2002 Auto Racing All-America team voting: Ballots are in the mail to almost 300 members of the motorsports press to select the 12-driver 2002 Auto Racing All-America team. Among those on the 2002 ballot are two former three-time Jerry Titus Award winners, John Force (1996, 1999, 2000) and Jeff Gordon (1995, 1998, 2001), plus the driver who has been All-American more than any other, Steve Kinser (19-times on the team, 14 as First Team). Also on the ballot seeking selection in one of six categories – Open Wheel, Stock Car, Road Racing, Drag Racing, Short Track and At Large – are 13 drivers who could be making their first-ever All-American appearance. Members of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association, have been sent their ballots to vote from among six drivers named in each category. Two from each category will be named to the first team, to be honored at the annual AARWBA banquet in January. The winner of the Jerry Titus Award will also be announced at the banquet. The Titus Award, much like college football’s Heisman Trophy, honors the team’s top driver – the one earning the most votes in the balloting regardless of category. The balloting will also determine a second team of the drivers placing third and fourth in each category, and honorable mentions to all other drivers receiving at least 5 percent of the vote. AARWBA members have annually chosen an All-America Auto Racing Team since 1970. The banquet is open to the public. Ticket information is available from AARWBA, 922 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, Calif. 91505, or call (818) 842-7005. The drivers listed below are on the 2002 All-America ballot. Numbers in parentheses indicate previous times elected to first team/second team/honorable mention; *** indicates first time on ballot. Open Wheel: Patrick Carpentier (1/0/0); Helio Castroneves (0/1/0): Cristiano da Matta (1/0/0); Gil de Ferran (2/1/0); Sam Hornish (1/0/0); Junquiera (***). Stock Car: Kurt Busch (***); Jeff Gordon (8/1/0); Matt Kenseth (***); Mark Martin (3/4/4); Ryan Newman (0/1/0); Tony Stewart (6/0/1). Road Racing: Terry Borcheller (0/1/0); Chris Dyson (***); Ron Fellows (0/2/2); Tom Kristensen (***); Boris Said (***); Didier Theys (0/1/1) Drag Racing: Kenny Bernstein (7/1/3); Jeg Coughlin Jr. (0/1/0); Larry Dixon (0/1/0); John Force (10/4/2); Clay Millican (0/0/1); Tony Pedregon (***) Short Track: Greg Biffle (0/1/0); Mike Bliss (0/1/0); Joey Clanton (***); Frank Kimmel (0/0/3); Steve Kinser (14/1/4); J.J. Yeley (***) At Large: Bill Auberlen (0/1/0); A.J. Foyt IV (***); David Higgins (***); Frank Manzo (0/0/1); Jimmy Rector (***); Bryan Sellers.(PR)(11-28-2002) (11-27-2002)
