SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief of the #17 Roush/Fenway Ford Fusion driven by Matt Kenseth, has been named the 2009 NASCAR MOOG “Problem Solver of the Year” in recognition of his role in helping the #17 car consistently post dramatic competitive improvements throughout the 2009 Sprint Cup season. Jack Roush, owner of the #17 Ford team, accepted the MOOG Problem Solver of the Year Award on Blickensderfer’s behalf during Thursday’s NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas.

Sponsored by global automotive solutions provider and MOOG chassis parts manufacturer Federal-Mogul Corp., the MOOG Problem Solver of the Year Award is presented to the crew chief with the best overall in-race problem-solving performance throughout the Sprint Cup season. Following each Sprint Cup event, Federal-Mogul presents the MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award to the crew chief whose car posts the highest increase in average lap speed from the first to the second half of the event while finishing on the lead lap. Blickensderfer captured four “Problem Solver of the Race” Awards in 2009, followed by six crew chiefs with three MOOG Awards apiece. A total of 19 crew chiefs received at least one “Problem Solver” Award in 2009, highlighting the tight behind-the-scenes competition at each event.

“This was an exceptionally close battle all year long, which speaks volumes about the level of talent in each of the pit stalls during a Sprint Cup race,” said Michael Proud, marketing director, North America, Federal-Mogul. “We created the MOOG Problem Solver awards to help shine the spotlight on the professionals who make the best decisions about race strategy and chassis setup in each race and throughout the Sprint Cup season. In 2009, Drew beat a formidable group of crew chiefs to win.”

Blickensderfer won MOOG Problem Solver of the Race Awards at Fontana (February), Charlotte (May), Dover (May), and Texas (November). The #17 Ford picked up an average of 20.25 positions from the first to the second half of each of those races.

“That type of improvement comes through a combination of communication and teamwork,” Proud said. “The MOOG brand delivers the same level of problem-solving excellence through innovative, durable components that help automotive repair professionals restore the precise steering and handling demanded by today’s drivers. We are proud that MOOG has been on every NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s car since 1966.”

Below is a list of all of this year’s weekly winners.
 
Race                 Driver/Car                                        MOOG Award Winner

Daytona            Kurt Busch/#2 Dodge                           Pat Tryson
Fontana            Matt Kenseth/#17 Ford                      Drew Blickensderfer
Las Vegas        Bobby Labonte/#96 Chevrolet           Todd Parrott
Atlanta             Jeff Gordon/#24 Chevrolet                 Steve Latarte
Bristol              Kasey Kahne/#9 Dodge                      Kenny Francis
Martinsville    Jimmie Johnson/#48 Chevrolet            Chad Knaus
Texas            Mark Martin/#5 Chevrolet                     Alan Gustafson
Phoenix            Sam Hornish Jr./#77 Dodge                  Travis Geisler
Talladega      Greg Biffle/#16 Ford                            Greg Erwin
Richmond        Jamie McMurray/#26 Ford                        Donnie Wingo
Darlington        Brad Keselowski/#25 Chevrolet                 Lance McGrew
Charlotte        Matt Kenseth/#17 Ford                            Drew Blickensderfer
Dover                Matt Kenseth/17 Ford                            Drew Blickensderfer
Pocono            Tony Stewart/#14 Chevrolet                    Darian Grubb
Michigan        Mark Martin/#5 Chevrolet                          Alan Gustafson
Sonoma            Kasey Kahne/#9 Dodge                            Kenny Francis
Loudon            Sam Hornish Jr./#77 Dodge                      Travis Geisler
Daytona        Juan Montoya/#42 Chevrolet               Brian Pattie
Chicago            Mark Martin/#5 Chevrolet                         Alan Gustafson
Indianapolis    Kevin Harvick/#29 Chevrolet                  Gil artin
Pocono            Tony Stewart/#14 Chevrolet                  Darian Grubb
Watkins Glen    Carl Edwards/#99 Ford                        Bob Osborne
Michigan            Carl Edwards/#99 Ford                       Bob Osborne
Bristol                Jimmie Johnson/#48 Chevrolet           Chad Knaus      
Atlanta             David Reutimann/#00 Toyota                Rodney Childers
Richmond        Clint Bowyer/#33 Chevrolet                   Shane Wilson
Loudon           Eliott Sadler/#19 Dodge                          Wally Rogers
Dover              Tony Stewart/#14 Chevrolet                   Darian Grubb
Kansas              Jeff Gordon/#24 Chevrolet                   Steve Letarte
Fontana           Jimmie Johnson/#48 Chevrolet              Chad Knaus
Charlotte        Jeff Gordon/#24 Chevrolet                       Steve Letarte
Martinsville       Jamie MacMurray/#26 Ford                   Donnie Wingo
Talladega        Kasey Kahne/#9 Dodge                          Kenny Francis
Texas                 Matt Kenseth/#17 Ford                        Drew Blickensderfer
Phoenix           Jeff Burton/#31 Chevrolet                      Todd Berrier
Homestead        Carl Edwards/#99 Ford                        Bob Osborne