/Honda of Concord and Sam Vernatter/Hendrick Motorsports 28:07

Third build:
Jerry Hilson/Hendrick Lexus and Bruce Stauffer/Hendrick Motorsports 33:25
Bart Peterson/Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth, Ga., and Mike Maiwald/Hendrick Motorsports 26:48

Fourth build:
Scot Hubbard/Lexus of Pleasanton and Tom Karas/Hendrick Motorsports 28:39
Gary Stevens/Colonial Chevrolet and Danny Emerick/Hendrick Motorsports 28:20

Fifth build:
Matt Pennell/Hendrick BMW and Scott Vester/Hendrick Motorsports 25:49
Tanner Andren/Hendrick Porsche and Shane Parsnow/Hendrick Motorsports 31:02

Sixth build:
Allen Gates/Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo Subaru and Jason Ingle/Hendrick Motorsports 26:15
Brian Skiba/Toyota of Concord and Earl Wheeler/Hendrick Motorsports 30:09

Championship build:
Pennell/Vester 22:57
Gates/Ingle 28:30
(HMS)(10-30-2009)

Biffle's Crew Captures Tissot Pit Road Season Championship: Greg Biffle's #16 over-the-wall crew captured the 2009 Tissot Pit Road Precision Award season championship, a per race competition designed to recognize and reward the extraordinary talents of pit crews in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Biffle's crew came out on top by winning the Tissot competition six times during the 36-race Cup schedule. Jeff Gordon's #24 crew was second with five wins while Jimmie Johnson's #48 crew came in third with four wins. For winning the season-long Tissot Pit Road Precision Award title the #16 team will receive a $100,000 bonus from Tissot plus Tissot watches for the pit crew members and driver. The #16 Roush Fenway Racing crew will also receive an all-expense paid trip from Tissot to Las Vegas to accept the prize money and watches at the Champion's Week NASCAR/NMPA Myers Brothers Award Ceremony, Thursday, Dec. 3, 1:00pm/et in the Venetian Showroom at The Venetian. The #16 over-the-wall 3M crew, which helped Biffle finish seventh in the final driver points, consists of: Todd Zeigler (front-tire changer), Collin Pasi (front-tire carrier), Kyle Power (rear-tire changer), Kevin McDowell (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Billy Manchester (gasman), Ryan Dextraze (catch can) and Chris Elliott (windshield). The team's crew chief is Greg Erwin and the pit crew coach is Andy Ward. "Those guys are near perfect every week and the entire team knows what a role they have played in our 2009 season," said Erwin. "Their confidence is amazing and they really believe in each other. I couldn't be happier for everyone involved with that program. The 3M Pit Bulls truly deserve to win the 2009 Tissot Pit Road Precision Award." The total payout, including the $100,000 season championship bonus, was $280,000. Tissot has been the official watch and timekeeper of NASCAR since 2006. The company is also the official timekeeper for a number of other sports, including the MotoGP World Championship, the Ice Hockey World Championship and the Cycling World Championship.(Tissot)(11-27-2009)

2009 Tissot Pit Road Precision Award Standings:
Pos, Team#, Pit Crew For, Wins - Prize Money
1 #16 Greg Biffle 6 130,000*
2 #24 Jeff Gordon 5 25,000
3 #48 Jimmie Johnson 4 20,000
4 #33 Clint Bowyer 3 15,000
T5 #14 Tony Stewart 2 10,000
T5 #39 Ryan Newman 2 10,000
T5 #99 Carl Edwards 2 10,000
T5 #11 Denny Hamlin 2 10,000 T9 #42 Juan Pablo Montoya 1 5,000
T9 #11 Denny Hamlin 1 5,000
T9 #9 Kasey Kahne 1 5,000
T9 #00 David Reutimann 1 5,000
T9 #20 Joey Logano 1 5,000
T9 #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1 5,000
T9 #26 Jamie McMurray 1 5,000
T9 #1 Martin Truex Jr. 1 5,000
T9 #44 AJ Allmendinger 1 5,000
T9 #43 Reed Sorenson 1 5,000
T9 #29 Kevin Harvick 1 5,000
*included $100,000 season championship bonus

