Jimmie Johnson was named Richard Petty Driver of the Year at the National Motorsports Press Associations [NMPA] annual convention in Charlotte. Johnson won more races (8) than anyone else in NASCARs major touring series and finished second to Kurt Busch oddly enough, by eight points in the Nextel Cup point standings. Kyle and wife Pattie Petty won the Pocono Raceway Spirit Award and were honored for their work in building and maintaining the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman. Kristi King of Talladega SuperSpeedway won the Ken Patterson Award for service in the field of public relations. Another veteran publicist, Denny Darnell, won the NMPAs Joe Littlejohn Award for service to the organization.(Shelby Star)(1-25-2005)
