The Travel Connection
For all your teams travel needs!
January News Archives
January 14th
Cornelius, N.C.-Brandon Ward capped off a storybook 2007 season in surprise fashion at Myrtle Beach's Marriott Grande Dunes Resort on Saturday night when he was announced as the "Speed 51 Most Popular Driver" for the 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup season. He also took the stage, of course, to receive the crystal trophy presented to him as the "Miller Lite Rookie of the Year," which Ward wrapped up at the season-ending Lakeland event in November. It was noted that the driver of the Randy Humphrey Racing SupplyOne Ford Fusion amassed nearly $120,000 in winnings and special awards over the course of the Northern Division and Championship Series schedules.
"This year was a dream come true for me," said an elated Ward to the capacity crowd gathered in the Resort's grand ballroom to honor the USAR's top accomplishments of the past season. "First and foremost, I can't thank Randy and Stacey Humphrey enough for giving me this opportunity. It looked like I might not even have a ride for 2007, then Randy called," Ward continued with obvious emotion in his voice. "Then having my friend Rob Huffman as a crew chief, and the great group of hard-working guys he put together, was just more than I could have ever hoped for. What we were able to accomplish this year was definitely a total team effort."
Ward went on to acknowledge SupplyOne's Bill Leith and Dan Leon for their sponsorship support, expressing his hope that the Pennsylvania-based packaging giant would once again grace the car's quarter panels in 2008. "We don't have anything signed yet, but it was great having them on board in '07 and we would love to get things finalized soon for 2008," said Ward. SupplyOne had as many as 300 guests at several of our races this year, and it was awesome meeting them personally at the hospitality tent, and then seeing them cheer for us from the grandstands," he added.
Ward couldn't hide a shocked expression at emcee Gene Crane's pronouncement that a record fan vote total had resulted in Brandon being named by motorsports publisher Speed 51 as the USAR Pro Cup's 2007 "Most Popular Driver."
"It's a great honor and a huge surprise," admitted Ward. "Just to be included in the voting with all the incredibly talented drivers in this Series was a thrill. And then to win,wow, what can I say. My thanks go to all the fans that support this Series, and to Speed 51 for sponsoring the award."
During his time at the podium, Brandon also acknowledged his appreciation to a number of team and series sponsors including Hooters, Sears Auto Centers, BFGoodrich Tires, Automotive Specialists, Laughlin Race Cars, W.P. Shocks, Shaffer's Oil and Steve Davis Photography. He then offered some personal remarks, "I can't forget my girlfriend Cathy Lee, who has supported my racing 100% over the past several years. And of course, my mom and dad, who have sacrificed an incredible amount of time and finances since I was eight years old to help me achieve my dream," he said.
Cornelius, N.C.-Brandon Ward capped off a storybook 2007 season in surprise fashion at Myrtle Beach's Marriott Grande Dunes Resort on Saturday night when he was announced as the "Speed 51 Most Popular Driver" for the 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup season. He also took the stage, of course, to receive the crystal trophy presented to him as the "Miller Lite Rookie of the Year," which Ward wrapped up at the season-ending Lakeland event in November. It was noted that the driver of the Randy Humphrey Racing SupplyOne Ford Fusion amassed nearly $120,000 in winnings and special awards over the course of the Northern Division and Championship Series schedules.
"This year was a dream come true for me," said an elated Ward to the capacity crowd gathered in the Resort's grand ballroom to honor the USAR's top accomplishments of the past season. "First and foremost, I can't thank Randy and Stacey Humphrey enough for giving me this opportunity. It looked like I might not even have a ride for 2007, then Randy called," Ward continued with obvious emotion in his voice. "Then having my friend Rob Huffman as a crew chief, and the great group of hard-working guys he put together, was just more than I could have ever hoped for. What we were able to accomplish this year was definitely a total team effort."
Ward went on to acknowledge SupplyOne's Bill Leith and Dan Leon for their sponsorship support, expressing his hope that the Pennsylvania-based packaging giant would once again grace the car's quarter panels in 2008. "We don't have anything signed yet, but it was great having them on board in '07 and we would love to get things finalized soon for 2008," said Ward. SupplyOne had as many as 300 guests at several of our races this year, and it was awesome meeting them personally at the hospitality tent, and then seeing them cheer for us from the grandstands," he added.
Ward couldn't hide a shocked expression at emcee Gene Crane's pronouncement that a record fan vote total had resulted in Brandon being named by motorsports publisher Speed 51 as the USAR Pro Cup's 2007 "Most Popular Driver."
