NCTS stars celebrate 2002 campaign in style

BAL HARBOUR, Fla. -- Driver and crew uniforms were cast aside as tuxedos and gowns adorned the participants in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series banquet here on Saturday night.

	Mike Bliss gives his team most of the credit for his championship season. Credit: Autostock

The beautiful Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort was the location where champions and runner-ups of the series met to recognize their 2002 achievements. The record crowd of attendees didn't disappoint either.

Mike Bliss sealed the deal on the 2002 Craftsman Truck Series championship by finishing fifth in the Ford 200 at Miami-Homestead Speedway on Friday. With no time to catch his breath and absorb what had taken place, Bliss did slow down enough to recognize his accomplishments during the festivities.

The evening began with a welcome to Bliss and his entire No. 16 IWX Motor Freight Chevrolet team. Then, Frank Caliendo from the TV show "Mad TV" took over as emcee of the night's fun.

Bliss moved to the podium greeted by a standing ovation.

"Anytime you have this type of achievement, you have a lot of people to attribute to your success," Bliss said, with the shiny, silver trophy next to him. "I would like to thank my owner Steve Coulthard, crew chief Dave Fuge Jr. and team manager Dave Fuge Sr. for their help in making this year a championship season.

"I will always remember this and be proud to say I was on your team. To the team, you guys did this and this is your championship. I'm just the driver and if there is anyone who deserves this championship, it's you guys.

	Rick Crawford keeps a sense of humor about his runner-up finish. Credit: Autostock

"You did it all and I appreciate it. There just aren't any words to express how much I admire you and all the efforts you put forth this season. Nobody can ever take this away from us."

Upon receipt of his trophy, Bliss and his wife each received some coveted jewelry from Mike Helton, president of NASCAR. Bliss got a ring and his wife Susie got a necklace for her sacrifice and dedication.

Doing things a little differently this year, the top-10 finishers were recognized while sitting at a TV set much like the one used on the "Tonight Show" hosted by Jay Leno. As they were acknowledged, the top-point getters would sit in a chair as Caliendo was behind a desk asking questions.

Rick Crawford might not have won the championship in the No. 14 Circle Bar Motel Ford, but he sure laid claim to the humor award for the night.

Before taking his seat on the set, Crawford stood at a separate podium to make a solo speech. During that, he gave heartfelt congratulations to Bliss and the No. 16 Chevy team.

Then, he took his seat with Caliendo. That's when things got interesting. During the interview, Crawford did a few Elvis Presley impersonations and sang a few bars from some songs.

FORD 200 Mike Bliss celebrates his first Craftsman Truck Series title. Play video Ron Hornaday gets his 26th Truck Series victory. Play video  •  Results  •  Standings

"I give answers to questions like my crew chief Ray Stonkus does -- real short," Crawford said. "During a race, they'll ask him after pit stops how he thinks I'm doing on the racetrack and what do I need to win.

"He just says, 'Well, I don't know -- heck, he's driving,' and stuff like that."

With that, Crawford offered to switch places with Caliendo and jump in his host seat. Caliendo quickly replied, "Heck no, we'd never get done."

Ted Musgrave still had a mathematical chance to claim the championship at Homestead, but ended up third in points. He spoke very highly of what it's like to race in the NCTS compared to the Winston Cup Series, where he spent several years.

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"They're a lot of run to drive and we go to tracks that are suited for good racing," Musgrave said. "There's guys here that are just good racers, great competition and the teams and owners are just great people, too.

"All the crew members, owners, drivers and crew chiefs are just good people."

Musgrave also picked up the Front Runner Award from Gatorade for leading the most laps this year. With that, he received $10,000 and a custom-made leather jacket.

Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors went to Brendan Gaughan and the No. 52 NAPA team for their two wins this year. Chevrolet picked up the Manufacturer's Award again, this year.

	Series champion Mike Bliss thanks all who were involved in his championship season. Credit: Autostock

David Starr, driver of the No. 75 Spears Chevrolet, won the Most Popular Driver Award for 2002. In his first full season of NCTS competition, Starr led the points for a few weeks and won his first race.

"This is great, this is really a surprise," Starr said. "Ever since I was a little boy I've wanted to be a race car driver. I've had a lot of people help me along the way through the years.

"This award goes to a lot of great people who helped me along the line."

After the ceremony ended, the decked out crowd was treated to live music from MTV and recording artist Greenwheel.