2009 Tissot Pit Road Precision Award Winners
Daytona, 2/15, Reed Sorenson #43 Team
Fontana, 2/22, Tony Stewart #14 Team
Las Vegas, 3/1, Greg Biffle #16 Team
Atlanta 3/8, Clint Bowyer #33 Team
Bristol, 3/22, Jimmie Johnson #48 Team
Martinsville, 3/29, Jeff Gordon #24 Team
Fort Worth, 4/5, Jeff Gordon #24 Team (2)(won race)
Phoenix, 4/18, Ryan Newman #39 Team
Talladega, 4/26, Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Team
Richmond, 5/2, Jeff Gordon #24 Team (3)
Darlington, 5/9, Martin Truex Jr. #1 Team
Charlotte, 5/25, David Reutimann #00 Team (won race)
Dover, 5/31, Greg Biffle #16 Team (2)
Pocono, 6/7, Carl Edwards #99 Team
Michigan, 6/14, Greg Biffle #16 Team (3)
Sonoma, 6/21, Juan Pablo Montoya #42 Team
New Hampshire, 6/28, Jimmie Johnson #48 Team (2)
Daytona, 7/4, Tony Stewart #14 Team (2)(won race)
Chicagoland, 7/11, Denny Hamlin #11 Team
Indianapolis, 7/26, Greg Biffle #16 Team (4)
Pocono, 8/3, Kasey Kahne #9 Team
Watkins Glen, 8/11, Jimmie Johnson #48 Team (3)
Michigan, 8/16, Joey Logano #20 Team
Bristol, 8/22, Greg Biffle #16 Team (5)
Atlanta, 9/6, A.J. Allmendinger #44 Team
Richmond, 9/12, Jamie McMurray #26 Team
New Hampshire, 9/20, Ryan Newman #39 Team
Dover, 9/27, Clint Bowyer #33 Team
Kansas, 10/4, Greg Biffle #16 Team (6)
Fontana, 10/11, Jeff Gordon #24 Team (4)
Charlotte, 10/17, Jeff Gordon #24 Team (5)
Martinsville, 10/25, Jimmy Johnson #48 Team (4)(won race)
Talladega, 11/1, Carl Edwards #99 Team (2)
Texas, 11/8, Kevin Harvick #29 Team
Phoenix, 11/15, Clint Bowyer #33 Team
Homestead, 11/22, Denny Hamlin #11 Team (2)
(11-27-2009)

Hamlin's crew wins Tissot award in Homestead: In Sunday's (Nov. 22) season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Denny Hamlin's #11 crew won the Tissot competition. The effort by the #11 FedEx crew played a key role in Hamlin's fourth race victory of the season. Hamlin's #11 Joe Gibbs Racing crew consists of: Jonathan Sherman (front-tire changer), Brandon Pegram (front-tire carrier), Mike Hicks (rear-tire changer), Heath Cherry (rear-tire carrier), Nate Bolling (jackman), Scott Wood (gasman), John Eicher (catch can) and Bobby “Spike” Christenson (windshield). The team’s crew chief is Mike Ford and the pit crew coach is Paul Alepa. The athletic director for Joe Gibbs Racing is Michael Lepp. The Tissot Pit Road Precision Award went to the team which spent the least amount of time on pit road and finished on the lead lap in each of the 36 Sprint Cup point races. The winning team earned $5,000 and a Tissot watch for each race.(Tissot)(11-27-2009)

Bowyer’s Crew Captures Tissot Pit Road Award in Phoenix: Clint Bowyer’s #33 crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s (Nov. 15) NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. It was the third Tissot win of the season for Bowyer’s crew and the second straight win for a Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team. Last week’s Tissot winner was the RCR teammate of the #33 – the #29 crew for Kevin Harvick. Bowyer’s #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road – 170.217 seconds -- during the Checkers O’Reilly Auto Parts 500. The quick stops lifted Bowyer to a seventh-place finish. Bowyer's over-the-wall crew, which earned $5,000 for the win, consists of: Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Austin Craven (front-tire carrier), Dustin Niecaise (rear-tire changer), Matt Kreuter (rear-tire carrier), Nick Terry (jackman), Bryan Smith (gasman), Chad Haney (catch can) and Scott Brewer (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Shane Wilson. With one Sprint Cup race remaining – Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway – the crews for Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon are the only teams in contention to capture the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award season championship. Biffle’s crew leads the competition with six wins while Gordon’s team is second with five wins. If there’s a tie, the team which finishes the highest in the Sprint Cup driver point standings will be awarded the Tissot season title. The season-champion crew will receive $100,000 plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(11-18-2009)

