IRWIN crowns new winner in Tradesman Challenge

Eric Howard had beaten 9,999 other contestants to get to the finals of the IRWIN Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, and only one man stood between him and a nice new customized Ford F-150 and potentially, $1.26 million in cold, hard cash.

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That man was Australian champion Nathan Vander Wielen, who had conquered the Land Down Under (and New Zealand) to earn his trip to Phoenix International Raceway for the finals.

With NASCAR drivers Jamie McMurray and Marcos Ambrose on hand to lend national support, the two got right down to it. Howard, a general contractor from Concord, Calif., won the international final with a time of 22.87 seconds. Vander Wielen, who earned his trip to Phoenix by emerging victorious on Oct. 12 at Bathurst, came home in 24.07.

The competition is a timed event in which participants compete using an IRWIN STRAIT-LINE chalk reel, IRWIN tape measure and SPEEDBOR Max wood boring bit to mark, measure and drill for a chance at a treasure trove of cash and prizes.

Howard came out on top in the American finals, beating Mark Martin (Ostrander, Ohio), Jon Smith (Delaware, Ohio) and Bruce Hollaway (Mesa, Ariz.) to advance. All four won all-expense-paid VIP race weekends to Phoenix.

For Howard, it was a dream come true. For winning the North American portion of the UTC, Howard earned a Roush Performance Supercharged Stage III Ford F-150 valued at more than $60,000, a 600-square-foot IRWIN Ultimate Garage by Allied Steel Buildings and a year's supply of Dickies work gear.

In beating Vander Wielen, Howard earned the right to pick one of 26 identical bags, one of which contained a check for $1.26 million.

"I chose No. 23, because that's been a lucky number for me," Howard said. It was not the one that contained the big check -- No. 18 had the big money -- but it still was worth $20,000.

"It was pretty exciting. I use IRWIN tools every day on the job site, so it's truly an honor to show my quickness and expertise in using them.

Just for them to put on an event like this where a general contractor has the opportunity to show off his skills ... is amazing."

In addition, IRWIN Industrial Tools announced it would give $1 for each participant in the Challenge to the Jamie McMurray Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for research, education and support of individuals and families afflicted with autism. A donation of $10,000 was presented to IRWIN Industrial Tools Sprint Cup driver McMurray prior to the start of the UTC championship. (Continued)