– R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., whose Winston brand of cigarettes has been the sponsor of NASCAR’s top series for 33 years, won the Myers Brothers Award as stock car racing’s outstanding contributor. – Driver Ricky Craven, who has raised money for a variety of children’s charities with an annual snowmobile ride, was given the $100,000 USG Person of the Year Award. – Ryan Newman, who won 11 poles and eight races – both series highs in 2003 – was given the $100,000 Bud Pole Award and the $100,000 Mobil 1 Command Performance Award. – The $75,000 Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award went to the No. 17 Roush Racing team of series champion Matt Kenseth, while Kenseth picked up $75,000 for the Waste Management Picking Up Places Award that goes to the driver who improved on his starting positions the most during the year. – Mike Maiwald, engine builder for the Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet, got $80,000 as Clevite Engine Builder of the Year. – Jimmie Johnson, second to Kenseth in the season points, was given the $75,000 Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Favorite Driver of the Year Award.( ThatsRacin.com )(12-5-2003)