Harvick’s Crew Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Texas: Kevin Harvick’s crew claimed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s (Nov. 8) NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. It was the first Tissot win of the season for Harvick’s #29 crew, which became the 18th different winner of the 2009 pit road competition. Harvick’s Chevy Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road (221.751 seconds) during the Dickies 500. The winning effort by the #29 crew helped Harvick post a fifth-place finish in Texas. Harvick’s over-the-wall crew, which earned $5,000 for the Tissot win, consists of: DJ Richardson (front-tire changer), Erik Pringle (front-tire carrier), Jonathon Billy (rear-tire changer), Mike Hodges (rear-tire carrier), Corey Wimbish (jackman), Mike Morrison (gasman) and Cruz Gonzales (catch can). The team’s crew chief is Gil Martin. With two races remaining in the 2009 season, three teams are in contention to capture the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award season championship which carries a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. #16-Greg Biffle’s crew leads the competition with six wins, followed by five wins for #24-Jeff Gordon’s crew and four wins for Jimmie Johnson’s crew. If there’s a tie in the Tissot competition after the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 22), the team which finishes the highest in the Sprint Cup driver point standings will be awarded the Tissot season title.(Tissot)(11-10-2009)

Edwards’ Team Captures Tissot Pit Road Award in Talladega: Carl Edwards’ crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the second Tissot win of the season for the #99 crew and the ninth win for a Roush Fenway Racing team. Edwards’ Ford Fusion spent the least amount of time on pit road (191.014 seconds) during the AMP Energy 500 at the Alabama 2.66-mile oval. Edwards’ over-the-wall crew, which earned $5,000 for the Tissot win, consists of: Greg Donlin (front-tire changer), Jeremy Dyer (front-tire carrier), Brandon Hopkins (rear-tire changer), Jody Fortson (rear-tire carrier), Craig Pope (jackman), Joe Karasinski (gasman) and Norm Lowe (catch can). The team’s crew chief is Bob Osborne. With three races remaining in the 2009 season, three teams are in contention to claim the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award season championship which carries a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Greg Biffle’s #16 crew leads the competition with six wins, followed by five wins for Jeff Gordon’s #24 crew and four wins for Jimmie Johnson’s #48 crew. If there’s a tie in the Tissot competition after the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 22), the team which finishes the highest in the Sprint Cup driver point standings will be awarded the Tissot season title.(Tissot)(11-5-2009)

Johnson's Crew Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Martinsville: Jimmie Johnson's crew took top honors at Martinsville Speedway, winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's Sprint Cup race. It was the fourth Tissot win of the season for the #48 crew, which has played a key role in Johnson's dominating performance in the first six Chase races, including his runner-up finish at Martinsville. Johnson's #48 Lowe's Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road (329.445 seconds) during the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Johnson's over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Jon Lucas (rear-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kenneth Purcell (jackman), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Ron Malec (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Chad Knaus. Johnson's crew along with the crews of Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon are in a close competition for the Tissot season title with four races remaining. Biffle's crew leads with six wins, Gordon's crew is second with five wins and Johnson's crew is in third with four wins.(Tissot)(10-28-2009)

Gordon’s Crew Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Charlotte: Jeff Gordon’s crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Gordon’s #24 crew, which also won the pit road award the previous week in California, has five Tissot season victories and has moved within one win of the lead. The Tissot leader with five races remaining in the 2009 campaign is Greg Biffle’s #16 crew with six pit road wins. Along with the $5,000 prize money for each weekly Tissot win, the crew with the most wins following the 36-race Cup schedule will collect a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Gordon’s DuPont/Transformers Chevy Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road during the 334-lap, 500-mile race (271.888 seconds). The quick pit stops helped Gordon to a fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Banking 500. Gordon's pit crew consists of: Clay Robinson (front-tire changer), Mike Houston (front tire carrier), Tim Ladyga (rear-tire changer), Jeff Knight (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Cook (jackman), Caleb Hurd (gasman), Jamie Frady (catch can) and Andy Kruep (eighth man). The pit crew coach is Greg Morin.(Tissot)(10-22-2009)

