Goody's Dash Series, Nascar Touring Meets to Celebrate 2001
By Randy Claypoole

December 1, 2001

RALEIGH, N.C. – Goody's Dash Series, NASCAR Touring Teams gathered at the BTI Convention Center in Downtown Raleigh Saturday night to crown their new champion, Cam Strader of nearby Wilson. Officials and NASCAR VIPs were on hand to congratulate the series competitors on a fabulous 2001 season. The young champion was honored many times over as one by one dignitaries called him to the stage for his many accolades. "I feel honored to be a NASCAR Champion," said an emotionally charged Strader. His hometown was represented well by Charles Pittman. Pittman was there to announce that a street in a new subdivision would be named Cam Strader Drive to show their pride in his accomplishments.

Strader was surrounded by his championship team as his father and car owner, Steve Strader, recognized the contribution and sacrifices made to bring the team to the pinnacle of success in NASCAR Touring competition. "We are proud to represent such a great series as Champions." Steve went on to say that he planned to bring his team back in 2002 to defend the title.

Cam was also voted as the series' Most Popular Driver. A representative from Ford Motor Company, Dave Piante' added some humor when he said, "It is not often that you could imagine that the series' Champion could also be the most popular." Cam made only friends in 2001. He is a true Champion. "I plan to represent the series in a manner that will reflect the spirit that describes what this series is all about," expressed Strader.

Joey Miller of Wilmington, N.C. was honored as the series' Most Improved Driver. Miller has been in the series, full-time, for two seasons. Gary Moore of Horseshoe, N.C. was given the series' Dedication Award. Moore has been involved in the Dash Series for nearly its entire 27 years of existence. While working a secular job, Moore routinely fields three cars, often assisting drivers in jumpstarting their professional careers. The series also honored their fans by presenting a "Fan of the Year Award" to Jim and Jen O'Donnell from Nashville, TN.

Jake Hobgood was given the Bud Pole Award for winning the most pole positions throughout the season. Cam Strader won the Gatorade Front Runner Award by leading the most laps. Strader also completed 98.1% of the total laps run in 2001. Shane Hmiel earned top rookie honors in 2001 and was presented with the MAG-KLIP Rookie of the Year trophy. Billy Hodges, from Goodyear presented the Goodyear Champion trophy to Cam Strader.

Other awards were presented by the series' Families Auxiliary. The "Rodney Orr Determination Award" and the "Award of Excellence" was collected by the Cedar Creek Racing Team which fields car for Jake and Justin Hobgood. Series' Public Relations and Media Coordinator, Randy Claypoole was given the "Dash Diplomat Award."

One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of NASCAR's all-time leading winner, Richard Petty. Petty has been a representative of Goody's Headache Powders for over 20 years. Goody's will celebrate their tenth season as the series' title sponsor in 2002. As Petty was introduced he received a well-deserved standing ovation. As he honored the Champion car owner, he also remembered the victims of the September 11 attack along with the drivers who have lost their lives in recent months. "I have used a lot of these over the years," Petty said as he pulled a packet of familar Goody's Headache Powders from his pocket. "This is my personal award to the Champion car owner. "Any car owner has his share of headaches," Petty went on to say.

NASCAR's Regional Touring Series and Weekly Racing Series Director, Chris Boals was on hand to share in the celebration. Boals had plenty of congratulatory words about the new Champion. He also expressed words of appreciation and encouragement to the entire Goody's Dash Series family. Boals commented, "The core of our business at NASCAR remains, 'putting race cars on the race tracks.' We are committed to meeting the challenges, taking advantage of the opportunities, along the way to being successful in the business of racing.

Right now is a great time to be a part of the NASCAR family. NASCAR racing is more valuable than ever among fans, corporations and with the many media outlets that cover our events. We continue to put on great events and attract more fans and support, but we can't do it without you. You should all be proud of your accomplishments and for what this series has become."

Ralph Sheheen, from TNT Broadcasting was on hand as the Emcee. And with that, we close another chapter in the life of the Goody's Dash Series, NASCAR Touring. Happy Holidays to all of our fans, sponsors, and teams. See you in 2002!

For more information contact: Randy Claypoole - (386) 437-1560 ([email protected])

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