Truck Series pays tribute following Benson's title run

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Johnny Benson admitted he was more nervous standing in front of an audience of his peers Monday night during the Craftsman Truck Series awards banquet in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Grand Ballroom than he ever was during Friday night's emotionally electrifying season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

But that didn't stop the 2008 champion from making a poignant and heartfelt speech that thanked owners Bill and Gail Davis, crew chief Trip Bruce, his team, affiliated partners and sponsors, and finally the fans for a dream come true.

A season of success

Johnny Benson capped a grinding halt to the Craftsman Truck Series season in the appropriate way: in the closing laps of the final race. The year was special for Benson, and a few others along the way.

• Benson knew he could win
• Key to the season: Survival
• Davis full circle as an owner
• Rookie Braun has big goals

"There was something that was said to me earlier in the day that made quite a lot of sense," Benson said. "It's like we're all angels with only one wing, but if we embrace others, we can work together to accomplish all of our goals in life. And I believe that in this team, and Bill and Gail Davis, and Trip Bruce."

Bruce thanked the No. 23 crew -- which wore matching red ties and vests -- telling them to "carry this feeling of pride with you forever." And Bill Davis, accepting his first championship in two decades of NASCAR ownership, added that he was "very proud to bring this championship back to High Point, N.C." Davis pumped his fists in the air in celebration when first introduced to the crowd.

In Craftsman's final turn in the spotlight as series sponsor, sales manager Scott Howard presented Benson with a check for $377,592. In addition, Benson received contingency awards from Mobil 1, Goodyear and Sunoco. Plus, NASCAR president Mike Helton presented Benson and his wife Debbie with the champion's ring and necklace, capping off a season in which the Grand Rapids, Mich., native won five times and edged Ron Hornaday by a mere seven points.

"Ron Hornaday, man it has been a blast to race with you over the years," Benson said of his chief competitor all season. "Especially to come down to a championship thing. And [crew chief] Rick Ren, you guys did a tremendous job. I'm sure you and Ron will win many, many more races and more championships."

Hornaday, who won six times in 2008, also took home checks from Featherlite and Wix Filters. He got a laugh from the audience when he jokingly suggested that after he wrecked on the first lap at Phoenix, Truck Series director Wayne Auton directed Benson to wreck later in the race to keep the championship points close.

"Wayne and all the Craftsman Truck Series officials, thank you for what you guys do," the three-time series champion said.

From the moment a fast-paced video of the season's highlights rolled, backed by Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train, Monday night's wrap-up was a tribute to Benson, the top 10 finishers in the season standings, and a goodbye to Craftsman. Nearly every speaker had a kind comment for the company that had sponsored the Truck Series since its inception in 1995. Helton presented Howard with a framed piece of artwork, featuring some of the top moments in the series' history.

"The history of this season and the future of this series will always be built on the foundation that Craftsman helped NASCAR put this series on the map in motorsports," Helton said. "I want to simply say one big thank you for believing in us, for all the things you've done over the past 14 seasons to not only grow NASCAR but to build the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series into what it is."

Toyota was honored for winning the manufacturer's championship, Colin Braun received the rookie of the year award from Raybestos and Benson was voted the series' most popular driver for the third consecutive year.

In addition, Benson (Toyota), Erik Darnell (Ford), Dennis Setzer (Dodge) and Hornaday (Chevrolet) were feted for being the top team from each of the four manufacturers in the series.

SPEED's Rick Allen and Krista Voda kept the ceremonies moving with light banter, and comedian Tom Papa and musical guest Jon McLaughlin provided the evening's entertainment. Each of the top 10 drivers was interviewed, late night talk show-style, by Allen and Voda. Matt Crafton brought Allen a piece of cake during his portion of the program, and later, Todd Bodine contributed a wine bottle to Allen's odd collection of items.

Crafton, who scored his first career victory at Lowe's this season, said he and his girlfriend hope to spend the offseason in California, playing with their four-seater sand rail dune buggy and all-terrain vehicles. Crafton said the engine generates 450 horsepower, which prompted Allen to say, "I don't know three people in the world who would ride with you."

"Hornaday and I talked about it this weekend," Crafton said. "He said, 'The next time you go out to California and take your quads and dune buggy, can I go?' I said, 'Yeah, the day after Thanksgiving.' And he said, 'OK, the next time.' And that's like two more 'next times.' I'd give him a ride but I think he's scared."

Darnell and Bodine both were congratulated on their recent engagements. Darnell, who won a virtual dead heat at Michigan, will tie the knot on Dec. 12. Bodine couldn't help but comment on the irony.

"I'm not a young stud like Erik," Bodine said. "I'm old and decrepit. If you find somebody who's going to put up with you, you'd better hang on to her."

During his victory speech, Benson added a special comment for his wife and their two daughters.

"Deb, thanks so much for letting me live my dream and go have fun," Benson said. "But my dream is to be with you and the girls, and this is something I'll cherish for a long, long time."