Gordon’s Crew claims Tissot Pit Road Precision Award: Jeff Gordon’s crew took top honors in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway, claiming the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award, which pays $5,000 each week to the winning team. It was the fourth Tissot win of the season for the #24 crew, which moved into sole possession of second place in the pit road standings. With six races remaining, Greg Biffle’s crew leads the Tissot standings with six wins. The crew with the most wins following the 36-race Cup schedule will collect a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Gordon’s DuPont Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road at Auto Club Speedway (295.170 seconds). The outstanding effort lifted Gordon to a second-place finish in the Pepsi 500. Gordon's pit crew consists of: Clay Robinson (front-tire changer), Mike Houston (front tire carrier), Tim Ladyga (rear-tire changer), Jeff Knight (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Cook (jackman), Caleb Hurd (gasman), Jamie Frady (catch can) and Andy Kruep (eighth man). The pit crew coach is Greg Morin.(Tissot)(10-13-2009)

Biffle's Team Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Kansas: Greg Biffle's crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway. It was the sixth win of the season for Biffle's #16 crew, which leads in the Tissot standings. The crews for Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are tied for second with three wins each. The #16 crew earned $5,000 for the Kansas Tissot pit road win, lifting its season total to $30,000 in prize money. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Biffle's 3M Ford Fusion spent the least amount of time on pit road in Kansas (215.890 seconds). The quick pit stops helped Biffle to a third-place finish in the Price Chopper 400 at the 1.5-mile oval. The #16 over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Zeigler (front-tire changer), Colin Pasi (front-tire carrier), Kyle Power (rear-tire changer), Kevin McDowell (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Billy Manchester (gasman), Ryan Dextraze (catch can) and Chris Elliott (windshield). The team's pit crew coach is Andy Ward.(Tissot)(10-7-2009)

Bowyer’s Team Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Dover: Clint Bowyer’s crew took top honors at Dover International Speedway, winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s AAA 400 Sprint Cup race. The #33 crew, out of the Richard Childress Racing stable, picked up its second Tissot win of the season and became the sixth multiple winner of the pit road competition. The first Tissot win for Bowyer’s crew was at Atlanta in March. Bowyer’s BB&T Chevy Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road in Dover – 257.194 seconds – during the 400-lap race at the Monster Mile. Bowyer's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Austin Craven (front-tire carrier), Dustin Niecaise (rear-tire changer), Matt Kreuter (rear-tire carrier), Nick Terry (jackman), Bryan Smith (gasman), Chad Haney (catch can) and Scott Brewer (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Shane Wilson. The #33 crew, which is in a tie for fourth place in the Tissot standings, will receive $5,000 for winning the pit crew competition in Dover. Greg Biffle’s crew leads the Tissot standings with five wins. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(10-2-2009)

Newman's Team Grabs Tissot Pit Road Award in New Hampshire: Ryan Newman's crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It was the second Tissot win of the season for the #39 team, which became the fifth multiple winner of the weekly competition. The first Tissot win for Newman's U.S. Army/Haas Automation team came at the April race in Phoenix. Newman's Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road in New Hampshire - 137.708 seconds - during the 300-lap race at the 1.058-mile oval. The workmanlike effort on pit road helped Chase driver Newman to a seventh-place finish. The #39 over-the-wall crew at New Hampshire consisted of: Scott Brzozowski (front tire changer), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Andrew Turner (jackman), Daniel Rankin (rear-tire changer), Jason Fowler (rear-tire carrier), Michael Moore (gas man), Andy Rueger (catch can) and Jay Guarneri (windshield, 8th man). The team's pit crew coach is Joe Piette. The pit crew win, which pays $5,000, lifted the #39 team into a tie for fourth place in the Tissot standings with its Stewart-Haas Racing teammate - the #14 crew for Tony Stewart. Greg Biffle's crew leads the competition with five wins. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(9-23-2009)

