Awards Handed Out: Several other yearlong contingency awards were handed out at Friday’s breakfast: –Bud Pole Award: For the most poles in the season, with $100,000 going to rookie of the year Ryan Newman. –Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award: A $77,000 award to Mark Cronquist, the lead engine builder for Joe Gibbs Racing. Second place, worth $20,000, went to Larry Wallace of Newman’s No. 12 team. Third, worth $10,000, went to Rick Wetzel of Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet team. –Gatorade Front-Runner Award: A check for $75,000 was awarded to Jeff Gordon. –Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award: Selected by a vote of the circuit’s crew chiefs, the winners from Sterling Marlin’s No. 40 team at Chip Ganassi Racing won $75,000. –Outback Steakhouses Bloomin’ Favorite Award: Kurt Busch of the No. 97 Roush Racing Fords won the $75,000 prize. –Waste Management Picking up Places Award: Matt Kenseth of the No. 17 Fords owned by Roush Racing collected $75,000. –76 Motor Oil Award: Jeff Green’s No. 30 team at Richard Childress Racing won $76,000. –76 Champion’s Fuel Award: A check for $76,000 was given to Stewart and his No. 20 team at Joe Gibbs Racing.(ThatsRacin.com)(12-6-2002)