"It's a great honor and a huge surprise," admitted Ward. "Just to be included in the voting with all the incredibly talented drivers in this Series was a thrill. And then to win,wow, what can I say. My thanks go to all the fans that support this Series, and to Speed 51 for sponsoring the award."
During his time at the podium, Brandon also acknowledged his appreciation to a number of team and series sponsors including Hooters, Sears Auto Centers, BFGoodrich Tires, Automotive Specialists, Laughlin Race Cars, W.P. Shocks, Shaffer's Oil and Steve Davis Photography. He then offered some personal remarks, "I can't forget my girlfriend Cathy Lee, who has supported my racing 100% over the past several years. And of course, my mom and dad, who have sacrificed an incredible amount of time and finances since I was eight years old to help me achieve my dream," he said.
Ward Adds "Most Popular Driver" Award To "Rookie Of The Year" Title
January 14th
Myrtle Beach, S.C.-The final touches were put on the 2007 Hooters Pro Cup season on Saturday night, Jan. 12 at the Myrtle Beach Marriot Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C. And for the fourth time in his career, Bobby Gill was the man of the evening.
Gill, driver of the No. 06s USG Sheetrock Brand Ford, finished the season with three wins, 544 laps led and $226,100 in winnings en route to his first title since the 2001 season. Not usually a man of many words, Gill spoke eloquently during his fourth acceptance speech.
"Most of ya'll know this is not something I'm good at," said Gill, who nearly surpassed $2 million in career earnings with his fourth title. "I didn't think I'd get to do this again. I figured I'd be working for one of the Rogers boys by now. But, heck, they both worked with me this year. I have to thank Jamie and Jim Mosley and USG Sheetrock for the opportunity to drive their car. Most of you probably don't know Jim because he was usually the guy leaving the race track after I qualified in the back. We had a good year, but we probably should have won a few more races. We're already working hard for next season."
But Gill wasn't the only one from the Lamb&Robinson Racing team to walk away with post-season accolades. Gill's crew chief, Jamie Mosley, was named the Crew Chief of the Year.
"Bob, you sure do make me look good," said Mosley, who received, courtesy of Sears Auto Center, a Craftsman 11-drawer, roll-away tool chest loaded with a 263 pc. mechanics tool set, valued at over $1,000. "I just want to know if you voted for me, Bobby? We made the decision a few years ago to get Bobby Gill and he's been great. But as good as Bobby Gill is, we could not do this without the crew. They gave us a great car every week, and they're true champions."
In addition to the Crew Chief of the Year Award, Mosley also accepted the Car Owner of the Year Award on behalf of his father, James Sr.
Rookie Brandon Ward, driver of the No. 93s SupplyOne Ford, picked up the overall Miller Lite Rookie of the Year title and finished the year with $40,000 in rookie bonuses. Not a bad payday for a driver who didn't have a ride a week before the season began.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here," said Ward. "We started out the season in the Whelen Modified Series. I think it was three or four days before the start of the Pro Cup season when [team owner] Randy Humphrey called me and said, 'I want to talk to you about driving my racecar, and I need to see you today.' I met with Randy that night and we put together a deal. I can't thank Randy and Stacey [Humphrey] enough for the opportunity and SupplyOne for stepping up to support us.
"The rookie class this year was tough. Ben Stancill, Matt Hawkins, Richard Boswell and all the other rookies made this hard to win. Crew chief Robert Huffman means so much to me and this entire team. With him being a former champion and driver himself, it makes it easy for him to guide us. Everybody on this team worked so hard and I don't think I've ever had so much fun in racing."
Ward also picked up the SPEED51.com Most Popular Driver Award by edging out Jody Lavender and rookie James Buescher. Ward received a one-of-a-kind, specially made print from 51 Sports and Speed51.com. He also will get his choice of a free t-shirt design or free website design through Speed51.com's parent company, 51 Sports.
Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 29s Strutmasters.com/Chevy Racing Chevrolet, also had a fun-filled season. Despite coming up short of the overall title, Bayne picked up two wins, seven top-five finishes and finished the year with $115,800 in winnings. His point finish was the highest ever by a 16-year-old driver.
"I knew exactly what I was going to say until I got up here," said Bayne. "But we really had a great season. There are not enough words to say how thankful I am for the guys that work on our team. I also want to thank all the drivers that really gave me the respect this year that I wanted. And Bobby Gill got his Lasik eye surgery this year, so we didn't have any problems with him at Bristol. My crew chief, Keith Hinkein, came on about halfway through the year and I don't think we finished outside the top three once he got here. That says a lot about him. I really hope we get the opportunity to come back here and run next year. But if not, I'm really going to miss everybody in the series."