McMurray’s Team Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Richmond: Jamie McMurray’s crew claimed its first Tissot Pit Road Precision Award by taking top honors in Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. The Tissot weekly competition, which recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport, has had 17 different winners in the first 26 races of the season. McMurray’s #26 Crown Royal Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road – 270.639 seconds – during the 400-lap race at the .75-mile short track. The team will collect $5,000 from Tissot for the pit crew win. The #26 over-the-wall crew at Richmond consisted of: Kevin Novak (front tire changer), Brian Huitt (front-tire carrier), Sean Meckelson (jackman), Chris Tompkins (rear-tire changer), Ben Surface (rear-tire carrier), Les Huntley (gas man) and Ben Holm (catch can). The team's pit crew coach is Jesse Posey. #16-Greg Biffle’s crew continues to lead the Tissot standings with five wins. The crews for #24-Jeff Gordon and #48-Jimmie Johnson are tied for second with three wins each. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(9-16-2009)

Allmendinger’s Team Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Atlanta: AJ Allmendinger’s team won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday night’s Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It was the first Tissot win of the season for the #44 Richard Petty Motorsports team, which became the 16th different winner of the pit crew competition in the first 25 races of 2009. Allmendinger’s #44 Dodge Charger spent the least amount of time on pit road – 378.165 seconds -- during the 325-lap race at the 1.54-mile track. The team will collect $5,000 from Tissot for the pit crew win. The #44 over-the-wall crew at Atlanta consisted of: Bryan Jacobson (front tire changer), Brett Morrell (front-tire carrier), Ed Watkins (jackman), Tony Lunders (rear-tire changer), Joel Coronel (rear-tire carrier), Chris Moore (gas man) and James Antonozzi (2nd gas man). The team's crew chief is Mike Shiplett and the pit crew coach is Brett Cumming. #16-Greg Biffle’s crew continues to lead the Tissot standings with five wins. The crews for #24-Jeff Gordon and #48-Jimmie Johnson are tied for second with three wins each. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(9-9-2009)

Biffle’s Team Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Bristol: Greg Biffle's team won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was the fifth victory of the season for the #16 crew, which remains in first place in the Tissot standings. The crews for Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are tied for second with three wins each. Biffle's #16 Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 214.601 seconds -- during the 500-lap race at the world's fastest half-mile oval. The quick pit stops helped Biffle to a fourth-place finish in the Sharpie 500.(Tissot)(8-25-2009)

Logano’s Team Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Michigan: Joey Logano’s #20 crew claimed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. It was the first Tissot win of the season for the Joe Gibbs Racing crew and the 15th different team to capture the pit road weekly competition. Logano’s #20 Toyota Camry spent the least amount of time on pit road – 204.366 seconds -- during the 200-lap, 400-mile race. The effort lifted the rookie driver to a seventh place finish and his fifth top-10 of the season. Logano’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Ira Jo Hussey (front-tire changer), Thomas Dean (front-tire carrier), Aaron Smith (rear-tire changer), Eric Groen (rear-tire carrier), Jason Tate (jackman), Jeff Clark (gasman), Brian Larson (catch can). The team’s crew chief is Greg Zipadelli and the pit crew coach is Mike Lepp. Logano’s crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. After the 23rd of 36 races Greg Biffle’s #16 crew leads the Tissot standings with four wins. Jeff Gordon’s and Jimmie Johnson’s crews are tied for second with three wins each.(Tissot)(8-18-2009)

Johnson’s Team Captures Tissot Pit Road Award at Watkins Glen: Jimmie Johnson’s pit crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Monday’s rain-delayed Sprint Cup road race at Watkins Glen. It was the third Tissot win of the season for the #48 Hendrick Motorsports pit crew, which moved into a tie for second place with Jeff Gordon’s #24 crew, also from the Hendrick Motorsports stable. Greg Biffle’s #16 crew leads the Tissot standings with four victories. Johnson’s Lowe’s Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road – 86.746 seconds -- during the 90-lap race at the 2.45-mile road circuit. Johnson’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Jeremy West (rear-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kenneth Purcell (jackman), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Ron Malec (eighth man). The team’s crew chief is Chad Knaus and the pit crew coach is Greg Morin. Johnson’s crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(8-12-2009)

