Three honored as first Craftsman Wrenchman

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Craftsman and NASCAR have announced the winners of the inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award. The winners:

• Andrew Mason, shop foreman, Richard Childress Racing No. 29, Sprint Cup Series

• Ramie Jones, team engineer, Braun Racing No. 32, Nationwide Series

• Bob Rahilly, truck chief, Jim Rosenblum Racing No. 28, Camping World Truck Series

The Wrenchman Award recognizes behind-the-scenes NASCAR crew members from each of the three national series who "turn the wrenches" in the shop and along pit row, but rarely get the recognition they deserve.

The winners were honored at the Wrenchman Award ceremony in Miami from Nov. 20-22.

The winner from the Sprint Cup Series was chosen by online fan voting. From Sept. 20 through Oct. 17, fans logged onto Craftsman.com and viewed full profiles and accomplishments of all eight Sprint Cup Series finalists and voted for their favorite. Winners from the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series were selected by a committee.

Leading up to voting, all teams from the three NASCAR series were given the opportunity to nominate one crew member for the award based on the core attributes of trust, quality, knowledge and innovation when performing their job. All crew members, whether they work in the race shop or travel with the teams to the race track, were eligible.

"Each of the NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award winners embody true leadership and dedication, and we congratulate them on this great achievement," said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager, Craftsman. "These are the people who are often the first to arrive and last to leave the shop, and their commitment is outstanding."

All NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award winners will receive a cash prize of $14,000 and $10,000 in Craftsman gift cards. At the Wrenchman Award ceremony, the winners also were rewarded with a trophy from NASCAR and Craftsman representatives. The 2-foot trophies were specially designed in the shape of a wrench for each winner.

"Craftsman has done a great job creating an award honoring the everyday heroes of our sport," said Jim O'Connell, vice president of corporate marketing for NASCAR. "The NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman of the year honorees deserve to have a spotlight shined on their invaluable contributions."

On hand to support the Wrenchman Award winners was the winner from the NASCAR Craftsman Wrenchman Award sweepstakes. While voting online for their favorite Sprint Cup Series Wrenchman Award finalist, fans were automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the Wrenchman Award ceremony.

Craftsman's product line includes plenty of tools that NASCAR, auto mechanics, and do-it-yourself auto enthusiasts rely upon every day. Craftsman's mechanics tool sets, cordless drill/drivers, garage and tool storage units, and more have been trusted for generations and deliver the reliability and performance that has made them a trusted name and the official tools of NASCAR.

For more than 80 years, Craftsman has developed innovative products. Craftsman was ranked as the most trusted tool brand in America in the 2008 Harris Interactive Equitrend Brand Study For more information on Craftsman's wide selection of products, visit the www.craftsman.com.