Rick Crawford stood by proudly and patiently as Mayor Mike Down ran through a string of “whereas'” and “wherefores” Tuesday, highlighting Crawford’s racing career in officially proclaiming Rick Crawford Day in Mobile. City councilman Reggie Copeland, then, astutely pointed out that Crawford no doubt learned the dramatic maneuver he used to win Friday’s Florida Dodge Dealer 250 at Daytona by driving on Airport Boulevard. The 44-year-old Crawford has been honored many times at Mobile International Speedway, where his racing career started, but this is the first time he has received formal city-wide recognition for his accomplishments. He finished second in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points championship last year, the reason Tuesday’s ceremony was originally organized. Crawford made his homecoming even more special by winning at Daytona International Speedway Friday, passing Robert Pressley with the finish line in sight for the second victory of his truck-racing career. Two members of Crawford’s crew are also from Mobile — Robbie Geist and Jimbo Lee. Crawford plans to travel to Ozona, Texas, Monday to present Tom Mitchell, the owner of Circle Bar Racing, with the shiny trophy from his Daytona victory, which he also had on display here Tuesday.(Alabama Live)(2-19-2003)