While most of the recipients knew they would be recognized, two of the most prestigious awards were big surprises.
Keith Dorton, owner of Automotive Specialists, was given the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his tireless work in pursuit of a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
"This is a big surprise," said Dorton, who also picked up the Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Year Award. "Everybody out there really deserves this because they all supported me in my fund raising. It really means a great deal to me and my family. And we hope to continue it on for many years."
Matt Carter, driver of the No. 26n Travis Carter Motorsports Ford, was also a surprise winner. Carter received the prestigious Robert H. Brooks Four Champions Award. The award recognizes the driver that does the most with the least and exudes a winning attitude, regardless of the situation. And that's exactly what Carter did during 2007 season.
With one car and one motor, Carter ran up front all season, picked up his first Pro Cup win and finished eighth in the final standings.
"I'm speechless," said Carter, who picked up nearly $12,000 in Awards from Five Star Bodies, BFGoodrich Tires, Brodix, Heintz Performance, Quarter Master, Eibach Springs, Auto Meter, Hawk Brakes and Brown and Miller. "I have to thank my mom and dad because I wouldn't be up here without them. My crew chief, Jimmy King, isn't here tonight because I couldn't get him to put a tuxedo on, but him and the King family have helped me a lot. I'm shocked, and I don't know what to say, but thank you Hooters and USAR for all you do. This is a great series to be a part of."
Ben Stancill, driver of the No. 9n Stancill Farms Ford, picked up a new Leavitt chassis for winning the inaugural Leavitt Chassis Championship Series Hard Charger Award. Stancill passed 38 cars during the Championship Series to claim the $9,000 chassis.
But the man of the night was Gill, and two of his longtime rivals summed it up best.
"It seems like every year we're chasing Bobby Gill," said Mike Garvey, who finished fourth in points. "I thought I had you at South Georgia. But I screwed up, and you just kept on going. We've not always got along. I guess when you get two hard heads together they don't mix too well. But there's no better racer than Bobby Gill."
Sears Auto Center Northern Division Champion Gary St. Amant agreed.
"I want to congratulate Bobby Gill," said St. Amant, driver of the No. 7n JEGS.com/Speedco Chevrolet. "It was only about 10 years ago that I wanted to kill him. Now I'm one of his good friends. That just shows the comradery in this series. I've been here for four years, and each year the competitors grow closer. I can't think of a better example than Bobby Gill. He's become, well, I won't say a nice guy, but a lot nicer guy."
Myrtle Beach, S.C.-The final touches were put on the 2007 Hooters Pro Cup season on Saturday night, Jan. 12 at the Myrtle Beach Marriot Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C. And for the fourth time in his career, Bobby Gill was the man of the evening.
Gill, driver of the No. 06s USG Sheetrock Brand Ford, finished the season with three wins, 544 laps led and $226,100 in winnings en route to his first title since the 2001 season. Not usually a man of many words, Gill spoke eloquently during his fourth acceptance speech.
"Most of ya'll know this is not something I'm good at," said Gill, who nearly surpassed $2 million in career earnings with his fourth title. "I didn't think I'd get to do this again. I figured I'd be working for one of the Rogers boys by now. But, heck, they both worked with me this year. I have to thank Jamie and Jim Mosley and USG Sheetrock for the opportunity to drive their car. Most of you probably don't know Jim because he was usually the guy leaving the race track after I qualified in the back. We had a good year, but we probably should have won a few more races. We're already working hard for next season."
But Gill wasn't the only one from the Lamb&Robinson Racing team to walk away with post-season accolades. Gill's crew chief, Jamie Mosley, was named the Crew Chief of the Year.
"Bob, you sure do make me look good," said Mosley, who received, courtesy of Sears Auto Center, a Craftsman 11-drawer, roll-away tool chest loaded with a 263 pc. mechanics tool set, valued at over $1,000. "I just want to know if you voted for me, Bobby? We made the decision a few years ago to get Bobby Gill and he's been great. But as good as Bobby Gill is, we could not do this without the crew. They gave us a great car every week, and they're true champions."
In addition to the Crew Chief of the Year Award, Mosley also accepted the Car Owner of the Year Award on behalf of his father, James Sr.