Kahne’s Crew Wins Tissot Pit Road Award at Pocono: Kasey Kahne’s pit crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Monday’s rain-delayed Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. It was the first Tissot win of the season for the #9 Richard Petty Motorsports crew, which became the 14th different winner of the weekly competition. Kahne’s Dodge Charger spent the least amount of time on pit road – 222.986 seconds -- during the 200-lap, 500-mile race. The quick work by the #9 crew helped Kahne post a fifth-place finish. The #9 over-the-wall crew consists of: John Royer (front-tire changer), Shawn Ward (front-tire carrier), Jim Carbon (rear-tire changer), Kevin Duncan (rear-tire carrier), Eric Wilson (jackman), Mark “Tank” Probus (gasman), Rick Pennington (catch can) and John Oehler (windshield). The team's crew chief is Kenny Francis and the pit crew coach is Brett Cumming. Kahne’s crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Greg Biffle’s #16 crew leads the Tissot competition with four wins while Jeff Gordon’s crew is second with three wins.(Tissot)(8-5-2009)

Biffle’s Pit Crew Grabs Tissot Win at Indy: Greg Biffle’s #16 team won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award during the Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was the fourth victory of the season for the #16 pit crew, which took over sole possession of first place in the Tissot standings, breaking a three-win tie with Jeff Gordon’s #24 crew. Biffle’s #16 3M Ford Fusion spent the least amount of time on pit road during the Indy race – 191.906 seconds. The pit crew effort helped Biffle to a strong fourth-place finish. The #16 over-the-wall crew at Indy consisted of: Todd Zeigler (front-tire changer), Colin Pasi (front-tire carrier), Kyle Power (rear-tire changer), Kevin McDowell (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Billy Manchester (gasman), Shane Wood (catch can) and Chris Elliott (windshield). The team's crew chief is Greg Erwin and the pit crew coach is Andy Ward. Biffle’s crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)(7-29-2009)

#42 Target Crew best in the pits 3rd Qtr: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Target Chevy pit crew has proven that they have the speed, power and performance to help their driver earn a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and to run at the front of the field. The team is now in third place in the Chase standings with six races to go, and has earned two poles, six top-fives and 16 top-10 finishes so far this year. That's why the #42 Target team won the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for the third quarter - the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs. It is the first time the #42 team has won the award. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award is given quarterly throughout the NASCAR Sprint Cup season, and the winning pit crew is determined by a vote of each team's crew chief. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award and a check for $100,000 is awarded at the 2009 NASCAR banquet and awards ceremony.(Victory Management Group)(10-20-2009)

Penske Racing Hauler driver wins: Congratulations goes out to Bill “Stump” Lewis for claiming the first-place prize in the 2009 Freightliner Run Smart Hauler Challenge. The final segment of the annual contest for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team transport drivers was held over the weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and “Stump” was presented his trophy and $35,000 first-place check on the stage prior to Saturday night’s NASCAR Banking 500. “This one’s especially sweet,” said the popular veteran driver, who shares the over-the-road duties with wife, Cindy. “It’s my third big trophy and I was up against a bunch of young bucks this time around.” “I guess you could call Stump the Brett Favre of what we do out here,” Cindy offered. “I’m so proud of him. He just keeps on getting better…in everything he does…” The last time Stump was a winner in the contest, he bought Cindy a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. “This time around, we’re going to spend the money on getting things done around the house, like putting in an irrigation system for the yard.” “But first, we’ll have a big party to celebrate and have all the team over,” said Cindy.(Tom Roberts PR)(10-21-2009)

Joe Gibbs Racing Team Members Sweep Bristol: Congrats goes to Peter Jellen, member of the #18 Joe Gibbs racing team for winning first place at the Pilot Truck Driver Challenge 3rd chicane event of the year at Bristol, TN. Tom McCrimmon #20 team finishes second and co driver Bob Hannigan of the #18 team finished third.(Pilot Truck Driver Challenge)(8-25-2009)

What is the Pilot Truck Driver Challenge?: The Pilot Truck Driver Challenge is a friendly competition among the NASCAR Sprint Cup truck drivers. The program is an initiative of Pilot Travel Centers designed to promote truck driving safety. The program involves maneuvering through chicane courses, taking safety quizzes and doing DOT checks on the drivers and their equipment. In participating in this Challenge the truck drivers have the opportunity to win cash and prizes totaling up to $80,000. More info at PilotTruckChallenge.com.

2008 Winner:
Bob Decker - 2008 Pilot Truck Driver Challenge Champion - Roush Fenway Racing, #99 Team.