2002 Award Ceremony notes

2002 Series' Championship celebrated in style.

GREENSBORO, NC (November 23, 2002) NASCAR and the Goody's Dash Series participants gathered at the Greensboro Convention Center to honor their Champion. It appeared to be the largest crowd ever assembled at season ending ceremonies.

Mike Joy, from Fox Network was the emcee. He opened the program by welcoming the many guests and teams in attendance. Representing NASCAR were Gary Nelson, the Managing Director of Competition. Chris Boals, the National Director for NASCAR Touring and the Weekly Racing Series, Presented by Dodge. Joe Bannon, from NASCAR Marketing. Also, Jeremy Davidson, from NASCAR Public Relations.

NASCAR Images provided video highlights of the 2002 Goody's Dash Series, NASCAR Touring season.

Jerry Haislip, Special Events Coordinator for Goody's Pharmaceuticals, offered congratulatory comments to each of the drivers in attendance. Haislip, a former photographer for the Winston Cup Series, was retained by Goody's when they became the title sponsor of the series in 1992.

Ed Shull, from Gatorade, was on hand to present the Gatorade Front Runner Award.

Billy Hodges and Faye Parnell presented the Goodyear Tire Award to the Series' Champion, Jake Hobgood.

Special Awards were given as follows....
Mag Clip Rookie of the Year Award: Chuck Gafrarar.
Most Popular Driver Award: Kelly Sutton.
Most Improved Driver: Brandon Ward.
Sportsmanship Award: Danny Bagwell.
Gatorade Front Runner Award: Justin Hobgood.
Bud Pole Award: Justin Hobgood.
Goody's Dash Series Families Auxiliary Dash Diplomat Award: Arlene Pittman.

Attending the banquet for the first time were Brian and Connie Shoemaker from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "We were so impressed with how NASCAR put together such an outstanding gala for the Goody's Dash Series. The atmosphere was awesome. It is really special to see how many of the teams are family oriented," commented the Shoemakers.

The highlight of the evening was when the Hobgoods took the stage. Gary Nelson presented the Championship Car Owner Trophy to Will and Loraine Hobgood. Nelson's comments reflected the sentiment of family involvement in NASCAR Touring. "As I attend the NASCAR Touring banquets, I am reminded of how special it is to see how the parents of drivers are able to stay so actively involved. It is more difficult for drivers to keep their parents involved once they reach the pinnacle of Winston Cup," said Nelson. He went on to congratulate the achievement of the Hobgoods as a family team.

Will and Loraine Hobgood stepped onto the stage hand in hand. Loraine was the first to share her thoughts. She brought attention to Will's burning desire to still be driving. "He stepped aside to give his sons a chance to further their careers," she said. "I guarantee you, Will could still give you drivers a run for your money."

Will was next to share his feelings. "I am so proud of both of my sons. Justin, you are a champion too, in my mind, " he said. "Jake is a Champion in his personal life as well. He works so hard on and off the track to be a championship quality individual."

Jake called his entire crew to the stage and presented them with individual trophies.

Jane Boytner was on hand to present the Hobgoods with awards from their fan club and also proclamations from the South Carolina House of Representatives, which recognized their outstanding achievements in auto racing.

Jake Hobgood shared some personal thoughts following the ceremony. He said, "It really sunk in (that I was the Champion) when I slipped that ring on my finger."

Most stayed and enjoyed the Champion's Party. This was a Championship celebrated in style. And there was plenty of excitement as the drivers were already talking about Daytona in February.

-nascar-