LAS VEGAS, NV, JANUARY 19, 2002 - The 2001 Sprint Car
Racing Association (SCRA) Awards Banquet was held Saturday in the "heart of
the Las Vegas Strip" at the world famous Flamingo Hilton.
Emcee Chris Holt formally crowned Cory Kruseman as the reigning SCRA driving
champion along with his car owner Harlan Willis. During the course of
their record- breaking season, Kruseman and Willis won 15 main events together en
route to their first SCRA championship in their respective categories.
Each received a check for $5,500.
Richard Griffin and his car owner Ron Chaffin received second place accolades.
Until this year, Griffin had received first place money the last three years,
while Chaffin had enjoyed winning the Owners' title an amazing
six straight years.
Troy Rutherford and car owner Jack Gardner, Jr. received third place money. Checks
were also paid out to every team and driver finishing in the top 15 in
championship points. In all, over $70,000 in cash and prizes were
presented.
Rookie of the Year honors went to driver Michael Hinrichsen and owner Mike Wall.
Griffin and Chaffin were rewarded for once again winning the season-long J.E.
Pistons "Passing Masters Dash" point title. Griffin and
Rutherford also shared the award for having the most Sander Engineering Fast
Times during the year. Each man tripped the clock better than the
competition eight times.
Special awards went to Danny Sheridan who had the most TW Metals "Best
Passing Jobs" in main event action. Rutherford was named the
"Most Improved Driver", Tim Huver was named the "Sportsman of the
Year", and Mike Nigh was the "Mechanic of the Year."
Before the ceremonies officially began, Tom Schmeh from the National Sprint Car
Hall of Fame recognized Kruseman for being voted the top non-winged sprint car
driver in the country. Schmeh also formally presented Willis with the
National Non-Winged Sprint Car Poll's "Team of the Year" award.