Rookie Brandon Ward, driver of the No. 93s SupplyOne Ford, picked up the overall Miller Lite Rookie of the Year title and finished the year with $40,000 in rookie bonuses. Not a bad payday for a driver who didn't have a ride a week before the season began.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here," said Ward. "We started out the season in the Whelen Modified Series. I think it was three or four days before the start of the Pro Cup season when [team owner] Randy Humphrey called me and said, 'I want to talk to you about driving my racecar, and I need to see you today.' I met with Randy that night and we put together a deal. I can't thank Randy and Stacey [Humphrey] enough for the opportunity and SupplyOne for stepping up to support us.
"The rookie class this year was tough. Ben Stancill, Matt Hawkins, Richard Boswell and all the other rookies made this hard to win. Crew chief Robert Huffman means so much to me and this entire team. With him being a former champion and driver himself, it makes it easy for him to guide us. Everybody on this team worked so hard and I don't think I've ever had so much fun in racing."
Ward also picked up the SPEED51.com Most Popular Driver Award by edging out Jody Lavender and rookie James Buescher. Ward received a one-of-a-kind, specially made print from 51 Sports and Speed51.com. He also will get his choice of a free t-shirt design or free website design through Speed51.com's parent company, 51 Sports.
Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 29s Strutmasters.com/Chevy Racing Chevrolet, also had a fun-filled season. Despite coming up short of the overall title, Bayne picked up two wins, seven top-five finishes and finished the year with $115,800 in winnings. His point finish was the highest ever by a 16-year-old driver.
"I knew exactly what I was going to say until I got up here," said Bayne. "But we really had a great season. There are not enough words to say how thankful I am for the guys that work on our team. I also want to thank all the drivers that really gave me the respect this year that I wanted. And Bobby Gill got his Lasik eye surgery this year, so we didn't have any problems with him at Bristol. My crew chief, Keith Hinkein, came on about halfway through the year and I don't think we finished outside the top three once he got here. That says a lot about him. I really hope we get the opportunity to come back here and run next year. But if not, I'm really going to miss everybody in the series."
While most of the recipients knew they would be recognized, two of the most prestigious awards were big surprises.
Keith Dorton, owner of Automotive Specialists, was given the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his tireless work in pursuit of a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
"This is a big surprise," said Dorton, who also picked up the Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Year Award. "Everybody out there really deserves this because they all supported me in my fund raising. It really means a great deal to me and my family. And we hope to continue it on for many years."
Matt Carter, driver of the No. 26n Travis Carter Motorsports Ford, was also a surprise winner. Carter received the prestigious Robert H. Brooks Four Champions Award. The award recognizes the driver that does the most with the least and exudes a winning attitude, regardless of the situation. And that's exactly what Carter did during 2007 season.
With one car and one motor, Carter ran up front all season, picked up his first Pro Cup win and finished eighth in the final standings.
"I'm speechless," said Carter, who picked up nearly $12,000 in Awards from Five Star Bodies, BFGoodrich Tires, Brodix, Heintz Performance, Quarter Master, Eibach Springs, Auto Meter, Hawk Brakes and Brown and Miller. "I have to thank my mom and dad because I wouldn't be up here without them. My crew chief, Jimmy King, isn't here tonight because I couldn't get him to put a tuxedo on, but him and the King family have helped me a lot. I'm shocked, and I don't know what to say, but thank you Hooters and USAR for all you do. This is a great series to be a part of."
Ben Stancill, driver of the No. 9n Stancill Farms Ford, picked up a new Leavitt chassis for winning the inaugural Leavitt Chassis Championship Series Hard Charger Award. Stancill passed 38 cars during the Championship Series to claim the $9,000 chassis.
But the man of the night was Gill, and two of his longtime rivals summed it up best.
"It seems like every year we're chasing Bobby Gill," said Mike Garvey, who finished fourth in points. "I thought I had you at South Georgia. But I screwed up, and you just kept on going. We've not always got along. I guess when you get two hard heads together they don't mix too well. But there's no better racer than Bobby Gill."
Sears Auto Center Northern Division Champion Gary St. Amant agreed.
"I want to congratulate Bobby Gill," said St. Amant, driver of the No. 7n JEGS.com/Speedco Chevrolet. "It was only about 10 years ago that I wanted to kill him. Now I'm one of his good friends. That just shows the comradery in this series. I've been here for four years, and each year the competitors grow closer. I can't think of a better example than Bobby Gill. He's become, well, I won't say a nice guy, but a lot nicer guy."
Gill, Ward Formally Accept Titles; Others Honored at Hooters Pro Cup Award Banquet
Copyright © 2007 - present racingteamtravel.com, All Rights Reserved.